Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 9--Bears, Sheepdogs and Woodstock Hippies!

A Very Hair-y Bear-y Sheepdog-y Project Runway

Last night, we had another episode of Project Runway Season 9. As always, there are several things I need to get off my HAIRY Chest:

First, What Does A Musical Revival of "Hair"...

Bad Brady Bunch Hippie Halloween Costumes...

"Massive" Men...

And Gay Bears...

Have In Common? According to last night's episode, A LOT--The Challenge was to create a look and "image" for The Sheepdogs, an up-and-coming band from Saskatoon Saskatchewan (say that three times!). They beat out 15 other bands to win Rolling Stone's "Choose The Cover" contest. They were the first unsigned band to do so, in fact. Oh, and they are all MEN!

And the designers were not happy--to design, create, and fit, men's clothes, that is. The results were worthy of many many MANY Michael Kors one-liner zingers! In fact, so many, that this week provided enough Kors-isms to last through an ENTIRE season! The Sheepdogs told the designers that they liked a 70's Boho/Hippie-but-2011-Hippie Vibe. The designers took that too far. The clothes were cartoony and costumey, for 98% of them. Madonna British-accented Olivier who is a specialist in Menswear did not fare well.

Speaking of Olivier...this episode stood out for his insensitive and almost body-dysmorphic remarks against anyone who wasn't a size 2. He called his client, the lead singer Ewan Currie "MASSIVE" (he's not!). And it didn't end there, Olivier went on and on about not liking to design for "Plus Size" and that he got "The Fat One". Boy, did I just want to dump Olivier in a (Name your Local Gay Bear Bar) and have my MASSIVE Boys at him!!!

The Hippie Winners and The Woodstock Losers:

Joshua McKinley's creation for bass player Ryan Gullen: It was a costumey and reminiscent of a local community college musical performance of "Hair", but DANG, those pants fit very well.

I didn't like those contrast back patch pockets though. No need for those. A little too "Fashion School First Semester Project".

Bert Keeter's look for lead singer Ewan: He looked like a Viking during Oslo Norway's Gay Pride. And I actually mean that in a good way. Not sure if the braids were necessary, but at least the rest of his look was not a "Hippie Chick" costume.

Viktor Luna's look for guitarist Leot Hanson: The jeans fit well and that fringed-and-braided jacket was outstanding. Not so sure about the tucked-in shirt. Most "rock-band"/musicians do not do TUCK-IN's but he was the Winner.

Now, The Bad:

Anya Ayoung Chee's look for drummer Sam Corbett: Huuuuuney!!! What. Were. You. Thinking? That is a Dashiki Don't. Kors, and guest judge Adam Lambert were having a field day with this one, saying that it reminded them of something...

Greg Brady wore on the "Brady Bunch"

And poor Sam, he got it AGAIN--this time from another designer, Kimberly Goldson. He looks like he sells some really cheap--and bad--pot somewhere in Amsterdam! Supposedly Kimberly is "famous" for her pants...but these were one of the WORST pair I've ever seen; too big, too loose, too much rise. I think Sam should get a special "Good Sport" award just for dealing with the embarrassment.

But the BIGGEST LOSER--Massive in fact--was Olivier "I Hate Fat People" Green and his design. At least he mitered the print down the center front and it wasn't straight out of "Hair". But, the shirt was too lose, too cropped, and the entire look had no Design "It" Factor. Anyway, I think just for being so UGLY to Ewan, he should've gone home anyway.

Now that I've quickly summed up my "Main" thoughts--Below you can begin reading my "Extended Version" and what I REALLY thought of this week's "Image Is Everything" Episode on myLifetime.com:

The episode begins, and once again, within 30 seconds, there are two ominous hints at what’s to come: Anya’s can’t-sew issues and Olivier’s time-management problems are both quickly revisited. Unless the editors are trying to throw me for a loop, I just have a feeling one of these two is going home. And I just KNOW it isn’t Anya — those judges have drunk the Anya Kool-Aid, and they’re not sending her back to Trinidad and Tobago, that’s for sure! Oh and yes, Olivier still hates fat people …

Musique C’est Chic
Let’s begin. Last week, the designers thought that they were designing for men — when they saw nine guys walk onto the runway — and they weren’t happy. But as “‘Project Runway’ luck” would have it, they had to create looks for the men’s respective girlfriends/wives. Whew! That was a close one. Well, kids, don’t do the “happy dance” just yet. This week, the designers head out to Rockwood Music Hall, where they meet up with Monsieur Gunn and Peter Butler, Consulting Stylist for Garnier. There, Tim tells the designers that fashion and music are forever linked, adding, “Think The Beatles and,” um, “Lady Gaga.” (I know that took A LOT out of Tim to even mouth —the Lady Gaga part, that is).

The Dogs Get Groomed
It turns out that Garnier and Rolling Stone magazine have partnered to showcase a new band, The Sheep Dogs. Here’s the first catch: The “Project Runway” contestants would be responsible for creating the band’s fashion image, and the winning look would be worn by a band member at an event as well as be featured in a Marie Claire/Garnier advertorial. Here’s the second (more important) catch: They’re ALL men! Yes, kids, this is THE Menswear Challenge, officially. Third catch: They must work in teams ... again.

Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap...and leave your comments on the site! I read 'em all!!!

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 9--Bears, Sheepdogs and Woodstock Hippies!

A Very Hair-y Bear-y Sheepdog-y Project Runway

Last night, we had another episode of Project Runway Season 9. As always, there are several things I need to get off my HAIRY Chest:

First, What Does A Musical Revival of "Hair"...

Bad Brady Bunch Hippie Halloween Costumes...

"Massive" Men...

And Gay Bears...

Have In Common? According to last night's episode, A LOT--The Challenge was to create a look and "image" for The Sheepdogs, an up-and-coming band from Saskatoon Saskatchewan (say that three times!). They beat out 15 other bands to win Rolling Stone's "Choose The Cover" contest. They were the first unsigned band to do so, in fact. Oh, and they are all MEN!

And the designers were not happy--to design, create, and fit, men's clothes, that is. The results were worthy of many many MANY Michael Kors one-liner zingers! In fact, so many, that this week provided enough Kors-isms to last through an ENTIRE season! The Sheepdogs told the designers that they liked a 70's Boho/Hippie-but-2011-Hippie Vibe. The designers took that too far. The clothes were cartoony and costumey, for 98% of them. Madonna British-accented Olivier who is a specialist in Menswear did not fare well.

Speaking of Olivier...this episode stood out for his insensitive and almost body-dysmorphic remarks against anyone who wasn't a size 2. He called his client, the lead singer Ewan Currie "MASSIVE" (he's not!). And it didn't end there, Olivier went on and on about not liking to design for "Plus Size" and that he got "The Fat One". Boy, did I just want to dump Olivier in a (Name your Local Gay Bear Bar) and have my MASSIVE Boys at him!!!

The Hippie Winners and The Woodstock Losers:

Joshua McKinley's creation for bass player Ryan Gullen: It was a costumey and reminiscent of a local community college musical performance of "Hair", but DANG, those pants fit very well.

I didn't like those contrast back patch pockets though. No need for those. A little too "Fashion School First Semester Project".

Bert Keeter's look for lead singer Ewan: He looked like a Viking during Oslo Norway's Gay Pride. And I actually mean that in a good way. Not sure if the braids were necessary, but at least the rest of his look was not a "Hippie Chick" costume.

Viktor Luna's look for guitarist Leot Hanson: The jeans fit well and that fringed-and-braided jacket was outstanding. Not so sure about the tucked-in shirt. Most "rock-band"/musicians do not do TUCK-IN's but he was the Winner.

Now, The Bad:

Anya Ayoung Chee's look for drummer Sam Corbett: Huuuuuney!!! What. Were. You. Thinking? That is a Dashiki Don't. Kors, and guest judge Adam Lambert were having a field day with this one, saying that it reminded them of something...

Greg Brady wore on the "Brady Bunch"

And poor Sam, he got it AGAIN--this time from another designer, Kimberly Goldson. He looks like he sells some really cheap--and bad--pot somewhere in Amsterdam! Supposedly Kimberly is "famous" for her pants...but these were one of the WORST pair I've ever seen; too big, too loose, too much rise. I think Sam should get a special "Good Sport" award just for dealing with the embarrassment.

But the BIGGEST LOSER--Massive in fact--was Olivier "I Hate Fat People" Green and his design. At least he mitered the print down the center front and it wasn't straight out of "Hair". But, the shirt was too lose, too cropped, and the entire look had no Design "It" Factor. Anyway, I think just for being so UGLY to Ewan, he should've gone home anyway.

Now that I've quickly summed up my "Main" thoughts--Below you can begin reading my "Extended Version" and what I REALLY thought of this week's "Image Is Everything" Episode on myLifetime.com:

The episode begins, and once again, within 30 seconds, there are two ominous hints at what’s to come: Anya’s can’t-sew issues and Olivier’s time-management problems are both quickly revisited. Unless the editors are trying to throw me for a loop, I just have a feeling one of these two is going home. And I just KNOW it isn’t Anya — those judges have drunk the Anya Kool-Aid, and they’re not sending her back to Trinidad and Tobago, that’s for sure! Oh and yes, Olivier still hates fat people …

Musique C’est Chic
Let’s begin. Last week, the designers thought that they were designing for men — when they saw nine guys walk onto the runway — and they weren’t happy. But as “‘Project Runway’ luck” would have it, they had to create looks for the men’s respective girlfriends/wives. Whew! That was a close one. Well, kids, don’t do the “happy dance” just yet. This week, the designers head out to Rockwood Music Hall, where they meet up with Monsieur Gunn and Peter Butler, Consulting Stylist for Garnier. There, Tim tells the designers that fashion and music are forever linked, adding, “Think The Beatles and,” um, “Lady Gaga.” (I know that took A LOT out of Tim to even mouth —the Lady Gaga part, that is).

The Dogs Get Groomed
It turns out that Garnier and Rolling Stone magazine have partnered to showcase a new band, The Sheep Dogs. Here’s the first catch: The “Project Runway” contestants would be responsible for creating the band’s fashion image, and the winning look would be worn by a band member at an event as well as be featured in a Marie Claire/Garnier advertorial. Here’s the second (more important) catch: They’re ALL men! Yes, kids, this is THE Menswear Challenge, officially. Third catch: They must work in teams ... again.

Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap...and leave your comments on the site! I read 'em all!!!

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: My myLifetime.com Recap for Episode 8-- "Double D Drama"!!!

First Things First, Project Runway Season 9 Designer Olivier "Madonna Accent" Green Doesn't Like Big Boobies or...

"Bigger Boys": Men who are not Man-o-Rexic (like the one seen above--"thicker" Vivienne Westwood model (and bodyguard) Sergio Lo Re)

Oh poor skinny Olivier. Last night on Project Runway Season 9, the kids (and Bert!) had to work with CLIENTS. At first, they thought it would be MEN--as the episode began with Heidi bringing in nine men of varying sizes, onto the runway stage. This is were the GASPS of "Oh No Child, I ain't working with the 'Fatties' " came out of Olivier's lips. Soon, though, it turned out that the designers were creating looks for the men's girlfriends/wives. And here again, Miss Olivier was having issues not knowing what a Double D meant, because that was his client's bra size. Oh Bless His Heart! As I say in my Recap (beginning at the end of this POST), he has BPB, Body Prejudicial Behavior , and it needs to stop.

Malin Akerman, actress...NIKOLAKI runway Model???

Actress and Project Runway Judge Malin Akerman (above center) and Model Malin Akerman (left and right images) at NIKOLAKI Fall 2003 Runway Show

Yes, kids, last night's "Guest Judge" was the beautiful actress Malin Akerman, who back when David and I debuted our NIKOLAKI Fall 2003 Collection 8 years ago at Los Angeles Smashbox Fashion Week, was one of our runway models!! And did a fantastic job, I may add!

Now, Let's Get To The Fashions:

This simple black dress--straight out of Ann Taylor or Nordstrom--WON. It was "Mean Girls" Joshua McKinley's design. It was made well and fit his client to a "T".

It was a very simple design--consisting of a CIRCLE SKIRT and a Princess-seamed bodice--but he was praised for it. Whereas his fellow designer Bert Keeder--who also did a simple sellable design--was not, and in fact ended in the bottom. I don't get it. OK, so he added the wide Horsehair trim at the hem, but...that's not so original, take a look:

John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 2008

My Favorite was:

Viktor Luna's colorful, quirky, stylish look. I still do not know how he did not win. It was fashion-forward, extremely well made, and styled so right that it looked as if it BELONGED to her!!!

Another design that ended in the Top was Anya Ayoung Chee's one shoulder printed high-low gown/dress with a modified "kimono" sleeve. The judges LOOOVED it! It was as if it was the "Next Coming of Fashion Christ!". Not so much in my eyes. I know the client liked it but I was surprised it garnered such praise from the judges. Now, what I could imagine is...

If she was a Miss Universe contestant touring the nightclubs in São Paulo, then yes, totally, this is HER DRESS! It was very Beauty Pageant "Evening Gown Competition, the What Not To Wear" edition (see gowns above).

Kimberly Goldson's design for her client was um, TIGHT. As in fit. Kimberly seems to love doing those too-tight mini's. It's "her thang" I guess. I just don't know if a mini was the right choice for her client. But I did like the top's draping. Interestingly enough, she seemed to have been doing a completely DIFFERENT dress when she first began working in the Parsons Workroom:

I kinda like the one above better.

Now, back to Body Prejudicial Behavior Olivier: His outfit was a MESS and looked A LOT like what he always does! Somehow he ended up safe and in the "Middle". He should have been in the bottom with this badly-fitting pants ensemble. That too-tight one-shoulder top is SO NOT for a 40-something year-old woman who has Double D breasteses. She looks like one of those "Real Housewives of Orange County" sans the tan. Let me bring up "Old Man" Bert again: What he created was well constructed and flattered his client but he was penalized for basically doing the same thing week after week. In my eyes Olivier made a poorly constructed garment AND does the SAME THING week after week! The judges seem to "pick & chose" but we all knew that...

But the Worst Was:

Pepto Bismol Cocktail: Contestant Bryce Black created this pink sheath dress with too-low stylized outside pocket, straight out of my Helen Joseph-Armstrong "Patternmaking for Fashion Design" textbook from FIDM. The seams were all puckering and it looked very amateur. Another casualty of a person whom I feel was too young and not ready to be on Project Runway. Bryce was barely out of school for goodness sakes! Get some training, some years under your design belt and then do the show...He gives new meaning to the phrase "Not ready for Primetime"!!

And now...Here's My "Nick V" myLifetime.com blog for this week's Episode:

"DOUBLE D DRAMA"

Last night was the 8th episode of "Project Runway" Season 9. And Bryce was OUT …Yes, I just told you how it ends. Why? Because the editors ruined it for me too: The episode was barely 30 seconds in when Bryce laments that he’s never won a challenge — and in fact, has been at the bottom several times —and is wondering if he's the “Weakest Link.” Um, Ya Think So??? I immediately exclaimed (in my loud voice), “He's GONE!!” (Thanks, Editors). Oh, and did I mention Joshua won? Yep. Sorry to ruin that for you, but right as the nails were being pounded into Bryce’s "Project Runway" coffin, “Orange-ua Joshua” was stating how he was in a “Much better place today” ... Seriously, RIGHT AFTER Bryce. Thanks, Editors, Part Deux.

Body Prejudicial
Now that I got that out of the way, let’s talk about the rest of the episode. The nine remaining designers (can we just get to the Top 5 PLEASE???) are sitting there as Miss Heidi Klum brings in what they think involves their next Challenge: nine men. Immediately, the Gay Claws start coming out as several of the designers don't want to pick “the Fatties” (Yes, I am talking to you, Madonna British Accent Olivier!). Jeeeesus! Now even the men have to deal with what women have been dealing with for AGES from these “kooky” Fashion Designers; it’s a syndrome I call BPB, short for Body Prejudicial Behavior, and this group has it in spades...

Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap--and be sure to leave me your Comments!! I read ALL of them!!!! (of course!!!)

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: My myLifetime.com Recap for Episode 8-- "Double D Drama"!!!

First Things First, Project Runway Season 9 Designer Olivier "Madonna Accent" Green Doesn't Like Big Boobies or...

"Bigger Boys": Men who are not Man-o-Rexic (like the one seen above--"thicker" Vivienne Westwood model (and bodyguard) Sergio Lo Re)

Oh poor skinny Olivier. Last night on Project Runway Season 9, the kids (and Bert!) had to work with CLIENTS. At first, they thought it would be MEN--as the episode began with Heidi bringing in nine men of varying sizes, onto the runway stage. This is were the GASPS of "Oh No Child, I ain't working with the 'Fatties' " came out of Olivier's lips. Soon, though, it turned out that the designers were creating looks for the men's girlfriends/wives. And here again, Miss Olivier was having issues not knowing what a Double D meant, because that was his client's bra size. Oh Bless His Heart! As I say in my Recap (beginning at the end of this POST), he has BPB, Body Prejudicial Behavior , and it needs to stop.

Malin Akerman, actress...NIKOLAKI runway Model???

Actress and Project Runway Judge Malin Akerman (above center) and Model Malin Akerman (left and right images) at NIKOLAKI Fall 2003 Runway Show

Yes, kids, last night's "Guest Judge" was the beautiful actress Malin Akerman, who back when David and I debuted our NIKOLAKI Fall 2003 Collection 8 years ago at Los Angeles Smashbox Fashion Week, was one of our runway models!! And did a fantastic job, I may add!

Now, Let's Get To The Fashions:

This simple black dress--straight out of Ann Taylor or Nordstrom--WON. It was "Mean Girls" Joshua McKinley's design. It was made well and fit his client to a "T".

It was a very simple design--consisting of a CIRCLE SKIRT and a Princess-seamed bodice--but he was praised for it. Whereas his fellow designer Bert Keeder--who also did a simple sellable design--was not, and in fact ended in the bottom. I don't get it. OK, so he added the wide Horsehair trim at the hem, but...that's not so original, take a look:

John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 2008

My Favorite was:

Viktor Luna's colorful, quirky, stylish look. I still do not know how he did not win. It was fashion-forward, extremely well made, and styled so right that it looked as if it BELONGED to her!!!

Another design that ended in the Top was Anya Ayoung Chee's one shoulder printed high-low gown/dress with a modified "kimono" sleeve. The judges LOOOVED it! It was as if it was the "Next Coming of Fashion Christ!". Not so much in my eyes. I know the client liked it but I was surprised it garnered such praise from the judges. Now, what I could imagine is...

If she was a Miss Universe contestant touring the nightclubs in São Paulo, then yes, totally, this is HER DRESS! It was very Beauty Pageant "Evening Gown Competition, the What Not To Wear" edition (see gowns above).

Kimberly Goldson's design for her client was um, TIGHT. As in fit. Kimberly seems to love doing those too-tight mini's. It's "her thang" I guess. I just don't know if a mini was the right choice for her client. But I did like the top's draping. Interestingly enough, she seemed to have been doing a completely DIFFERENT dress when she first began working in the Parsons Workroom:

I kinda like the one above better.

Now, back to Body Prejudicial Behavior Olivier: His outfit was a MESS and looked A LOT like what he always does! Somehow he ended up safe and in the "Middle". He should have been in the bottom with this badly-fitting pants ensemble. That too-tight one-shoulder top is SO NOT for a 40-something year-old woman who has Double D breasteses. She looks like one of those "Real Housewives of Orange County" sans the tan. Let me bring up "Old Man" Bert again: What he created was well constructed and flattered his client but he was penalized for basically doing the same thing week after week. In my eyes Olivier made a poorly constructed garment AND does the SAME THING week after week! The judges seem to "pick & chose" but we all knew that...

But the Worst Was:

Pepto Bismol Cocktail: Contestant Bryce Black created this pink sheath dress with too-low stylized outside pocket, straight out of my Helen Joseph-Armstrong "Patternmaking for Fashion Design" textbook from FIDM. The seams were all puckering and it looked very amateur. Another casualty of a person whom I feel was too young and not ready to be on Project Runway. Bryce was barely out of school for goodness sakes! Get some training, some years under your design belt and then do the show...He gives new meaning to the phrase "Not ready for Primetime"!!

And now...Here's My "Nick V" myLifetime.com blog for this week's Episode:

"DOUBLE D DRAMA"

Last night was the 8th episode of "Project Runway" Season 9. And Bryce was OUT …Yes, I just told you how it ends. Why? Because the editors ruined it for me too: The episode was barely 30 seconds in when Bryce laments that he’s never won a challenge — and in fact, has been at the bottom several times —and is wondering if he's the “Weakest Link.” Um, Ya Think So??? I immediately exclaimed (in my loud voice), “He's GONE!!” (Thanks, Editors). Oh, and did I mention Joshua won? Yep. Sorry to ruin that for you, but right as the nails were being pounded into Bryce’s "Project Runway" coffin, “Orange-ua Joshua” was stating how he was in a “Much better place today” ... Seriously, RIGHT AFTER Bryce. Thanks, Editors, Part Deux.

Body Prejudicial
Now that I got that out of the way, let’s talk about the rest of the episode. The nine remaining designers (can we just get to the Top 5 PLEASE???) are sitting there as Miss Heidi Klum brings in what they think involves their next Challenge: nine men. Immediately, the Gay Claws start coming out as several of the designers don't want to pick “the Fatties” (Yes, I am talking to you, Madonna British Accent Olivier!). Jeeeesus! Now even the men have to deal with what women have been dealing with for AGES from these “kooky” Fashion Designers; it’s a syndrome I call BPB, short for Body Prejudicial Behavior, and this group has it in spades...

Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap--and be sure to leave me your Comments!! I read ALL of them!!!! (of course!!!)