Project Runway, Ya' Heard of It?

Project Runway Season 7 on the Lifetime Network is now casting for talented (talented) designers. Here's a door opening, stick your foot in here.

Op-ed: Project Runway's Losing Season 5

by Christina Tung

I know I'm not the only one hugely disappointed with this season's Project Runway designers. Challenge after challenge they seem to find new ways to make ugly clothes. Choosing winners became more like choosing the least of all evils.

The runway show was no exception. In short, Heidi looked great. No one can really tell Michael Kors apart from his mom/twin. Surprise guest judge (and October ELLE covergirl) J.Lo "hurt her ankle" and was unable to attend, although she finished her first triathlon two days later .... Clothes were lackluster, until the final designer's collections came out. I'll give you 3 guesses...

Well, first, let's just take a step back and get a little more political. I can't say I'm particularly partial to Jerell. In fact I think he could've (should've, would've) been eliminated in the drag queen episode, or what's your sign, or the city-inspired challenge, etc... But, I have to say he was shortchanged on the Botanical Garden challenge. His win should have secured him a spot in Bryant Park, just as Christian Siriano's win (Season 4) did last season. However, the judges didn't grant immunity nor could they decide whose dress was more hideous - Korto's or Kenley's. Instead, they snuck in two last challenges for tent qualification - construct a wedding dress to fit into your collection and upon their return to NYC, a surprise bridesmaid dress. Ultimately, Kenley redeemed herself with an Alexander McQueen-esque tea length feather dress and an adorable little teal number. (The rest of her collection is wacky, but Tim praised it during his interim check-up. Possibly to avoid another one of her hissy fits) Leanne won, of course, with an amazing panel-flap/pleated dress reminiscent of a carburetor and pleated aqua complement. And it was off to the chopping block for Korto and Jerell. Jerell's gown was beautifully dramatic, albeit a little messy. His bridesmaid dress was bizarre and sloppy. Korto's gown was overworked, unflattering and too busy and made a nearly identical bridesmaid dress in the same color.

No matter, since Korto's collection of dresses (inspired more by Arkansas than Africa) didn't measure up against Kenley's crazy circus outfits, that, as clown-y and ridiculous as they were, were at least fun and imaginative. However, neither of them really stood a chance against Leanne's water-inspired pieces of perfection. Her aqua and cream ensembles were clean, modern, romantic, fresh, directional, yet wearable ... truly everything a girl could want. She kept her palette sparse, I would've liked to see a bit of a surprise pop of color or texture - a hot pink or black, even brown may have made it a bit more dynamic, but I'm not complaining. Leanne saved the season!

So, congratulations Leanne Marshall, winning designer of season 5!



*photo and logo courtesy of BravoTV.com

Fashion Week Intern

Dear Fashion Intern,

If you're really good, we let you make VIP calls. (But not without a script)

xx,

LRB

It's Parker Posey Month...

August is officially Parker Posey month. (I just decided that)  She's like the Meryl Streep of indie actresses and still so East Village. Parker Posey really defined what a true party girl is, smart, sexy and playfully hip. Without Party Girl, we probably wouldn't care too much about the Dewey Decimal system.  

Parker Posey also made a mark on fashion when she inaugurated Project Runway as the first surprise Guest Judge Finalist on Season 1.  

There are too many films to list and we'd be here all day.  My favorite actress (indie or otherwise)  can play an imperfect Holly Golightly to a deranged yuppie.  

News On Nina Garcia

Industry fashionistas say bye-bye to Elle Magazine's fashion director or do they?
According to FishbowlNY's sources, Project Runway judge, author and now ex-fashion director, Nina Garcia is "still in negotiations" with the powers that be at Hachette Filipacchi. Supposedly, there could be an announcement as early as Monday afternoon.

Insider: Paul Rogers

name: Paul Rogers

hometown: somewhere in New England

homebase: somewhere downtown east-side in New York City

occupation: PR Account Executive for women's Ready-To-Wear (Clients include Alvin Valley, Black Halo, Iodice) 

where was your first internship?  I worked at Brown University. I loved it, the people and the internship were great. 

what designer did you first fall for?  Hedi Slimane for Dior. He brought slim fit back.  

how important or necessary are celebrities to your client's brands?  Very important, if a celebrity is seen wearing one of our client's it could do two things; propel the line even further and boost sales and also makes it well known amongst other top designers. 

name 3 manhattan hot spots that you like to frequent:  I like 1 Oak, Angels and Kings and I still love the Inn LW12. 

what did you wear to work today?  Today I am wearing my father's vintage Gucci blazer, which is amazing.  I had my tailor here in the city who made it more modern and wearable.  Both of my parents have the most amazing pieces.  I also have on a staple piece, which is American Apparel deep v-neck.  And APC jeans that I love, I only wear APC nowadays.  For accessories and shoes, I am wearing YSL bracelet that I got for Christmas and haven't taken off in months and Gucci loafers.  Oh, and this Ascot I made into a pocketsquare that I got at the Sergio Davila boutique in the West Village.  I guess my whole outfit seems to be somewhat nautical.  I'm from New England and grew up on the beach, so it's in my blood!

best or most memorable event you've either worked on or been to?  Well, I would have to say working with you on the recent Project Runway finale fashion show at Bryant Park is certainly most memorable.  Normally, you're taking care of one designer for one show, but having five different designers, surprise guests, secret judges was all a test of energy, but a lot of fun and hard work.  I think I speak for both of us in thanking Red Bull (Sugarfree of course), Starbucks and the 24-hours Kinko's for all the late-night hours and preparation that went into this last fashion week.  Can't wait until September! 

what song gets you up in the morning?  Love Today by Mika.