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Project Runway Recap: E.12

Our Pdx designers are back in action for one night only.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 17, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Anya

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We’re reaching the end of the race in Project Runway land. This week’s challenge determined who would get to be part of the final group showing in New York Fashion Week. At this point (9 seasons in) the show is down to a tight formula. While that sometimes stinks (predictable vote offs) it is also awesome because I knew our Portland designers would rise from the dead to help their former ~~backstabbers~~ cast mates.

The final five spent the day roaming around Governor’s island for inspiration and developing a three-piece mini collection that could show their range as a designer. Once they nailed down their concepts (and they all seemed like they were reaching a little), they hit the fabric store where a series of unfortunate choices unfolded. Kimberly that orange is in the bio-hazard category and Laura that circle business is like robots, great in theory, but in reality it can turn on you.

However good news came when the crew got their own design assistants, which happened to be the former voted off cast mates, so we got to see Bryce and Becky one more time. Kimberly matched up with Becky, Viktor picked attitude Olivier, Laura snagged Anthony Ryan, Anya picked Bert and old roomies Josh M and Bryce were reunited. Which then instantly led to Bryce playing the role of critic (trying to tame the over designed elements), therapist (letting Josh M have a bitchy venting session and parent (taming the temper). He got more face time on this episode as puppet master than he did when he was on the show!

In the room visits, you see some bad things happening. I get that everyone is extremely fatigued and just plain out of ideas. After running on 4 hours of sleep, Red Bull and anxiety for weeks and weeks, pulling out your best design work seems near impossible. But, we still have to judge it for what it is and by the looks of it all coming together, nothing was bowling me over. By the time we head to the runway show, things felt potentially bleak.

Josh M began the show with a cool white mini-mod dress. The netting was an interesting twist on a basic. His following look was the 800th circle skirt we’ve seen from him with a miserably ill-fitting vest over a potentially cute tank. I still question why he didn’t just rip that vest off her before she walked down the runway. Finally, his final gown was a gorgeously draped one-shoulder gown in American Apparel type shiny polyester fabric. If it had been in anything luxurious like a floaty silk chiffon, it would’ve been killer. However, as it was, a little on the costumey side.

Kimberly gets an A for effort in attempting to do a wider range of clothing than the other designer. However, that coat was ill fitting and the separates look in that shiny bad skirt fabric combined with a sort of hoochy hunter’s hazard orange top was one of the worst looks I’ve seen from her. Methinks Kim saved her butt with that final cocktail dress. It was edgy and cool and flattering at the same time. Third time is a charm,…

Kimberly

Then we come to Laura’s confused collection. The blazer with the little slip skirt looks like outerwear and lingerie paired up and that second dress that looks right off the clearance rack of a Saturday Market booth had nothing tying it in with the other pieces. Where was the similar line, fabric, detailing, concept, any of it? It just plain didn’t go. And her third outfit was oh-so-close to being good, but never quite made it. The circular fabric didn’t lay right on the body and the white underneath came off a little bedspread like. A swing and a miss.

Anya’s first take on the little black dress was a new twist on the LBD. I loved the front handkerchief hem and the flow of the fabric. Her rust piece resort wear pantsuit floated down the runway on her red-head model in a picturesque moment and finally the white dress with a slit up to there still entertained despite construction issues. Overall, the collection was one of the most interesting ones on the runway easily. However, as far as showing a range, there was none. No sleeves, no jackets, no tailoring, no zippers, no buttons, no anything. She does what she does very well, but it’s quite obvious that is all she can do.

Finally, Viktor the reliable workhorse in the bunch sent a ready to wear collection with pants, jackets, skirts and all kinds of range. But that final black dress with a weird hoop skirt at the hip was a little cringe inducing. I spend most of my life trying to make my hips look smaller, not putting a circle around them. And as far as a wow factor, I might have yawned a little, but the judges were right in saying it was extremely sellable. That is the goal, right?

After the show, the awkward pleas from designers to make it to fashion week always makes me squirm in my seat. We know they want to be there, making them cry seems cruel. The final reveal sent Laura home with her off the target collection and Kimberly just barely squeaked by thanks to that cocktail dress. I actually felt really bad for Laura, it has to be hard to be that close and then leave. But such is life in the reality television world.

And we’re off to the final lap!

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Tags: television, Bryce Black, Project Runway, Becky Ross

Portland Fashion Week

PFW: Project Runway Peeps

Another year of Portland Fashion Week wraps up.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 09, 2011 at 10:00PM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Photo: Yi Yin

Jay Sario

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Thanks goodness for Saturday night’s fashion week finale. After that many shows, people, photo editing, writing, elbow rubbing, etc. I was in such desperate need of pizazz I just kept coating on hot pink lipstick to try and rev up. But, thanks to a little show called Project Runway, we managed to get some pizazz out on the runway and I gave my clown lips a rest.

Before the show, I popped backstage to take a minute to do some quick interviews in between the mayhem. Jay Sario was back for his second year of PFW (which he credits producer Tito Chowbury for making happen) and told me he thinks Portland is a “city where you can find great dressers.” That’s a compliment I’ll take from a New Yorker.

Michael Costello took a moment to chat with me while also brandishing a curling iron and hair spray giving his models bouncy shampoo commercial worthy hair. He spoke of many inspirations for the debut of his resort line, but after I heard “Indiana Jones” and “Bohemian”, I was already sold. Add to the fact that he mentioned he only sketched 10% of the collection in advance and let the rest “come to him” while draping and I high tailed it out of there to my press seat like an eager little beaver.

The show began with Sario’s structured, tailored and thoughtfully seamed pieces. Everything he does always slightly reminds me of a badass female warrior that also wants to look pretty. That in iteself is pretty cool. The metallic gray material was the perfect hint of shimmer in person and the jacket detailing was impressive.

Seattle knit wear designer Helen Sharp somehow was thrown in with the boy party, but I’m always a sucker for hand loomed yarn ensembles. My favorite looks of hers were the color blocked black and white pieces with a particular standout of a long slubby cardigan over a striped bikini. And while I commend her for only merchandising the outfits with her own pieces, knit booty shorts are a tough sell for me. Ideally, I think Sharp could collaborate with another Seattleite apparel designer for some lovely linen shorts or pencil skirts for a little match made in the stars.

Photo: Yi Yin

Michael Costello

Bryce Black sent one (yes, only one since he did just have to design an entire collection for NY fashion week last month that Project Runway got to keep) dramatic Avant Garde piece of leather and feathers down the runway while an Italian opera soared in the background. Where was this piece during your avante garde challenge on the show Black?!

And finally, Michael Costello sent his breezy, lovely, flowing resort wear line down the runway in a lux looking display. I turned around at one point half expecting to be transformed to a poolside with a waiter sauntering up Mai Tai in hand. While sadly, that part never materialized, what did happen was a collection of halters, jumpsuits, and every kind of dress you’d ever require for a hot weather vacation/occasion. The draping was divine, the fantastic head pieces spot on and the sheer (pun intended) difference of the pieces to our normal NW gear made these sunny ensembles some of my hands down favorites of the entire week.

After the show, I hit the after party to see a joyous crowd party down. In between watching the over tired volunteers toast champagne and dance with designers I had a moment to think about Portland Fashion Week. Is it perfect? Nope, not at all. I had issues with some of the collections and the start time and so on. However, it’s still responsible for my introduction to designers like Leanne Marshall, Suzabelle, Duchess and Ms. Wood. Designers I have massive respect for and continue to follow their work. And as long as there is still the opportunity for me to find some diamonds in the rough, I’ll keep putting up with overly loud techno music and late start times.

Project Runway alums Black and Costello buddy up at the after-party.

So, PFW, until we meet again… I bid you adieu.

Tags: Bryce Black, Portland Fashion Week 2011, Michael Costello, Jay Sario, Helen Sharp, PFW: 2011

Reali-TV

Bryce Black at NYFW

He may not have taken the prize, but Mr. Black still got to show his collection at New York Fashion Week.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 03, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Photo: Style Bistro

Bryce Black introducing his collection at Lincoln Center.

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Spoiler alert: Reality television is staged. Now, I know that must be a lot for you to take in, but the truth must be heard. In the case of Project Runway they make a big to do about only the final three making it to New York fashion week, but actually the top ten contestants show collections. Why? Because they are decoys so you don’t know who the finalists really are since NYFW takes place months before the show’s finale airs.

The good news for us is local love Bryce Black made the cut of designers who got to show at Lincoln Center and he did a bang up job. The collection was inspired by Black’s love of the film Edward Scissorhands and you can see that translated through the ambrosia salad color palette, straight jacket detailing and edgy vibe. Well done Mr. Black, well done….

(See more of B.B this week at Saturday’s Portland Fashion Week finale)

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Tags: fashion show, Bryce Black, Project Runway

Reali-TV

Project Runway Recap: E.8

This week is a bad week for Portland.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Sep 19, 2011 at 07:00PM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Josh M.

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This week kicked off tugging at my heartstrings right away. Poor Bryce speaks on his frustration with not having won a challenge. Thanks to my long training by the producers of Project Runway I know this instant attention means he is either going to come out and win or go home.

The designers head down to Parson’s where they initially believe they will be doing a menswear challenge and pick from the men on stage based on their body frames. And quiet little Olivier drops this gem, “We’re left with only fat people, and that’s fine. But not when I’m making clothes.” Eeesh. What they don’t know is they have just picked their clients and they will actually be making outfits for their ladies, while trying to please both parties.

Once we see the designers actually begin to sketch, we learn that the boys know…_nothing_. One has no idea what colors she likes; another dude won’t stop talk about his wife’s boobs. We get it, you like them. It’s just getting creepy. Continuing on the breast train Olivier pops out another insightful statement. “I don’t like women having boobs, I just like them to be flat.” So for those keeping track Olivier doesn’t like fat people or women with boobs.

Viktor

The thing about challenges like this is it all depends what kind of person you get lined up with. Not unlike the “Real world.” Designers are hired by clients, sometimes it’s an amazing fit and sometimes things go bust. And sometime you get the boob obsessed guy who motor boated a dress form.

Things got harder for me to watch when I saw how much Bryce was struggling. Not just from the dilemma to use the hot pink his client loved, but to see him emotionally cracking. I’ve known him for years and when I saw him questioning his every move I could see the stress, coupled with the deep homesickness had finally worn him down to one half of his normal self. After a lot of self-doubt he scrapped the first dress he had made and fit to the model and quickly whipped up a new one with no time left to properly fit the model. By the time the designers headed down to the runway challenge, I knew what was going to happen.

The runway show began with Laura’s Barbie doll dress that was deja vu of a million other dresses. Anthony Ryan’s little cheerleading outfit was actually cute and his could was ridiculously adorable. Bert took a woman with great curves and made her look pregnant. I blame that one on the fact he had to deal with the annoying husband and am cutting him some slack. Josh M.’s pretty black dress was lovely, and though I am a fan of a color pop, those blue shoes with the black were not doing it for me. Bryce’s pink dress had a bunch of fit issues after scrapping the original dress. Kimberly’s outfit had a lovely color and the rest went into club gear territory. Olivier managed to pull off his outfit for the most part despite lots of drama with his clients and all his mouthy comments. Anya created a silhouette I was into, but kept flip-flopping on the print. And Viktor’s oh-so-Portland looking ensemble was both wearable and adorable.

Bryce

Once the show was complete, the judges praised Josh M. for finally embracing simplicity (though it was his client that actually did), Viktor for the aforementioned adorable outfit and Anya for the asymmetrical kimono dress. Anthony Ryan’s vintage inspired number, Bert’s unflattering cocktail dress and Bryce’s unfit frock landed in the bottom. After the deliberations the judges granted the winning title to volatile Josh M (out of fear?) and our last piece of Pdx was sent home (in a moment I couldn’t actually watch).

And since it’s already very evident that I am a completely biased writer, I will go ahead and take it one step further. We all saw Bryce lost his footing along the way and didn’t get to show nearly all the design work I have seen from him in the past couple of years. On the very first challenge, he should have been in the top. It was by far a stronger outfit than some of the others up there and was one of the top voted in the fan favorites online. I think if he had made it there when he should have, that confidence would have helped him jump off on a better note. But, it’s unimportant now and I have said my piece.

Next up? The remaining designers are put to the task of making menswear for a rock band. The recaps shall continue!

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Tags: television, Bryce Black, Project Runway

Style Spotlight

Dress/Undress Fashion Show Review

A slide show recap of a party time fashion event.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Sep 08, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

A runway look.

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Last Wednesday’s Dress/Undress Fashion Show benefitting the Planned Parenthood’s Equal Access Fund (which aims to raise funding and awareness for Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette’s (PPCW) LGBTQ services and funding programs) was one big party. While it was actually equal parts fashion show with local designer and styling show with local boutiques the point was to check out the eye candy and have a good time. The slide show can fill you in on the rest.

Featured Designers:
Idom
Sword + Fern
Heather Treadway
Golden Rule
Midge
Yo Vintage!
Benjamin Blak
StudioSKB

Video of Heather Treadway and Yo Vintage segments courtesy of MyCityDesigners.com

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Tags: fashion show, Bryce Black, Studio SKB, Yo Vintage, Midge, Heather Treadway, Golden Rule, Idom

Reali-TV

Project Runway Recap: E.6

The designers go all out this week with an avant garde challenge. Or do they?

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Sep 05, 2011 at 08:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

~~Humpty Dumpty~~, uh Bert

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In a rare, but welcome moment in this season of Project Runway, the producers actually (theoretically) had a challenge I respected. The designers teamed up with tweens and teens from the Harlem School of the Arts to do shared paintings that would ultimately inspire an Avant Garde runway look. Some of the young artists were a little more vocal than others. Skyy, 12 cracked me up with the constant peppering of questions for Viktor, including, “What’s your favorite activity?” Who says that at age 12? Awesome Skyy does. Most of the paintings were really quite impressive, offering up a sky’s-the-limit kind of inspiration for everyone to work from.

At this point in the show, we can see the stress starting to take its toll on some of the kiddos. Olivier admits that sometime after the second challenge, he started to get lost, and he seems more so than ever here. I think that kid needs a hug, a pep talk and a strong espresso. Everything is a little subdued and sad. Poor Josh C. has more pressure than anyone does on him after being eliminated and brought back.

The producers tried to revive my long lost love for Josh M with his heartfelt revelations about losing his mom to cancer. I was just slowly warming back up to him when he goes on camera and talked about his ruthless bullying of Becky helped improve her design skills. Uh what?? We also got to see Bert talk about his partner that passed and again I felt a lump in my throat. Those editors really know how to manipulate your emotions.

Josh C’s 2nd “Go Home” look.

All that mumbo jumbo aside, let’s talk about what really matter: The runway show. Kimberly’s began with her pleather interpretation of the wild eagle. I thought it looked pretty cool considering the potential to make it into a giant bird costume. Becky Ross was up next with her solar system dress. Overall, I thought this dress was pretty rad. The idea was great and the execution was well done. My one critique is I think the dress being made from denim held it back from looking couture.

Olivier’s ensemble was just a sad mess from top to toe. The model even looked sad in her messy hair and the dress that seemed half finished and was glue to one of her breasts. This was obviously a hard challenge for him with his minimalist style, but I had hoped for more from him. Then Josh M sent out his tree concoction, which seemed a little literal for my taste, but that skirt was really quite flattering. And he created his own textile by painting neoprene (scuba diving material) and the judges love when anyone does that.

Bert’s Humpty Dumpty insanity deserves an entire blog post unto itself. Those high waisted Jodhpur pants are officially the most unflattering pant I have ever seen in my life. Then it appears he stole several of my cat’s toys and glued them to the front of a bustier. Avant Garde means forward thinking, not hilarious funny pant. Translation error perhaps?

Anthony Ryan

Viktor’s look appeared to have the most work put into it with his hand shredding each piece and all the complex roughing. I wanted to like it so much more with all that effort, but the heart wants what it wants, and mine didn’t want this. Before I could finish the thought, Laura’s giant peach concoction came out from behind the screen. Initially, I was adamantly opposed to this dress. It seemed very Southern Belle/Blanche Devereaux/Huge Prom Dress to me. The next day I was looking at the runway pics up close and it sort of dawned on me, I kind of love all those things. And with that realization, I did a full pendulum swing into the “love it” category. Sometimes, I even surprise myself.

Bryce was next with his straightjacket insanity look. It turned out well, but after seeing the original sketch I wish he had gone through with that idea. It had a full matching orange creepy face cover with jagged eye slits and the arms were actually tied behind the model. I think that would have turned this look up a notch into full cool cray-cray territory. However, it was still far more dramatic than Josh C’s look. The vampire huntress concoction seemed to be the result of frazzled nerves and you knew the judges were going to have issues with it the second it appeared.

Josh M.

Anthony Ryan’s brush stroke inspired dress initially was one of my favs, but as time wore on it seemed to grow increasingly familiar. Methinks that’s because it had many similarities to his birdseed dress challenge. The neckline, the way the embellishments cascaded down from the top, the form-fitting silhouette…. And the dress wasn’t even hemmed! When Anya’s came our after, it looked like it had a lot more actual sewing work in it, though I felt pretty Switzerland about the whole ensemble in general. It was cool, but a few tweaks and it probably could actually go towards ready to wear.

So once again, we have the designers out on the track and not a clear-cut winner in sight. After some awkward deliberations with Heidi claiming to actually like Bert’s look (Really? Did a producer make you say that?) and discussion of Olivier’s Valium clothing, the results were in. Anthon Ryan won which I think he definitely deserved to be a challenge winner by this point, but it should have been for the bird seed dress – not this one. We also said good-bye to Josh C. again. Perhaps proving that nice guys finish last, then not last, then last again….

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Tags: television, Bryce Black, Project Runway, Becky Ross

Reali-TV

Project Runway Recap: E.5

The P.R. drama goes into overdrive.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Aug 28, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Anthony Ryan’s Camel Toe and Butt Jumpsuit.

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HOLY MOLY! There was some serious drama this week on Project Runway. Like Maury Povich level of drama.

The show starts off at the crack of dawn with individual boxes for each designer full of….activewear. Not the most fashionable way to begin your day. We also see Becky trying so hard to get a very depressed Cecilia out of bed who’s obviously lost all competitive spirit. The gang heads down to a running track to meet Heidi and Tim when the drama instantly kicks off when they are informed they will be doing another team challenge.

In a bad flashback from high school, they have to race around the track with the top four runners to become team captains. And as they line up Cecilia drops the bombshell on Tim that she wants to quit the show. What?! Everyone goes through multiple rigorous audition processes to get to that point and after one time in the bottom, she is ready to jump ship. Then she says one sentence that made my right eyebrow arch like Joan Crawford. “I tried my best to get out yesterday.” Gasp!! She was trying to tank the runway challenge with that ghastly dress and she still couldn’t get sent home? Wow. I will say kudos to her for leaving the show if she didn’t want to win; it really isn’t fair to the rest.

Before anyone has time to process the whistle blows and they’re off! Josh M takes off and to my surprise Bryce Black comes in second! I haven’t ever seen that boy move that fast except for maybe once when we were running to the Low Brow Lounge for a much-needed cocktail. Olivier took an awful spill and while they were patching him up passes flat out. What is going on here?!

Anya with Team Josh M.

Anthony Ryan and Viktor are the other two captains and because of the uneven team numbers and Cecilia’s sudden departure Viktor is allowed to bring back an eliminated contestant. They choose Josh C. which I was actually happy about because he just seems like such a sweet guy and that he really wants it. The teams are all chosen and you can smell trouble brewing.

The challenge is to design a non-gym related outfit that corresponds to the sneakers Heidi Klum designed for New Balance. The sketching sessions quickly turned into a snarky bitchy fest, followed by a snarky bitchy fabric shopping trip and ending with some snarky bitchy workroom time. First off, my comedic crush on Josh M is soooo over. He was a self-righteous bully to our Becky Ross and I do not appreciate the ‘tude from that tan dude. He may not care for her more simplistic design aesthetic but to bring her on as a hired hand, ignore any of her ideas and then bully her to tears while throwing insults is just plain shady. Josh M, you just made my bad list.

In a similar scenario across the room Anthony Ryan and Laura were busy ignoring Bert. Although instead of bullying Bert to tears, Bert just got prissy and snarky back. It became uncomfortable to watch and I wished Tim would show up, smack everyone and tell them to shape up or ship out. Exhausting. After Heidi saw everything going on, she gives them 5 extra hours and leaves them to their stress. The next morning is a flurry of more mini-dramas and you sense there are no clear winners leading up to the runway show.

Bryce Black

The show started with Viktor and his super cool motorcycle jacket. I loved it and Josh C had a helluva comeback with his holster tee and pants that totally worked with the sneaker concept. Olivier broke a PR rule: Don’t ignore the judge’s critique. His skirt that Heidi called farm like still looked farm like. I don’t know why he didn’t just chop it off above the knee; it would’ve been so much cuter.

Team Bryce’s collection began with Bryce’s rad dress with pin tuck dart shaping and snaps up the side. Super cool. Kimberly’s outfit also looked great with the shorts and jacket little combo. Then Danielle’s outfit with the one pop of lone turquoise seemed to be party crashing from someone else’s collection, because it didn’t really go with this one.

Moving on to Team Anthony Ryan began with the most hideous romper I have ever seen. And he totally knew it too. This look surprised me because he seems to be quite talented and why he didn’t try something else last minute, I don’t understand. Laura’s look never quite came together but the vest was a cool idea. Bert’s top had a good cut that I liked. Did it look like something to wear with sneakers though? Ummm, no.

Team Snarky Josh M. began with Josh’s shredded vest look which had some promise. Becky’s piece then neither looked like her at all or that good. Considering the drama and lack of input she was allowed to give it doesn’t surprise me at all. Anya’s maxi dress was one of my favorite pieces, but the color strips didn’t appear to actually be sewed down which was distracting.

Viktor (deservedly) winning look

The judges couldn’t find anything they fully liked or hated so they did a team-by-team breakdown that immediately led into Anthony Ryan and Bert having a cat fight on the stage before sending everyone backstage. In the judges breakdown we saw them sort of praise Joshua M for using Becky without respecting her. Not cool. They also spoke very highly of Bryce’s garment. Michael Kors flat out said, “I love that dress.” Wha? Too bad they didn’t rave about it to Bryce’s face, that probably would’ve been a lovely confidence boost.

Then the Pièce de résistance: The judges get into an argument about whether to send home Anthony Ryan who by far had the worst outfit, but the best history. Or do they send home Danielle who’s had two mediocre outfits in a row and nothing really spectacular so far? The show claims to be based on week to week judging but, come on; we know that’s now how it is. And should it be? I’d much rather see a designer with consistent potential and ideas stay then someone who maybe has one lucky week and a lot of narrow squeak throughs. But then again, isn’t the point of fashion that you have to be current and thought provoking every time or you get left in the dust?

At the end of the day promise won out over strict rule following and Danielle was sent home instead of Anthony Ryan’s camel toe romper. Oh and bully Joshua M and Viktor both won the challenge, but after the emotionally exhaustive drama of the whole thing I couldn’t even muster the effort to care.

No more team challenges!! My poor heart can’t take it.

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Tags: television, Bryce Black, Project Runway

Reali-TV

Project Runway Recap: E.3

As if models aren’t tall enough already, now we’re putting them on stilts.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Aug 12, 2011 at 02:00PM Speech Bubble 7 Comments

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Laura and Anthony’s winning look.

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Let me be the first to declare: I have no idea what is going on this season of Project Runway. Forget the idea of actually designing amazing garments within a budget to show your chops. This has only been about pajamas, pet food and now stilt walkers. I am getting bored. Give me a couture challenge over fake, extended legs any day of the week.

I get that in the real world people are expected to work in group projects all the time. But this is not the real world, this is the Project Runway world and here group projects are a recipe for disaster. Looking at our Pdx designers, Becky Ross was thrown into a partnership with Kimberly who just said, “Hmmmmmmmmmm, her designs are very plain” while giving a beyond questionable look. And just when Bryce Black was trying to crawl out of the bottom of the barrel from last week’s debacle he gets paired with a self-taught designer who appears to not know the fundamentals of sewing. Oh vey.

At least neither of our local kids were thrown into the lions den with Bert or Viktor. Those two found any and all things to argue about. The only thing they never seemed to get around to was saving the hideous fabric combination I’ll dub “Mother of the Bride” from actually walking down the runway.

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Bryce and Fallene’s Black Swan.

Once the camera pans back to Bryce and Fallene, I knew things were going south quickly. Issue number one, the brown polka dot fabric with the black tulle was not good. And Fallene attempting to add a royal blue sash was not going to help that at all. Do the colors black, blue and brown remind you of anything else? Oh yes, a bruise.

Issue number two quickly surfaced and trumped everything else: Fallene doesn’t know the basics of construction. The fact that she doesn’t know how to cut something on the grain is like a cook that doesn’t know to pre-heat an oven before throwing muffins in there. I learned about the importance of cutting on the grain my first day of sewing camp….when I was 11. And one more point here, the fabric was a grid polka dot, which means it’s even easier to see the lines of the cloth!

What does that mean then? It means while everyone else was working in two’s (Except Bert and Viktor who were working in two teams of 1), Bryce was flying solo. Fallene was unable to complete the top, so he had to create every piece for the model under the pressure and was only able to churn out something fair-ish. There was so much drama going on in that room, I felt tense watching it through the television.

Ready or not, the designers and their extra tall models headed off to the first live runway show in the history of Project Runway (which incidentally is, how I broke the news of our Portland contestants) in New York’s Battery Park. The guest judge was a super important player in the world of high-end fashion. Just kidding! It was Kim Kardashian. After one quick shot of Fallene crying in sweet Tim Gunn’s arms over her lack of sewing anything (and leaving Bryce to dress and prepare the model on his own), the runway show began.

The Gucci outfit I kept seeing in my mind after looking at the Laura/Anthony ensemble.

First off was the combo of tomboy Julie and the still hilarious Joshua M with their twist on a Matador look. I actually liked the concept in theory, but the pants were far too high and the model looked dreadfully awkward swishing around her one armed jacket. Next was Bert and Viktor’s monstrous creation. All I can say is there is nothing good that can come from the fabric combination ever. Except maybe a good bonfire. Bryce and Fallene’s combo ended up coming off far too simple and the all black ballerina outfit is ill timed thanks to Black Swan’s massive success this year. Becky and Kimberly sent a solid looking military inspired concoction down the runway and seemed to have some of the least amount of drama of the teams. “Dream Team” Anya and Oliver sent a fairly mundane, but pretty, outfit in tones of gray that I almost instantly forgot the second it left. Immediately following it was the ensemble Danielle and Cecilia created. I thought it looked like something your aunt would purchase at Kohl’s. The pleating of the pants was kind of cool, but the whole thing was so matronly. Finally, Anthony and Laura sent out their dramatic red piece that was obviously the best. However, the second I saw it I said, “That looks like Gucci’s Fall collection.” (Well, to be honest I initially thought Marc Jacobs, but the point is I recognized it.)

Once everyone was back in the judging room at Parson’s surprise, surprise the judges liked outfits that looked more like ready to wear and hated all the outfits that had any idea of costume. Because stilt walking is obviously not the time to have any flair for the dramatic right? What!

In the extended judging Nina called out Anthony and Laura for their design saying it looked similar to something else she’s seen. Hmmmmm, like Gucci’s Fall collection?! Then they miraculously commended the Kohl’s aunt ensemble with pumpkin hair (I’m still in shock over that) before Michael Kors told Kimberly and Becky they were “kick ass tailors.” That’s not something you hear everyday.

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Proof that nothing comes out of bickering: Bert and Viktor’s look.

For the bottom three groups they dove right into hashing apart Bert and Viktor’s outfit while the two bickered back and forth in front of the judges. Then they turned to Bryce and Fallene blasting the simplicity before asking Bryce point blank who should go home. I am extremely impressed at his response when he said that they both should and shared the responsibility for the look, despite the fact that Fallene didn’t sew anything, can’t construct a basic bodice and didn’t even help him prep the model back stage. Most people in his spot would have thrown her under the bus and he didn’t. Fallene then piped up and declared she should be the one to go and it seemed like she secretly wanted to after the pressure cooker of this week. Finally, they bashed on the Matador circus look a bit, which did look even gaudier in close up.

At the end of the day, blondie Laura won the challenge and Fallene was sent packing. There does seem to be a tendency for self-taught designers to go early, so maybe those tuition dollars spent on fashion degrees are well spent in the Project Runway world. I’m just glad our Portland designers both made it through the infamous team challenge.

In exciting news for next week, it appears the designers will be making outfits for Nina Garcia. Now, this is the kind of challenge I’m talking about. Fashion editors have many opinions and this promises to be quite entertaining.

Check out the additional scenes and behind the scenes gossip of Bryce and Fallene’s turbulent pairing.

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Tags: television, Bryce Black, Project Runway, Becky Ross, Tim Gunn

Reali-TV

Project Runway Recap: E.2

Episode two of the season and the designers have to unleash their aesthetic in a pet store challenge.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Aug 07, 2011 at 11:00AM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Anthony’s “should-have-won” awesome birdseed beaded frock.

View Slideshow »

“This isn’t like fashion, this is like Trashion.” –Anthony Ryan Auld

This weeks’ Project Runway began with the first glimpse of this season’s opening credits. Last week it was still hidden as they narrowed down the finalists. Instead of the traditional bit with the actual CONTESTANTS the opening sequence is an off-putting display of Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and even my beloved Tim Gunn in a narcissistic display of themselves talking about “Working It” while the contestant are barely visible. What the bleep?!

Once the show began, in a (not so) surprisingly rude twist this week the crew of designers had themselves an unconventional materials challenge this week. Tim Gunn threw them into a pet store for 30 minutes with a budget of $300 and told them to get materials for an ensemble. The P.R. people love to make the designers create things out of weird stuff. Last year there was the party store challenge, before that we have seen potato sack challenges, car parts challenges, the list goes on. I’ve never been sold that making things out weird stuff equates being a fabulous designer, but I admit it’s entertaining.

Looking around the workroom this week, I’m finally able to begin keeping track of the designers and I’ve fallen head over heels for the hilarious Joshua McKinley who says, “Some people think less is more, but more is better.” And the looks he gives during his camera interviews (including one where he gets a little bitchy about Bryce Black) are priceless. Plus, the blouse he created out of dazzling neon aquarium rocks this week completely “rocked” my world (pun intended).

Laura Kathleen is another contestant that keeps popping up on my radar, and not for good reasons. Last week her “Are you guys speaking foreign?” coupled with this weeks “I’ve been shopping at Neiman’s since I was in single digits.” is enough to make me quite certain we would not get along during an interview (or high school). And when she created a skirt out of a cone dog collar that completely revealed a models bare booty, I (in an uncharacteristically snarky move) wished she would send it down the runway and go home. But, she realized cheeks chilling out on the runway was a no-go and fixed it. Harumph.

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Bert’s “ugh” look.

As Tim Gunn made his way around for the first round of workroom critiques it was a total crapshoot of what was working and what wasn’t. Last week’s favorite and challenge winner Bert Keeter completely phoned in a half-assed garment that I have no problems with calling atrocious, because he knew it too. I cannot even figure out how to describe it. Our own Bryce Black said the word “Wee-Wee Pads” at least 10 times and the more times he said it, the more I worried for my old friend. As comedian Joshua M said, “The top is interesting, but where is she going? Why is she going there?….in that?” (ouch.)

They can show the workroom for hours, but the truth is you never know how it’s going until the models hit the runway. The judges called out the top 3 with Anthony Ryan and his s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g creation of birdseed into a fantastic beaded cocktail dress, Olivier Green and his chic combo of dog and hamster bedding into an ombré effect and Joshua McKinley for the aforementioned rock top. The bottom 3 included Fallene Wells with an unfortunate orange/brown color combo, Josh Christensen with a bit of a ho-hum creation and our own Bryce Black who clearly let the wee-wee pads get the best of him.

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Bryce’s Wee-Wee Pads.

During the judging critiques Joshua M. dropped the amazing bombshell of noting that the mirror hanging from his skirt “It’s for your parrot to look at itself” and Nina only gave a disappointing “Oh.” That’s it Nina? I laughed until a tear slipped down my cheek at that and nothing from you but an “Oh”?

My poor Bryce was ripped apart for his ensemble. The judges stated they had seen the skirt over and over and when I thought about it, it’s true. I remember Amy from Season 7 in the potato sack challenge, Valerie from Season 8 in the party store challenge and so on. Eeeks.

Joshua C. broke one of the absolute cardinal rules of the unconventional materials challenge: He used materials that were like fabric. His umbrella top was a chunk of fabric. I know from watching every season they really hate when you do this. And this was an awkward judging because he seems like a particularly nice guy and I was cringing a bit at his crestfallen look.

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Pretty Oliver’s semi-pretty winning look.

Fallene broke the second commandment of Project Runway commandments: Thou shalt not trash thine own work. As the judges tore apart her simple strapless top and color combo she nodded along and put down her work with them. You cannot do this to the judges. It’s one thing to admit you understand their critique, but it’s another to tell them you also hate your own garment.

The judges battled it out for who the winner would be and I flat out disagree with their choice. Though I think Oliver is a little cutie pie and his look was good, the dress both used fabric and made the model look sizes larger than she actually was. Anthony Ryan’s dress used no fabric at all and looked incredibly chic. I am horrified to say that I think Nina Garcia is losing some of her touchstone with what is cool, and I predict many more fights between her and Heidi to come this season.

To wrap it all up, this week can provide advice to any future contestants for the show. Watch every episode of the show before you start filming, learn what has already been made and, most importantly, memorize the Judging Commandments of Project Runway.

See the slideshow for all the designer’s looks.

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Tags: television, Bryce Black, Project Runway

Reality Rundown

Project Runway Recap!

Portland Monthly’s viewing party brought out designers and friends to watch the whole circus begin again.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Jul 29, 2011 at 11:00PM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Photo: McKenna Johnson

Portland’s Project Runway contestants Bryce Black and Becky Ross have a lot of love for each other after spending weeks filming in the shark pit together.

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It’s here! Last night was the Season 9 premier of Project Runway including our two Pdx contestants Bryce Black and Becky Ross. Ross and Black were both in attendance for our Portland Monthly viewing party, as well as a billion other people and we crammed in together to watch the drama unfold.

The show opened with a particularly fierce twist. 20 designers made it to New York to present their work in front of Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors who instantly cut 4. Not only did our Portland peeps make it through the cut, but Heidi Klum hopped out of her chair to take Black’s feather cape and stomp around. I watched Black, watch it on screen and I have never seen him look happier in my life.

After the selected designers made the cut, they moved into their living quarters and hunkered down for a nights rest after the adrenaline gave way. But before they could finish resting Tim Gunn came pounding down on their door at 5am commanding them to get up at once and head to the Parson’s workroom just as they were. Ross was even denied putting on her bra! (An unfair advantage to the male designers.)

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

Round 1 winner – Bert Keeter (Ditch that bag Bert)

The challenge given to the sleepy contestants was to immediately design an outfit using only the pajamas they were in and the one bed sheet they just carried from the hotel to the workspace. As to be expected some controlled chaos ensued and we saw bits and pieces of other personalities as well as garments. Right now there are still far too many people running around to keep track or pick out this seasons’ darlings and demons.

The runway show started with my total teen girl crush Christina Ricci as a judge looking super fabu. Our own contestants easily made it through the first round of cuts, though methinks Black was completely robbed of a top 3 spot. Designer Bert Keeter won the first round with his asymmetrical cocktail dress made from his checked boxers, a tee and sheet. The guillotine fell on Rafael Cox and his awkward camel-toe inducing legging and split open shirt. And it might just be due to, what I call, “The Curse of the Goatee.”

All in all I’m pleased to see Heidi & Co still trying to shake up the game this many seasons in. Looking at the teasers for what happens this season looks like a very strange ride to come. I’ll be blogging weekly so check back in for the rundown on fashion Friday’s and any insider gossip I can squeeze out of Black and Ross. In the meantime you can support these two by voting them as fan favorites. The winner with the most votes at the end of the season gets a cool $10,000 and it should be one of our kids. Check out the Lifetime.com fan page to vote and do it often.

Photo: Courtesy MyLifetime.com

The first elimination look. (Yikes)

To vote for fan favorite and check out all the runway looks visit Lifetime.com

View the slideshow to see more runway looks and party pics!

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Tags: television, Bryce Black, Project Runway, Becky Ross, Tim Gunn

boob tube

It’s Official! Project Runway Designers Announced!

My sleuthing skills were right, two Pdx designers will be on P.R.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Jul 13, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Heidi-klum-project-runway-season_9-poster

Ahhhhh victory is sweet. If you recall almost three weeks ago I identified two designers for the new season of Project Runway by internet stalking. Well, today the line up was officially announced and I was right, right, right. (I like to be right).

Get your virtual self over to Lifetime.com to take the official tour and check out the new roster. Pay particular attention to our own Becky Ross and Bryce Black looking especially adorable. And a big thanks to Black for all the Portland Monthly hints. We’re on the wall in the videos, mentioned in his press and he even listed Shop Talk under his favorite websites. Plus Ross gave me credit for her getting seen by the show. That’s called remembering your roots!

And because we’ve already declared them winners in our eyes (Heidi, Michael and Nina should feel the same) Portland Monthly is throwing a big viewing party! Keep your calendars open for the evening of Thursday July 28th as we all congregate together for cocktails, fashion and most importantly yelling at the television all together. Details to come very soon.

Auf Wiedersehen.

Designer List

Bryce Black’s Page

Becky Ross’ Page

Cast for Season 9 of Project Runway.

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Tags: Bryce Black, Project Runway, Becky Ross

News Bit

Breaking News: Two Portland Designers Identified for Project Runway Season 9!

And the Project Runway love for Portland continues on.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Jun 24, 2011 at 05:00PM Speech Bubble 11 Comments

Photo: Jess White

The looks from today’s public runway challenge. And the back of Becky Ross blonde bob down there.

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I know who two of the contestants are for the upcoming season of Project Runway. How? Because I personally handed them over as recommendations to the show. In April I received an email from the casting director asking for my thoughts as a fashion editor on potential Portland talent they should scout. (Maybe since we have won half the seasons?) I replied with a very small, thoughtfully curated list.

Turns out they cast not one, but two of them after that. (Do I get a handwritten thank you or something?)

Who are those two Portlanders? And how do I know before any official announcements? First things first. The two from our fair city are actually both recent grads from The Art Institute of Portland’s fashion program: Bryce Black and Becky Ross. Black’s name might sound a bit more familiar as I have used him in my last two fashion editorials and been touting his name on the blog for months.

And I know because today Project Runway kicked off its first challenge by having a public runway show in Battery Park with celebrity guest judge Kim Kardashian. Well, I assume first challenge because there are clearly 16 designers sitting in the two rows at the runway, but the show is famous for its decoy attempts so who knows. As soon as it was over I hunted through every open Facebook profile, Flickr account, Tweet, blog post and You Tube video I could find until I was sure I recognized Black and Ross sitting in the contestant bleachers. I found one of Black as clear as day and Ross has platinum blonde “look at me” hair in an unmistakable bob and even though most pictures were mainly of the back of her head she sat in my classroom long enough (with me looking at her head) that I am willing to bet money on it. Finally, the Associated Press put out a fancy video moments ago that showed all contestants and sealed the deal for me.

A dress by Black from Portland Monthly’s Fall Fashion Editorial

Obviously I was already suspicious because I handed over their contact information and then I never heard anything again, from anyone. That alone seemed odd. But Black is also a friend of mine and a couple weeks ago he left town rather quietly and I couldn’t get so much as text reply from him. RED FLAG RAISED. Although when I went psycho internet stalking today, I have to admit I thought there was a good chance I would see him, but to see him AND Ross was a little mini heart attack.

The interesting thing about this is what does it mean? Have they ever cast two designers from the same school and class before? Is it purely a coincidence or did they want to push more people from Portland since we have become the indie fashion capital? Or is our talent pool just stronger? And did me just saying all that curse them into being the first two voted off?

I sure as hell hope not.

Be sure to check the blog every week once the season begins July 28th for a full break down of what worked, what didn’t and how to pronounce Auf Wiedersehen.

Photo: Jess White

As I live and breathe, that is Mr. Bryce Black and Ms. Becky Ross.

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Tags: Bryce Black, Project Runway, Becky Ross

SHOP TALK

Project Runway Recap: E.12

PFW: Project Runway Peeps

Bryce Black at NYFW

Project Runway Recap: E.8

Dress/Undress Fashion Show Review

Project Runway Recap: E.6

Project Runway Recap: E.5

Project Runway Recap: E.3

Project Runway Recap: E.2

Project Runway Recap!

It’s Official! Project Runway Designers Announced!

Breaking News: Two Portland Designers Identified for Project Runway Season 9!

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