Project Runway: Priceless Runway
September 5, 2014 6:30 AM - Season 13, Episode 7 - Subscribe
Chopard provides glittering jewellery to inspire evening wear for the designers. Tim Gunn has some news for them on another matter. (the WSJ recap and the Lifetime recap.)
Even though his execution was off, I think Macklemore (Alexander) should have got points for actually showing some Charles James inspiration.
posted by drezdn at 8:12 AM on September 5, 2014
posted by drezdn at 8:12 AM on September 5, 2014
Oh man, what is with the Amanda love? That outfit was terrible. No one wants to wear a jumpsuit with a weird overcoat thing on the red carpet. Thankfully Zac hasn't drank the producer provided Amanda love potion.
posted by Arbac at 11:24 AM on September 5, 2014 [7 favorites]
posted by Arbac at 11:24 AM on September 5, 2014 [7 favorites]
I think Alexander should have gone home for his crumpled garbage bag couture, but when you're the only fan favorite (how is that? He gets so little screen time), they're going to keep you.
Kini was so sure he'd win for that Vanna White As Venus, Goddess Of Love ensemble. I think Tim may be a little sad that he used his one save on Char, who made a low-rent bridal gown.
Amanda must have promised endless Maroon 5 tickets to the producers. Why else would a bathrobe made out of tissue paper and a Love Boat jumpsuit be in the top?
posted by xingcat at 11:40 AM on September 5, 2014
Kini was so sure he'd win for that Vanna White As Venus, Goddess Of Love ensemble. I think Tim may be a little sad that he used his one save on Char, who made a low-rent bridal gown.
Amanda must have promised endless Maroon 5 tickets to the producers. Why else would a bathrobe made out of tissue paper and a Love Boat jumpsuit be in the top?
posted by xingcat at 11:40 AM on September 5, 2014
I'm glad that Tim used his save. His comment last week about how he would have saved her if it was a few weeks down the road was just such a dick move. If you're not going to use the save, you don't mention that you could save someone but won't for reasons.
So the fact that he thought about it and changed his mind made me happy. I don't want to think of Tim Gunn as being a jerk.
This is still the worst season ever.
posted by Arbac at 12:01 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
So the fact that he thought about it and changed his mind made me happy. I don't want to think of Tim Gunn as being a jerk.
This is still the worst season ever.
posted by Arbac at 12:01 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
This is still the worst season ever.
Agreed. There's no-one who seems to have both the design aesthetic and the technical skill to pull ahead of the pack, as Michelle and Dmitry did in the past. And seriously, are the judges all on crack (except for Zac), falling over themselves to heap praise on that pile of shit Amanda created? It looked like something Peggy Bundy would wear if she went scuba diving.
Korinna deserved to win in an episode where, for me, nobody stood out. Korinna's design was at least different and the necklace looked good against the black dress. Even Fade produced a lacklustre and boring garment this week. Emily needs to learn that not everything needs a hood.
I actually liked the idea of Alexander's dress, and that fabric could've worked if he'd chosen a better colour to go with the pink tourmaline, edited his design and tidied up his execution of it.
So Amanda stays, and is in the top 3, and Whatshername (what is her name, you know, Whatshername?) was sent home for a dress that, although boring, was at least wearable.
posted by essexjan at 1:27 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
Agreed. There's no-one who seems to have both the design aesthetic and the technical skill to pull ahead of the pack, as Michelle and Dmitry did in the past. And seriously, are the judges all on crack (except for Zac), falling over themselves to heap praise on that pile of shit Amanda created? It looked like something Peggy Bundy would wear if she went scuba diving.
Korinna deserved to win in an episode where, for me, nobody stood out. Korinna's design was at least different and the necklace looked good against the black dress. Even Fade produced a lacklustre and boring garment this week. Emily needs to learn that not everything needs a hood.
I actually liked the idea of Alexander's dress, and that fabric could've worked if he'd chosen a better colour to go with the pink tourmaline, edited his design and tidied up his execution of it.
So Amanda stays, and is in the top 3, and Whatshername (what is her name, you know, Whatshername?) was sent home for a dress that, although boring, was at least wearable.
posted by essexjan at 1:27 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
Dear Kini,
Enough with the neoprene.
That is all.
posted by Weeping_angel at 1:51 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
Enough with the neoprene.
That is all.
posted by Weeping_angel at 1:51 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
The designers need more time! Freaking stop with the one day challenges already! The gowns would've been so much more interesting if they had more than one single day for the challenge. I actually quite liked Sandhya's dress, if it was long, I think she might have been in the top. Samantha's dress looked like something out of the department store - yawn.
posted by travelwithcats at 1:53 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by travelwithcats at 1:53 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
Yes, the necklace looked good on Korina's black dress, but that neckline was distracting and awkward and detracted from the necklace. The coat may have been well-made, but it clashed with the necklace. Good on her for trying something different, but I don't think it successfully met the challenge, and it should not have been a winning look.
posted by MsVader at 2:39 PM on September 5, 2014
posted by MsVader at 2:39 PM on September 5, 2014
Sandhya's material looked horrible on the bolt but I liked the finished garment okay although it overpowered her jewelry. Did not like the black sequin appliqués coming to a V in the back though, that looked tacky.
I don't think anyone actually thought Char deserved to come back. She's a nice person but design-wise, she's not that interesting. It was more about Tim realizing his comment was rude and wanting to make amends.
Fade's dress, in that brief moment on the runway when we were able to see it, was puzzling in that it looked like a casual sun dress from the front. I just read that he used seersucker, man he was lucky there. I think if he'd come in front of the judges, he would've gotten some grief for that. But he continues to make superb garments with no fuss. Expecting BIG THINGS from him at FW.
Very disappointed in Kimi's construction this week. It wasn't just the boob cups, the entire bodice was poorly made.
Sean made another smart gown to fit the challenge. He's good at identifying what needs to be done to satisfy the parameters and getting it done in the time allotted (heh) ... but will he fall apart when he can literally do *anything* for his collection? So many contestants are overwhelmed by the tyranny of the blank mannequin.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:50 PM on September 5, 2014
I don't think anyone actually thought Char deserved to come back. She's a nice person but design-wise, she's not that interesting. It was more about Tim realizing his comment was rude and wanting to make amends.
Fade's dress, in that brief moment on the runway when we were able to see it, was puzzling in that it looked like a casual sun dress from the front. I just read that he used seersucker, man he was lucky there. I think if he'd come in front of the judges, he would've gotten some grief for that. But he continues to make superb garments with no fuss. Expecting BIG THINGS from him at FW.
Very disappointed in Kimi's construction this week. It wasn't just the boob cups, the entire bodice was poorly made.
Sean made another smart gown to fit the challenge. He's good at identifying what needs to be done to satisfy the parameters and getting it done in the time allotted (heh) ... but will he fall apart when he can literally do *anything* for his collection? So many contestants are overwhelmed by the tyranny of the blank mannequin.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:50 PM on September 5, 2014
If I only had one day to make a frickin' gala gown, and then Tim wanted us to all waste part of that one day to go on field trip? I'd probably throw the fit to top all fits. How long does it take them to get to the museum, then go to Mood, then finally get back and actually start sewing. The one day challenges are bad enough, but to take even more time away? No wonder you're not getting amazing looks. (Alexander's could have been amazing, if he had more time. I think a lot of them could have.)
posted by Weeping_angel at 3:06 PM on September 5, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Weeping_angel at 3:06 PM on September 5, 2014 [1 favorite]
If it was all actually done in one day, they must've started shooting the challenge intro around 3 a.m. 6 a.m. at the museum! 8 a.m. at Mood! Sewing by 9 or 9:30! That is the only way any of it makes sense in my mind.
WHAT is with the Amanda Kool-Aid? NOBODY WANTS TO LOOK LIKE THAT, not even the "daring"- would Rhianna wear something like that? No, she'd wear something that was actually sexy. Please. Come on.
I want Kini's diamond ring. WANT WANT WANT.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:36 PM on September 5, 2014
WHAT is with the Amanda Kool-Aid? NOBODY WANTS TO LOOK LIKE THAT, not even the "daring"- would Rhianna wear something like that? No, she'd wear something that was actually sexy. Please. Come on.
I want Kini's diamond ring. WANT WANT WANT.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:36 PM on September 5, 2014
Fashion Week final three spoiler-- eh, go look for it if you must, certainly not what I expected. Looks like it's going to be an upsetting season.
posted by provoliminal at 7:01 PM on September 5, 2014
posted by provoliminal at 7:01 PM on September 5, 2014
Tom and Lorenzo have the runway designs from Fashion Week. I was surprised by how uneven they were - some surprisingly good and some awful. I mistook some of the designers' work for Amanda's pieces.....
posted by viggorlijah at 9:15 PM on September 5, 2014
posted by viggorlijah at 9:15 PM on September 5, 2014
AMANDA THERE IS NOTHING PUNK ROCK ABOUT CHARLES JAMES. Girl bye.
posted by en forme de poire at 10:08 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by en forme de poire at 10:08 PM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]
Please keep the spoilers away from this thread. Thank you!
posted by travelwithcats at 2:35 AM on September 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by travelwithcats at 2:35 AM on September 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
If it was all actually done in one day, they must've started shooting the challenge intro around 3 a.m. 6 a.m. at the museum! 8 a.m. at Mood! Sewing by 9 or 9:30! That is the only way any of it makes sense in my mind.
I think a one day challenge normally means they have about 10-12 hours of working time. Since they have two hours the day of the runway, that leaves nine hours for day one. They stop at 11pm, so I guess they start working somewhere between noon and 2pm.
posted by bjrn at 2:42 AM on September 6, 2014
I think a one day challenge normally means they have about 10-12 hours of working time. Since they have two hours the day of the runway, that leaves nine hours for day one. They stop at 11pm, so I guess they start working somewhere between noon and 2pm.
posted by bjrn at 2:42 AM on September 6, 2014
Cannot take these ridiculous one day challenges anymore. Why do they exist. Do designers have only a day to design something in the real world? No. Just fucking stop it, PR. The results are always hideous and I need you to stop.
Does anyone else want to scream when Tim Gunn goes into the workroom and just keeps talking and talking and talking when there's a one day challenge (in other words, every week) and you can just see the designers willing themselves not to scream GO AWAY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD every time? Maybe it's just me and I can't take the pressure, even vicariously. It's like watching Chopped and there's 2 minutes left and the chef hasn't even gone to get his/her plates yet and Tim Allen saunters by and tries to leisurely chat them up to talk about what they're doing. I get stabbity.
I'm loving the designs of Fade, Alexander, and sorta kinda Kini more every week. I hope one of them takes it. Preferably Fade or Alexander.
posted by the webmistress at 10:59 AM on September 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Does anyone else want to scream when Tim Gunn goes into the workroom and just keeps talking and talking and talking when there's a one day challenge (in other words, every week) and you can just see the designers willing themselves not to scream GO AWAY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD every time? Maybe it's just me and I can't take the pressure, even vicariously. It's like watching Chopped and there's 2 minutes left and the chef hasn't even gone to get his/her plates yet and Tim Allen saunters by and tries to leisurely chat them up to talk about what they're doing. I get stabbity.
I'm loving the designs of Fade, Alexander, and sorta kinda Kini more every week. I hope one of them takes it. Preferably Fade or Alexander.
posted by the webmistress at 10:59 AM on September 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
TED Allen. Not Tim.
Although he might be there too.
posted by the webmistress at 3:23 PM on September 6, 2014
Although he might be there too.
posted by the webmistress at 3:23 PM on September 6, 2014
Okay, I know I have a weakness for pretty shiny stones, but even still, would it have killed them to at least provide a brief description of the jewellery pieces? Most of the designers didn't have a clue of what they had chosen--the majority of them just kept talking about the diamonds as they didn't know what the other gemstones were. As for myself, given how little screen time or real estate some of the pieces got, I was driving myself crazy trying to play ID the gemstone: is that blue-blue (sapphire) or red-blue (tanzanite), pigeon-blood red (ruby) or pinkish-red (rubelite)? If you're going to tempt me with expensive jewellery, then you'd better use it to its best advantage. And if you're there to shill your wares, then answer honestly when you're asked point-blank how much that necklace is.
As for the designs, I'm with the majority: I'd like to see longer challenges. I think then we might get some better-constructed garments.
I really hated the blanket coat. it was awful, just awful. The jumpsuit was fine, but I the white flimsy over-coat was just terrible. The white neoprene dress had potential, and actually, so did that grey gathered piece that hid the necklace.
I've only seen the last three episodes, so I may be missing out glorious pieces from earlier, but I can't see any reason for bringing Char back.
posted by sardonyx at 8:47 PM on September 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
As for the designs, I'm with the majority: I'd like to see longer challenges. I think then we might get some better-constructed garments.
I really hated the blanket coat. it was awful, just awful. The jumpsuit was fine, but I the white flimsy over-coat was just terrible. The white neoprene dress had potential, and actually, so did that grey gathered piece that hid the necklace.
I've only seen the last three episodes, so I may be missing out glorious pieces from earlier, but I can't see any reason for bringing Char back.
posted by sardonyx at 8:47 PM on September 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
If Fade doesn't start getting into the top pronto I will be very cross.
posted by en forme de poire at 2:00 AM on September 7, 2014
posted by en forme de poire at 2:00 AM on September 7, 2014
I've only seen the last three episodes, so I may be missing out glorious pieces from earlier, but I can't see any reason for bringing Char back.
No, Char hasn't made anything particularly exciting (except maybe in the first episode?). I think Tim just liked her, and maybe realized that his "In a few weeks I would have saved you" comment wasn't the greatest parting statement. Last season he saved Justin who up until then hadn't produced anything particularly noteworthy either, but everyone (including Tim) really liked him.
Does anyone else want to scream when Tim Gunn goes into the workroom and just keeps talking and talking and talking
I always love Tim's round of critiques. It lets me hear a bit more about why they're doing what they're doing; the talking heads are mostly about what they're doing. And I think it frequently gives the designers a fresh perspective.
I think another reason this runway was mostly a snooze fest wasn't just the one-day issue, but also that they had to design to highlight an accessory. I think they mostly didn't want to risk overpowering the jewelry and just went plain. Alexander may have been in the bottom, but at least he tried for some drama. And while I didn't like the black on black of Korina's jewelry/dress combo, I thought the coat worked well.
By the way, during Alexander's juding, did anyone else notice Zac's self-congratulatory smile towards the Chopard woman when he said that he hadn't been able to see the whole necklace? "Oh, was there a stone there? I didn't see it!" Yeah, sure, Zac. Whatever.
posted by bjrn at 3:26 AM on September 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
No, Char hasn't made anything particularly exciting (except maybe in the first episode?). I think Tim just liked her, and maybe realized that his "In a few weeks I would have saved you" comment wasn't the greatest parting statement. Last season he saved Justin who up until then hadn't produced anything particularly noteworthy either, but everyone (including Tim) really liked him.
Does anyone else want to scream when Tim Gunn goes into the workroom and just keeps talking and talking and talking
I always love Tim's round of critiques. It lets me hear a bit more about why they're doing what they're doing; the talking heads are mostly about what they're doing. And I think it frequently gives the designers a fresh perspective.
I think another reason this runway was mostly a snooze fest wasn't just the one-day issue, but also that they had to design to highlight an accessory. I think they mostly didn't want to risk overpowering the jewelry and just went plain. Alexander may have been in the bottom, but at least he tried for some drama. And while I didn't like the black on black of Korina's jewelry/dress combo, I thought the coat worked well.
By the way, during Alexander's juding, did anyone else notice Zac's self-congratulatory smile towards the Chopard woman when he said that he hadn't been able to see the whole necklace? "Oh, was there a stone there? I didn't see it!" Yeah, sure, Zac. Whatever.
posted by bjrn at 3:26 AM on September 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
As someone who doesn't care for bling, I thought they provided a good look on each jewelry piece while the designers picked their favorite to work with. Had they mentioned more details (stone, setting , etc.) the process would have been too long, for the average viewer.
I also like Tim's critiques, partly because they reveal details of the work process. And I am more interested in the design and construction than in drama or the judges lamenting. Furthermore, I believe that a chat with Tim Gunn can really help bring clarity if someone is struggling. He really knows his stuff.
As for Kini going for neoprene - it's just such an easy fabric to work with. It just needs to be cut and sewn together, edges don't need to be finished. That's his time saving secret.
posted by travelwithcats at 4:34 AM on September 7, 2014
I also like Tim's critiques, partly because they reveal details of the work process. And I am more interested in the design and construction than in drama or the judges lamenting. Furthermore, I believe that a chat with Tim Gunn can really help bring clarity if someone is struggling. He really knows his stuff.
As for Kini going for neoprene - it's just such an easy fabric to work with. It just needs to be cut and sewn together, edges don't need to be finished. That's his time saving secret.
posted by travelwithcats at 4:34 AM on September 7, 2014
Another issue was that the quantity of the jewelry varied: Sean and Alexander had big honkin' necklaces, Amanda had a bracelet that was practically invisible. Samantha had a watch fer crissakes.
And no one was allowed to go near them before the models wore them on the runway. Which precluded innovative wearing options, i.e. down the back or on the forehead or in the hair.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 6:42 AM on September 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
And no one was allowed to go near them before the models wore them on the runway. Which precluded innovative wearing options, i.e. down the back or on the forehead or in the hair.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 6:42 AM on September 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
As for Kini going for neoprene - it's just such an easy fabric to work with. It just needs to be cut and sewn together, edges don't need to be finished. That's his time saving secret.
I was wondering why everyone was so into neoprene these last few seasons! That makes sense (and I know abs. nothing about sewing so I really appreciate this comment).
posted by en forme de poire at 11:01 AM on September 7, 2014
I was wondering why everyone was so into neoprene these last few seasons! That makes sense (and I know abs. nothing about sewing so I really appreciate this comment).
posted by en forme de poire at 11:01 AM on September 7, 2014
By the way, during Alexander's juding, did anyone else notice Zac's self-congratulatory smile towards the Chopard woman when he said that he hadn't been able to see the whole necklace? "Oh, was there a stone there? I didn't see it!" Yeah, sure, Zac. Whatever.
Hell yes. He looked around at the other judges to see their reactions to his comment. He was so pleased with himself.
posted by the webmistress at 12:50 PM on September 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Hell yes. He looked around at the other judges to see their reactions to his comment. He was so pleased with himself.
posted by the webmistress at 12:50 PM on September 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
And no one was allowed to go near them before the models wore them on the runway. Which precluded innovative wearing options, i.e. down the back or on the forehead or in the hair.
Yes! I too thought that at least one of those necklaces would have been beautiful draped down a bare back, or worn around the hips. Not one designer did anything unexpected with them but it is understandable given that they couldn't handle them or get a feel for length, etc.
posted by the webmistress at 12:52 PM on September 7, 2014
Yes! I too thought that at least one of those necklaces would have been beautiful draped down a bare back, or worn around the hips. Not one designer did anything unexpected with them but it is understandable given that they couldn't handle them or get a feel for length, etc.
posted by the webmistress at 12:52 PM on September 7, 2014
I enjoyed Tim telling Kini to make the white dress longer, and Heidi saying at panel, no no, shorter! Because of course Heidi would.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:30 AM on September 8, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:30 AM on September 8, 2014 [4 favorites]
I seriously do not understand Amanda: The Gretchening. The jumpsuit looked like something right out of Grease, and actually the whole outfit was not unlike Amanda's outfit from the bottomless fries challenge -- organza over a cris-crossed strappy black thing.
If the judges hated that outfit, what changed? Why did they like this one? I thought, as this week's jumpsuit came down the runway, "Oh, the judges are just going to jump her. They're going to tackle her to the ground, wrap her in an organza tarp, and dump her into the East River."
I should apparently not attempt to predict what will happen on this show.
posted by brina at 1:28 PM on September 8, 2014 [3 favorites]
If the judges hated that outfit, what changed? Why did they like this one? I thought, as this week's jumpsuit came down the runway, "Oh, the judges are just going to jump her. They're going to tackle her to the ground, wrap her in an organza tarp, and dump her into the East River."
I should apparently not attempt to predict what will happen on this show.
posted by brina at 1:28 PM on September 8, 2014 [3 favorites]
Amanda's jumpsuit with the organza coat did (slightly) resemble a hostess gown from the 50s. I didn't hate it. The similar look that the judges disliked was in Episode 3 which was "20 years into the future" aka "day after tomorrow".
I remember she was trying to work heart shapes into the pattern pieces but she abandoned that. It didn't showcase the bracelet but then it was small bracelet. Not even matching earrings to up the bling factor.
Organza is tough to sew, no? Shreds like a bastard. All the seams have to be French seams, unless they have a serger in the workroom?
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:32 PM on September 8, 2014
I remember she was trying to work heart shapes into the pattern pieces but she abandoned that. It didn't showcase the bracelet but then it was small bracelet. Not even matching earrings to up the bling factor.
Organza is tough to sew, no? Shreds like a bastard. All the seams have to be French seams, unless they have a serger in the workroom?
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:32 PM on September 8, 2014
They've had a serger in previous seasons, so I'm guessing they have one now as well.
posted by bjrn at 11:30 PM on September 8, 2014
posted by bjrn at 11:30 PM on September 8, 2014
I'm pretty sure I sure a serger in the most recent episode.
posted by drezdn at 6:46 AM on September 9, 2014
posted by drezdn at 6:46 AM on September 9, 2014
I know in seasons 1-12 the workroom was actually at Parsons. Parsons has since moved into a new building for their fashion program and I don't know if they moved the Project Runway workroom with them, but I would assume they did.
Since it's at an actual fashion school the work room would have everything a typical fashion school work room would have. Lots of single needle industrial machines, a few sergers, a few buttonhole machines, maybe one or two coverstitch machines, and maybe one blindstitch machines. My school, with significantly less money and equipment than Parsons has everything in each workroom except the blindstitch machine. There are a few on campus, but they're not in every work room.
Here's a nice retrospective on the various ways the Parsons building has been used over the years, including mention of Project Runway.
posted by Arbac at 6:19 PM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
Since it's at an actual fashion school the work room would have everything a typical fashion school work room would have. Lots of single needle industrial machines, a few sergers, a few buttonhole machines, maybe one or two coverstitch machines, and maybe one blindstitch machines. My school, with significantly less money and equipment than Parsons has everything in each workroom except the blindstitch machine. There are a few on campus, but they're not in every work room.
Here's a nice retrospective on the various ways the Parsons building has been used over the years, including mention of Project Runway.
posted by Arbac at 6:19 PM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
And lets not forget how they always advertise the complete Brother sewing and embroidery studio.
posted by travelwithcats at 7:35 PM on September 9, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 7:35 PM on September 9, 2014
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posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:12 AM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]