Tonight On BPR

Photo: Mark Yonskie

How cute is Tim Gunn soliciting on the sidewalk?

We are really excited for tonight's episode of Project Runway as we had several BPR readers in attendance at this Designer Showcase Event, voting on their favorite looks from tonight's challenge. Now they all had to sign a confidentiality agreement to take part in this, so we don't have any juicy details but we should hear more of their stories tonight. We do know that the challenge is to re-design bridesmaid dresses and that PR veteran Cynthia Rowley takes another turn in the guest judge's chair. Here's what's in store:

• BPR's play-by-play/party room goes live at 8:30 p.m. ET. Tbone and suzq will be on hand to provide the play by play coverage of Epiosde 6 and everyone is welcome to join the party as we watch together. We should have some inside scoop tonight from Mark Y. and others that participated in this episode.
• After the show is over make sure to tell us what you thought in our weekly reactions post. Did the judges make the right call? This is your chance to let loose.

It is going to be tough to top last week's drama, but we can't wait to see what happens next. See you tonight on BPR!

Results In - You Were the Judge Episode 5

Our polls for Episode 5 are closed. You agreed with the judges and felt that Casanova deserved the win. Click here to see the results. You disagreed with the judges and thought that Gretchen should have been the 'auf.' Click here to see the results.

Check back with us tomorrow for our Episode 6 poll.

Images courtesy of ProjectRunway.com.

There is Still Time...

Photo: ProjectRunway.com.

There is still time to bid in the episode 5 auctions. Right now, Christopher's design has the highest bid. Click here to place your bid.

There is also time to vote in the episode 5 poll. Did you agree with the judges last week? Click here for the poll....

News from Tim Gunn

First, Tim's exit interview with AJ Thouvenot,

Next, click here for some "serious dish" from Tim Gunn in the New York Daily News.

Nick Verreos on TV Guide Emmys 2010 Fashion Wrap

Amanda's Take - Season 8 - Episode 5

Project Runway Season Three model, Amanda Fields returns with her "model's Take" on episode 5.

Isn't it a beautiful thing when a model can come to her designer's aid in the midst of a crisis of inspiration? Casanova's model, Sarae gave him a pep talk from her heart. She knew that for him to be able to finish his work he needed to be confident. She is my favorite model this week because she showed compassion and talent! I am sure the other models are nice too - and will get their chance to shine in this way.

Click here to continue.

Episode 5 Trivia Contest

BPRs it has been a while since I have been inspired to create a trivia contest. This one was so rich with delicious details that I couldn't resist.

I have a season five DVD signed by Tim Gunn for the prize. (Thanks Mark Y!)

Please do not leave your answers in the comments, e-mail to Team BPR. The first person to get all of the answers is the winner.

1. After comparing Gretchen to Hitler, April predicts that she will "put her _____ on everything the team does."

2. On day one of the challenge, what color are Mondo's glasses?

3. What color are Peach's glasses?

4. Which designer is the designated "notion boy?"

5. What phrase is tattooed on AJ's back?

6. Which designer invented a new technique: The "blousonted" sleeve? :)

7. What is the name of Casanova's aunt?

8. What color is the top that Heidi wears for the runway judging?

9. Which designer wears a stuffed red heart for the runway judging?

10. Which designer predicts, "I'm going home."

Bonus Question: On the runway, Mondo is wearing a figural pin of what animal on his lapel? You don't have to answer this to win - it's just for fun.

Update: We have a winner! Congratulations to Jennifer L! I will post the answers in the comments.

Whopper Of The Week

Photo: Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Networks

We just couldn't let this one pass by without comment. When Andy South asked the judges to base their decision on what they knew of the designers, CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award winner (how pretentious is that introduction each week?) Michael Kors had this to say:

"You know that's not how it works. This isn't about past history. It's about what we are looking at today. That's the truth."

Really, Michael? Anyone who has watched Project Runway for more than 10 minutes knows what utter crap that line was. Chloe Dao won Season 2 based on past history. How many times has Heidi asked "Who do we want to see more from?" in the judges deliberation? Did Gretchen's two wins really not factor in your decision at all?

Michael, please don't think that award gives you license to bully these young designers with nonsense. We love you for your snarky, accurate evaluations of the designs. But don't insult the intelligence of Project Runway fans by trying to make us think you start with a blank slate every week. Of course past history plays a part in your decisions, this is fashion. And this certainly isn't our first time at the rodeo.

Episode 6 Preview Video

Don't Cry For Me, Casanova

Nearly lost in all of the Gretchen and Tim Gunn drama from Episode 5 was Casanova's "major, major, MAY-JOR diva moment", as Valerie put it. Sleep deprived and stung by a mild Tim Gunn criticism, Casanova laid down on the lounge sofa and had himself a good cry.

"I'm on the verge to loose my mind!" he wailed, as a parade of team mates tries to console him. "I'm even getting FAT!" Valerie, Michael D and Peach all tried to hold his hand yet it looked as if he was getting close to walking off the show. Credit must be given to his model Sarae Cart, who looks half his age yet became the wise elder and gave Casanova the inspiration to carry on. (And did you notice that it was Michael C. from the other team that encouraged Sarae to talk to him?)

It was a classic Project Runway "Make It Work" moment for Casanova. He busted out a fabulous pair of white pants to go with his lace top to take home the win and immunity for the next challenge. So good was Episode 5 that this scene took a backseat to the drama to come. But let's offer some late congratulations to Casanova. He turned adversity into something beautiful and it is those moments that make us love this show so much.

Tim Gunn Cameo At The Emmy's

The 2010 Emmy Awards did a funny send up of Glee in the open last night that featured a cameo from Tim Gunn. Check him out at the 1:53 mark.

Heidi At The Emmys

Photos: WireImage

Heidi Klum poses on the red carpet at the 2010 Emmy Awards in a Marchesa dress with husband Seal at her side. Project Runway is nominated again in the Outstanding Reality Competition category.

Shiny, tight and short - just the way she likes it!

Update: Click here for a closer look from Nick Verreos.

Recapalooza!

When you get great material, you get great recaps:

TLo's Thirty-ThreeFaces of Gretchen deserves special mention this week...
You just know Uncle Nicky loved the dram-dram...
Eric3000 reaches a milestone...
Laura Bennett goes to bat for Gretchen...
JordanBaker kinda likes Tim Gunn...
Maxthegirl thinks Gretchen will rebound...
Carol Hannah knows past history counts...
Second City Style has all the best quotes...
The Democracy Diva is all about the design...
Katnap has the Queen Bees and The Wannaees...
Elisa must have been watching a different show...
And Toyouke was all over it...

Thank you recappers! If you have a recap to share e-mail the link to Team BPR. See you next week!


Update: Click here for Miz Shoes.

Click here for Brigitte.

Thank you recappers!

Wekend News from Althea Harper, Michael Drummond, and Nina Garcia

Click image to enlarge

Althea Harper is showing her SS11 collection on September 15th.

Click here for a new interview with Michael Drummond from stltoday.

Click here for a new interview with Nina Garcia.

Episode 5 Online - "There IS an "I" in Team

Click here to watch.

Attention Phoenix-Area Fashion Students

"Sew From the Heart" is sponsoring a fashion design competition worthy of any aspiring Project Runway contestant.




The "Love to Sew Runway Challenge" is open to all fashion students and takes place September 24 - 26th. Good luck designers, see you on the runway!
Click here for more information.

BPR Interview with AJ Thouvenot

Project Runway Season 8 designer AJ Thouvenot talks about his experience on the show. A highlight: AJ was "shocked" at Tim Gunn's take-down of Gretchen after his elimination.

Click here for the podcast.

Click here for Trashbiscuit.

Thank you AJ!

Gretchen To The Rescue

At 9:47 p.m. ET last night, a simple question was asked in the Epiosde 5 play by play/party post. "How are they going to fill the next 45 minutes?" The designs were completed and they were heading off to the runway at the half way point. Could there really be enough material left that would make us want to hang around until the end?

For two-plus seasons now we've heard the fan complaints about the Lifetime/Bunim-Murray production of Project Runway. The show has been stale, there is a lack of story telling, there is too much drama and too little design, there is too much design and not enough drama! In an attempt to allow more time in the workroom and on the runway, they made the huge leap to 90 minutes for S8. Going into last night's episode, the extended format has been met with yawns. Enter Gretchen Jones.

Gretchen's backpedalling meltdown on the runway will go down as one of the classic moments of the entire series. What started out as a "collaborative" and "united" effort (buffeted by Oscar-worthy fake tears) quickly devolved into a "crappy collection" where "grandma arrived" and "everybody sucked". As soon as the judges started pressing her, she folded like a cheap luxe suit, led the charge to throw Michael C. under the bus and prompted Tim to deliver a stirring post-game smackdown.

The reaction to all of this has been cray-cray. Gretchen has angered plenty of fans but also has her fair share of defenders. Love her or hate her, she has everyone talking today and provided dramatic gold that even Bunim-Murray couldn't screw up. Who can't wait to see what happens next? She just may have single-handedly saved Season 8.

Poll - Episode 5 - Your Turn to be the Judge

Top (l-r) Team Luxe: A.J., Andy, Christopher, Michael C., Ivy and Gretchen
Bottom (l-r) Team M&L: April, Casanova, Michael D., Mondo, Peach and Valerie

Click for a larger view. All photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com

You've seen the designs on the runway and now it's your turn to be the judges. This week you are Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Georgina Chapman.

Click here to tell us who should have won.

Click here to tell us who should have been auf'd.

From the Mailbox

Click here for a "behind-the-scenes" tour of the Project Runway set with Heidi Klum.

Click here for Heidi's favorite things.

Click here for a new interview with AJ Thouvenot.

Click here for an episode 4 recap from GirlyShoes.