Thursday, September 30, 2010

Reactions To Episode 10

Photo: Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Television

It was an emotional night on Project Runway filled with drama and design. Some questions were answered and others were not. And with each elimination the stakes get higher as we edge closer to the Fashion Week finale. What did you think? Post your reactions to Episode 10 here.

BPR Live Play-By-Play/Party: Episode 10

From the Mailbox

According to Page Six, Heidi Klum is leaving Victoria's Secret.



Project Runway Season 6 Champion, Irina Shabayeva will be in Darien CT for a charity fashion event on October 7th. Click here for more information.

Click here for a new interview with Ivy Higa.

Pamela Ptak and Kristin Haskins Sims are among the designers showing collections at Philadelphia Fashion Week on October 9th. Click here for more information.

Anthony Williams will be at Macy's Union Square on October 14th. Click here for more information.

Tonight On BPR

Photo: Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Television


See, the life of a Project Runway designer doesn't look all that difficult, does it? Enjoy it while you can April, because tonight should be a doozy.

If the previews for Episode 10 are any indication, this promises to be an evening filled with drama. Accusations of cheating, a heart wrenching confession and visits from home - its all so delicious. Oh, there might even be room for a little design in there somewhere as well. We can't wait! You know we are all over this one:

  • Tbone and suzq will be hosting BPR's weekly play-by-play/party room beginning at 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in the fun as we snark our way through another new episode of Project Runway.
  • After Heidi kisses another designer goodbye, tell us what you thought in our reactions thread, posted immediately after the show.

It should be a very interesting evening for Project Runway fans and you don't want to miss it. We'll see you tonight on BPR!

Results In - You Were the Judge Episode 9

Our polls for Episode 9 are closed. You concurred with the judges and felt that Mondo Guerra deserved the win. Click here to see the results. You also agreed with the judges and felt that Ivy should have been the 'auf.' Click here to see the results.

Check back with us tomorrow for our Episode 10 poll.


Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Nikolaki - Spring 2011 - Preview

Nick Verreos generously offers a sneak peek of several of the designs from his upcoming show. Italicized lines are quotes from Nick's note to BPR.


First is Amanda Fields in a Turquoise Silk Zibeline Gown w/ hand-beaded jeweled neckline.



Next is Eugena Washington--model from America's Next Top Model--Second Runner Up, Cycle 7!!!--she's wearing a Byzantine-colored Silk Zibeline mini strapless dress--a mini version of the gown Samatha Harris wore on "Dancing With The Stars"!

I'm also attaching a photo of our NIKOLAKI "mascot," Benny, hanging out in our store-front Atelier window (drapes closed because of the fittings!)

Also, I just realized that actually we will have TWO Project Runway Models: Amanda Fields and Holly Ridings (of Models of The Runway Season 2) of course! (I love those 6'2" girls!!!)



Thank you Nick and David!

News from Irina Shabayeva, Tim Gunn and Nick Verreos

Enjoy this video presentation from Irina Shabayeva's Spring 2011 Show.

Irina Shabayeva Spring 2011 from Aris Ziagos on Vimeo.


Click here for a new podcast interview with Tim Gunn from The Strip. Tim Gunn starts at about the 31-minute mark. Thanks Bay!

Here is more information about Tim's visit to Vegas on October 2nd.

Here's a look at Style Week OC from Nick Verreos.

Click here
for a great recap of episode 9 from Democracy Diva.

BPR Podcast with Nick Verreos

Rita de Acosta Lydig by Giovanni Boldini


Nick is preparing for his Spring/Summer 2011 Nikolaki OC Style Week show on Friday night at the Irvine Spectrum Center. I was curious about his collection and he generously agreed to an interview. Thank you Nick!

Highlights: The muse for this collection is Rita de Acosta Lydig.

Also, Amanda Fields will be opening the show, and there will also be two models from "America's Next Top Model."

The show is open to the public.

Click here
for the podcast.

Episode 10 "Extended" Preview Video

There is Still Time...


There is still time to bid on the episode 9 garments. Right now Mondo's winning design has the highest price. Click here to see all of the auctions.

There is also still time to vote in our episode 9 poll. Did you agree with the judges?

Our "Allegations of Cheating" poll is also still open.

Thank you BPRs!

News from Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn

Heidi Klum is gorgeous in a Roberto Cavalli gown at amfAR Milano 2010 Red Carpet during Milan Fashion Week September 27th.

Photo: Zunino Celotto/WireImage



Check out this behind-the-scenes video from People.com. A highlight: During breaks, Heidi enjoys tickling Tim Gunn....

Click here for more.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

All Nick Verreos - All The Time



Actress Nicole Ari Parker Looks gorgeous in a Nikolaki gown! Click here for more information about the event.

Nick also headlines the Style Week Orange County Show on Friday night in Irvine. Click here for more information.

Nick has also been busy on his Macy's tour! Click here for more.


News from Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia



Tim Gunn served up drinks as a celebrity bartender for a charity event in Washington DC. Click here for more information, and watch this excellent video interview.



Click here for a new interview with Nina Garcia.

A highlight: NG: "Well, you have to wait until this season's over, but I do think the winner of this season could very well have the same kind of stamina that Christian has."

Episode 9 Trivia Contest


1. What phrase is on the front of Christopher's red t-shirt?

2. Christopher's regular model is named ____. The name of his second model in this challenge is ___.

3. What number is featured on Valerie's top?

4. What is the "one thing" that Ivy is "very concerned about" during the first shopping trip to Mood?

5. Andy wants his model, Cassie, to look like a _______.

6. How much time do the designers have to shop during their second trip to Mood?

7. In the rush to finish on runway day, which designer is shown using a glue gun?

8. Whose black and white bag is left on Ivy's table in the workroom?

9. The name of Andy's second model is _____. She previously walked for which season 8 designer?

10. Whose dress did Michael Kors say was "like a Xanax?"

The prize for this contest is a copy of Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion.

The first person to answer all questions correctly is the winner.

Please send your answers to Team BPR. Thank you for playing!


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

What Mondo Wore - Episode 9






Mondo's wardrobe never disappoints and episode 9 was a treasure trove of Mondo looks. Once again Kenda makes a close examination of the details of his wardrobe and even suggests how to add a touch of Mondo-ness to our own wardrobes.

Click here for the full post.

Monday, September 27, 2010

"Allegations of Cheating" Polls



This is purely speculation and just for fun! Please feel free to submit your theories in the comments.

Update: Thank you, Rachel!

News From Tim Gunn, Jay McCarroll and Jennifer Diederich



Project Runway Season Five designer, Jennifer Diederich will be presenting her latest collection tomorrow night. See the flyer above for details.

Attention Frisco, Texas: Tim Gunn will be at the JCPenney at Stonebriar Centre on Wednesday, September 29th at 6PM. Click here for more information.

Jay McCarroll will be a featured "International Guest Designer" at the 2010 "Islands of the World" fashion week November 11 - 13 at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, Bahamas. Click here for more information. It looks GORGEOUS.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Nicholas D'Aurizio Fall 2010

Project Runway Season 8 designer, Nicholas D'Aurizio presenteded his Fall 2010 Collection last night at Eight Bond Studio in NYC and BPR Field Reporter Kenda Nunez sends us this fabulous report.





Nicholas D'Aurizio, showed his Fall 2010 Collection on September 25th in New York. The collection was feminine, fun and daring. There were beautiful open-back dresses as well as some with cutouts. He utilized a lot of lace and peppered the whole thing with some fun capelets. The audience applauded his finale dress - a white long ethereal gown.

Click here to listen to Kenda's interview with the designer.

Click here for the Nicolena website.

Click here for more photos from the show.

Thank you Nicholas, and thank you Kenda!


News From Nina Garcia and Leanne Marshall



Project Runway Season 5 Champion, Leanne Marshall will be at Westfield Southcenter in Seattle on October 8th and 9th. Click here for more information.

Click here
for a fresh interview with Nina Garcia. A highlight:

Garcia not only stands by the controversial "PR" judging, but says the upcoming winner may be Christian Siriano-level talented.

"I think the winner just might have what it takes," she hints.


Check out "The new, improved Project Runway" from the Los Angeles Times. Thanks Eric.

Episode 10 Preview



The Episode 10 preview promises plenty of drama. "Heartwrenching confessions break the runway"; "Scandals destroy the workroom", an accusation about cheating and "one moment you'll never stop talking about". Also note the tie in to what is claimed to be "the most controversial season finale ever".

This ought to be interesting.

Recapalooza!


Epiosde 9 recaps for your Sunday reading pleasure:

Uncle Nick calls out a double standard...
JordanBaker met Tim Gunn!
Eric3000 pays a visit to Sarah Palin...
Maxthegirl is Mondolicious...
Laura Bennett's "Craptastic Couture" title is LOL...
Carol Hannah bellies up to the bar...
Second City Style has one for you and you and you...
Katnap has Gretchen and Mondo tied for the lead...
Mellie will not miss The Ivy Show...
Brian is beside himself over Gretchen...
Miz Shoes thinks Swatch stole the show...
Elise is a long time Swatch lover...
c(h)oco chanel has some sound advice...
And Toyouke is always last but never least.

Thank you again recappers for all of your contributions. Until next week!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Riddle Me This


So I finally get around to flipping through the official Lifetime photos for Episode 9 like I do every week (usually much earlier than Saturday night) when I run across this little number.

Stop. Double take. Is that Season 7 winner Seth Aaron Henderson chatting with the Elite Eight? And could that possibly be Irina Shabayeva sitting right next to him?

Did we see this? And if not, why not? Surely there was opportunity to be found in those 90 minutes of air time for a visit with the two former Project Runway champs. Swatch got more face time than these two. I guess we are stuck with imagining what that conversation was about. Any thoughts?

Gordana Gehlhausen Spring 2011 Collection


Gordana's lovely daughter joins her on the runway!


Project Runway Season 6 designer, Gordana Gehlhausen, showed her Spring 2011 Collection on September 14th in New York. Click here for more photos. Thank you O.R.

Photo: Nathan Macias

Episode 9 Online - Race to the Finish



Click here to watch the full episode.

Carol Hannah Whitfield and Jay Nicolas Sario in Baltimore Oct. 16



Project Runway Season 6 designer, Carol Hannah Whitfield and Season 7 designer Jay Nicolas Sario will be participating in a Private Benefit Fashion Show in Baltimore on October 16th. Click here for more information.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Dear BPRs,

It's been a long time since we have reminded our readers about our commenting guidelines. Please review them here. Thank you everyone!

Laura K

From The Mailbox


Don't miss this interview with Nina Garcia.

Here is a highlight: So besides the Michael C. ostracism and condescension, "Runway" has been teasing something incredibly dramatic coming up. The promos are incredibly cryptic, however, so we can't tell if a designer straight out cheats and steals a design, completely flips out or makes some huge sacrifice.

Garcia isn't really any more specific, but she urges viewers to stay tuned.

"It gets really good," she promises. "It's very soon. It's just a very emotional moment in the show, and it's the first time that something like this has happened. It's a very powerful and a very admirable moment."


Tim Gunn has also hinted about something very emotional coming up. He hints that it happens "on the runway." Any theories?


Project Runway Season 5 designers, Jennifer Diederich and Wesley Nault will be special guest performers at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater on Saturday night, September 25th. Click here for more information.

Nina Garcia will be on the Rachael Ray Show Tuesday, September 28th.

Season 7 designer Anthony Williams will be the guest host at a fashion design showcase on October 17th at Indiana State University. Click here for more information.

Nicholas D'Aurizio Show Saturday Night



Project Runway Season 8 designer, Nicholas D'Aurizio is showing his latest collection at the Halloween Couture Fashion Show on Saturday night. Click here for more information.

BPR Interview with Ivy Higa


Project Runway season 8 designer, Ivy Higa talks about her experience on the show.

A highlight - Ivy is designing the uniforms for Japonais Restaurants.

Click here to see Ivy's finale collection.

Click here for her website.

Click here for the podcast.

Thank you Ivy!

Click here for a Transcript of the Michael Drummond Podcast

Thank you Kenda!

Click here for the transcript.

Poll - Episode 9 - Your Turn to be the Judge

Photos: (top, l-r) Andy, April, Christopher, Gretchen, Ivy, Michael C., Mondo and Valerie
(bottom, l-r) Andy, April, Christopher, Gretchen, Ivy, Michael C., Mondo and Valerie
Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com. Click for a larger view.


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

Click here to tell us who you thought should have won the challenge.

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

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Reactions To Episode 9

Photo: Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Television

Project Runway tasked the designers with a high fashion challenge tonight in what Michael Kors called "a tight race for hideous." What did you think? Post your reactions to Episode 9 here.

BPR Live Play-By-Play/Party: Episode 9

Caption This

Tim Gunn Unveils New Liz Claiborne Collection Tonight at JC Penney in Manhattan

This event is open to the public.



Click here for more information.

News from Tim Gunn, Jay McCarroll and Emilio Sosa

Photo: Joe Kohen/Getty Images

Click here for an E!Online interview with Tim Gunn from the Los Angeles stop on his book tour.

Click here for NYMag's take on Tim Gunn's outspokenness.

Attention NYC: Tim Gunn will be unveiling the new Liz Claiborne Collection at JCPenney tonight! Click here for details.

Jay McCarroll will be at Denison University in Ohio tomorrow. Click here for more information.

Emilio Sosa will be at Iowa State University on Sunday. Click here for more.

Tonight On BPR

Photo: Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Television

It's the L'Oreal Paris challenge tonight on Project Runway as the designers create a high fashion look for an "unprecedented" reward. Team BPR will have all the usual suspects on hand for your Thursday night fun. Here's what's in store:
  • Tbone and suzq will once again be hosting our combined play-by-play/party room live as the episode airs. Pre-show starts at 8:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to join in.
  • After the show, don't forget to share your thoughts in our weekly reactions thread. This is where you can really let loose on the judges.

Only eight designers left competing for the coveted final 3, will your favorite make it? Join us tonight on BPR!

Results In - You Were the Judge Episode 8

Our polls for Episode 8 are closed. You agreed with the judges and felt that Mondo Guerra deserved the win. Click here to see the results. You disagreed with the judges and felt that Andy should have been the 'auf.' Click here to see the results.

Check back with us tomorrow for our Episode 9 poll.


Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

There is Still Time...


There is still time to bid in the episode 8 auctions. Right now Ivy's design has the highest price. Click here to bid.

There is also time to vote in our episode 8 poll. Did you agree with the judges?

News from Tim Gunn, Michael Costello and Mondo Guerra

Photo: Getty

Click here for a new interview with Tim Gunn from The Wall Street Journal.

Also don't miss Tim on "Live with Regis and Kelly" this morning!

Mondo Guerra and Michael Costello will be at Beauty Bar in Denver for a Project Runway Viewing Party and charity auction on September 30th. Click here for more information.

Althea Harper Spring 2011



Project Runway Season Six designer, Altha Harper presented her Spring 2011 Collection on September 14th.

Click here for a great review from a fellow blogger.

Click here for more photos.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Christian Siriano O-Cel-O "Clean With Style" Sweepstakes Winners!


Ever wonder who wins these contests? Fans like you and I!

The lucky winner, Diane, brought along her 13-year-old daughter, Emma to attend Christian Siriano’s spring 2011 runway show and got to meet Christian backstage before the show to receive a sneak peek at the fashions that inspired Christian’s O-Cel-O sponge designs.

Jay McCarroll Documentary, "Eleven Minutes" Now Available Online



Click here to watch for free.

News from Christopher Straub, Joe Faris and Emilio Sosa

Photo: Stacy Schwartz

Click here to see Christopher Straub's Spring 2011 Collection.

Season 5 designer Joe Faris is bringing a much-needed boost to the economy in Michigan by establishing "Motor City Denim." Click here for the press release.

Joe is also participating in Project Little Pink Dress. Click here for more information.

Project Runway season 7 finalist, Emilio Sosa will be at Iowa State University this weekend. Click here for more information.

Episode 8 Trivia Contest

The prize for this week's trivia contest winner is a Season 8 Finale Gift Bag. There was one on every seat at the show. Honestly, I believe this is the most generous gift bag we have ever received.



There is a copy of Marie Claire, an optical mouse, some hair and make-up products, and a copy of Tim Gunn's book. Of course he signed it for you!

1. Where do the designers meet Tim to receive the Jackie Kennedy challenge?

2. What two letters appear on Valerie's sleeve?

3. Ivy declares that Michael Costello's and Christopher's designs are both very ________.

4. April describes Andy's pants as s____ s_________.

5. Who styles April's hair in the morning?

6. What type of pants is Tim wearing with his seersucker jacket and madras tie?

7. Which designer is "Captain Outerwear?"

8. Which of these adjectives did Ivy NOT use to describe her design? Stupendous, Original, Beautiful, Expensive, Amazing, Different.

9. Who is "confused" by the "ankle boot?"

10. Whose design does Heidi describe as a "dirty old rug?"

Please send your answers to Team BPR.


UPDATE: We have a winner - congratulations to Rachel P. I will post the answers in the comments. Look for another trivia contest next Tuesday.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Tim Gunn's Vlog: "I'm NOT An Idiot!"


Note: See latest updates at bottom of the post. A copy of the video has been posted!

Tim Gunn's Episode 8 video blog is a must see. The behind the scenes story on the production of "A Rough Day On The Runway" is far more entertaining than what we saw Thursday night. Something seemed amiss about this challenge and the way the judges acted on the runway and now we know why. It was simply flat out incompetence by Bunim-Murray. A few bullet points:
  • The challenge started out as a period piece costume that was going to be worn by Katie Holmes, but the designers would not be told!
  • After the Katie Holmes/Jackie O angle went away, it became a dancewear challenge and Tim showed up on shooting day at the assigned studio, but no one was there. He had to find the shooting location on his own.
  • Tim: "The whole notion that we would even associate Jackie Kennedy with American sportswear is a stretch."
  • Tim stepped into the judging circle to clarify what the designers had been told the challenge was since it was clear they had a different idea.

Tim's frustration with the production of Project Runway grows with each successive season. Kudos to him for sharing this fascinating peek behind the scrim. We are "hot and bothered" right along with you Tim!

UPDATE: The video has been taken down. Was Tim being too honest? We imagine the Bunim-Murray brass could not have been pleased. Memo to B-M: take care of your talent!

UPDATE #2: Gina Carbone took a few more notes! Click here for her summary of Tim's Vlog entry.

Update #3: Reader Liz Lemon saved it and has it posted! Click here for the video.

Update #4: The New York Post joins in the fray. Tim says Lifetime didn't make him do it, he took it down himself. Meanwhile, EW.com has also posted the video.

Update #5: Liz Lemon has marked the video private and it is unavailable once again. The conspiracy continues!

Update #6: The video has re-emerged! Click here to see Tim's now legendary take on Episode 8.

Project Runway Designers at MidSouth Fashion Week Oct. 3

Gordana Gehlhausen, Korto Momolu and Jerell Scott are all showing their latest collections at MidSouth Fashion Week in Memphis.



Click here for more information.

What Mondo Wore - Episode 8



As part of her weekly recaps, Kenda offers us this new feature! Click here for the post. Thank you Kenda.

Episode 9 Preview Video - Race to the Finish

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Interview with Michael Costello from The Desert Sun

BPR at MBFW - Christian Siriano

Photo: New York Magazine

Although there are plenty of celebrities at Christian Siriano's show, for me it is more fun to see Christian's family and other season four designers and models.

Christian's sister Shannon, whom we first met in line waiting to enter the tents for the season four finale is always in the front row wearing one of Christian's designs.



Season Four designer Victorya Hong is always there to support Christian as well.

You'll recognize season four model Lea Rannells modeling for Christian in the photo above and we also spoke with Jackie Miranne. (Who could even forget her modeling the "Ice Princess" design for Elisa Jimenez?)



The super-talented Brad Walsh not only composed the music for Christian's show, but he designed the jewelry as well.

Click here
for more photos of Christian's collection.

Team BPR is thrilled to be invited to this show each season. Thank you Christian!

Recapalooza!


Uncle Nick provides a little fashion history lesson...
Eric3000 does his best to figure out the challenge...
Maxthegirl is getting all fancy with her screencaps...
Red Poppy gives us an uninterrupted soliloquy...
Ms.Place found herself nodding off...
Laura Bennett has fashion psychic powers...
Carol Hannah loves her some January Jones...
Jordan Baker, oh yes they did...
Katnap has great lists on her sidebar...
Second City Style didn't think the runway was rough...
Democracy Diva knows a snoozefest when she sees one...
Brian is already looking forward to next week...
And Toyouke closes it out.


Update: Don't miss Choco Chanel, Dishin' Dat, and Girly Shoes.

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