PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS....."Project Runway" Season 14 Recaps: Episode 13 Pre-Finale Episode Photo Blog Recap!

In this week's Part 1 Finale Episode of Lifetime Network's "Season 14 "Project Runway" , the episode began with the "Will Tim Use His 'Tim Save'" on Edmond, who was eliminated...And naturally, just as I (along with most of the viewers and fans) predicted...

And The Best Acting Award Goes To: Tim used his "Tim Save"...but before he did, Tim did his best to get an Emmy for Outstanding Acting in a Reality Show, dragging it out as long as possible and looking quite emotional and perturbed...until he announced that he would indeed use his Save.



Heidi announced to the Final Four that they would have 7 weeks and be given $9,000 to create a ten look collection. So, up first were the Tim Visits. First up, Tim flew to San Diego to visit Ashley where he ended up...

Donning an apron and making tortillas--Tim Gunn with designer Ashley Nell Tipton's family, in the kitchen, making tortillas--Episode 13 Season 14 "Project Runway"

Then, he went to San Francisco to check in on Candice:

A Cold, Fogged-in Beach: Not sure why Candice--or the producers--chose a cold fogged-in beach as the backdrop for the meeting with Candice and her children and mom--especially with so many other gorgeous sights in San Francisco. Who knows??



Next, he visited Kelly in Massachusetts and naturally she took him to the DELI!!!

Kelly From the Deli: The owner of "Bob's Italian food" Deli, where Kelly worked--presents Tim with his very own Big "Gunn" Milanese Sandwich--Episode 13 Season 14 "Project Runway"



Finally, Tim heads to Atlanta to visit Edmond:

The Smallest Restaurant Booth EVER: Tim Gunn with Edmond and his family--Episode 13 Season 14 "Project Runway"

Welcome Back Designers: After they returned from making their collections, Tim gave them one final "twist": They had to present a 3-Look preview to Nina, Heidi and Zac and one of those looks had to be new (as opposed to one of the ones they made back at home)...



The results were mixed...

Edmond Newton: Not cohesive, one too many ruffles and not enough SEX! I just wanted to rip that gathered ruffle off that black gown! Oh and that bow on the other one as well

Candice Cuoco: Witchy Asiana. The judges hated the hat (me too!) and that printed red outfit. The latter one looked dated and what was up with those Fashion School 101 Basic Bustiers? I did like that lace and leather coat though.

Kelly Dempsey: Her "Studio 54 Meets new Age" grouping was fun but the judges thought it wasn't luxurious enough. They were right. One could find these things at H & M...or a "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" revival!

Ashley Nell Tipton: Ashley's "Mexico City in the 1950's"-inspired Plus Size looks were universally liked. The judges just complained about her construction and fit. Just from looking at their 3-Look Previews, Ashley's was the strongest.



We will see who prevails next week and wins Season 14 "Project Runway"...Until then, here's my complete RECAP for this Part 1 Finale Episode:

Season 14, Episode 13: And Then There Were Four...Again

Last week's episode ended with a "to save or not to
save Edmond" silence. I, along with anyone else watching it with a
pulse, guessed correctly what was going to happen. This episode had the
designers going home to create their collections, the much anticipated
Tim visits, a freezing beach (in San Francisco?!), a tortilla making
party, and the most cramped restaurant booth known to man. And then
there was the collection preview judging that didn’t go so well. Lots to
discuss.

We begin with Edmond waiting for his
goodbye hug from Tim. We all knew what was going to happen, but Mr. Gunn
did some of his best acting to date in an attempt to heighten the
emotional drama in the room and drag out the moment as long as he could.
Tim saves Edmond and all four are going to NY Fashion Week. They all
meet up back at the runway stage where Heidi tells them that they have
seven weeks and are getting $9,000 to create a 10-piece collection back
at home. Heidi also makes a point to advise Ashley to consider creating a
plus size collection, something she’s wanted to do all along. 

Five
weeks later and Tim visits the designers in their homes, otherwise
known as "time for Tim to rack up his frequent flyer mileage points." He
begins in San Diego with Ashley...

To Continue Reading, Click HERE on the myLifetime.com "Project Runway" Blog

PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS....."Project Runway" Season 14 Recaps--EPISODE 3: Celebrity Cruises Team Challenge, "Fashion Lifeboat"

Around The World...In One Day: Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 3 Celebrity Cruises Team Challenge

This week on Lifetime's "Project Runway", the 14 designers got their first Team Challenge of the season: to create a day-to-night look inspired by an "exotic" destination where Celebrity Cruises (one of the show's sponsors) travels to. During the beginning of the episode, the Challenge was given on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship while docked in New Jersey...

I Want to See LOTS of DRAAAAMA!!!--

There were SEVEN suitcases with the specific destinations (Greek Isles, India, The Caribbean, Saint Petersburg Russia, South of France, Hong Kong and Venice Italy) and since there were 14 designers, they were to work in teams of two. Cue the DRAMA:



Three out of the seven teams were not so harmonious but these two were the worst:

Team Saint Petersburg, Joseph and Merline--Joseph put the "Turn-Off" button on singing-and-dancing Merline and basically directed her as his assistant in creating his "Mumsy" Russian Lady-Who-Lunches look. And then there was...

Team Caribbean, Edmond and Hanmiao--Edmond was safe from being OUT since he won last week's challenge but he tried all his blessed (muscled) heart, to come to a design middle ground with Hanmaio. They never achieved Team Happiness. Now, according to the way the episode was edited, it looked as if Hanmaio had most of the blame for the discord. I happen to agree with this. But who knows.

The Runway--My Favorites:

Greek Isles, Kelly Dempsey and Blake Patterson--I loved this Greece-inspired white with printed chiffon panels jumpsuit. They were Safe and therefore not on the Top or Bottom. Nevertheless, it was one of my favorites. She was SOOO sipping ouzo in Santorini at the Katikies Hotel. And it was quite an original idea!

Team India, Swapnil Shinde and Laurie Underwood--Their team (I mean, Swapnil!) chose "India" and since Swapnil is from there, he was very excited to take on this design challenge. They both created a modern, chic look inspired by the Sari. I have to say their model is STUNNING and looked like a "Miss India" walking down the runway!

Team Venice, Ashley Nell Tipton and Candice Cuoco--Their design was super bellissima and fab and deserved to be the winner. BOTH designers actually won. I thought the ensemble was fun, creative and really had the aesthetic joie de vivre of Venice and those iconic palazzos and gondolas. The model--in that look--also reminded me of...

Beatrice Borromeo, Italian heiress and wife of Pierre Casiraghi, seventh in line to the throne of Monaco

The "Oh Dear!" of the Runway:

Team Saint Petersburg, Joseph Charles Poli and Merline Labissiere--Their task was to create a look inspired by Saint Petersburg Russia. It was mumsy and a bit "Madame" as Heidi Klum said; nothing extraordinarily fashion-forward or new. On a good note: the look did remind me of something a wife of a Russian arms dealer's wife would wear to shop for a new penthouse in Saint Petersburg. Now if THAT was the challenge, they would have won!



But the Worst, by leaps and bounds...

Team Caribbean, Edmond Newton and Hanmiao Yang--This was definitely THE WORST of the bunch. Not sure where this look would end in the "Project Runway" Worst of the Worst Scale but I'm sure it would probably make Top 20. The challenge was to create a DAY to NIGHT look inspired by the Caribbean Islands. This was a day at the beach. But nothing else. And even then, that beach is a low-rent one huney! If there's anything positive I can say is that I liked the bright colors. But, that's about it.

Even the Model Ain't Happy: Edmond is Safe so...Bye Hanmiao! Enjoy your beach retreat!

Now, if you really want to know what I thought....Here's my RECAP of this week's Season 14 "Project Runway" Celebrity Cruises Team Challenge Episode:

Season 14, Episode 3: Fashion Lifeboat

When someone said “two heads are better than one,” there was also
another phrase lurking in the background: "Too many chefs spoil the
soup.” These come in handy this week since of course, we’re dealing with
that dreaded Team Challenge. No "Project Runway" contestant ever looks
forward to working with a fellow contestant, yet unfortunately you know
that it’s going to happen. And this season, it came early, with
successes and failures.



The episode begins with the 14 designers
showing up to Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey. The designers
board the Celebrity Summit Cruise ship. They are greeted by Tim Gunn and
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. She explains
that Celebrity Cruises is the “epitome of modern luxury vacation
experiences, traveling to every destination around the globe.” At this
point I suspend reality and think, “Oh Goodie! They’re going to take a
cruise to the islands of Turks & Caicos; so nice of the show to give
these kids a little R&R”. Then I woke up. There are seven suitcases
each labeled with a different international destination. And since
there are 14 designers and only seven suitcases…it’s a Team Challenge:
Each team of two must create one day-to-night look inspired by the
exotic destination labeled on the suitcase.



Tim gets out the dreaded button bag to pick the designer pairs. I could have bet my beloved vintage Gucci loafers that Tim...



CLICK HERE to continue reading my RECAP "Fashion Lifeboat" on myLifetime.com

PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS....."Project Runway" Season 14 Recaps--EPISODE 2: Unconventional Challenge, House of Fashion Cards

House of Fashion Cards: Project Runway Season 14 Episode 2--the Unconventional Materials Challenge

Last night (Thursday) was Episode 2 of Season 14 "Project Runway". It was the dreaded (to most of the designers) Unconventional Materials Challenge. they were to create a look using Hallmark Signature cards. It was a rather "Meh" runway with what the designers created; a lot of OK, some good and some messes. Judge (and Marie Claire Creative Director) Nina Garcia used the word "phenomenal" A LOT to describe some of the creations. I wouldn't be so effusive in my critiques. Now, before we get to my RECAP, here are some Low...and Highlights:

Culturally Insensitive Blake:

During the episode, Swapnil Shinde--one of the designers, who hails from India--was trying to explain something about certain machines in the back of the workroom, and after some back and forth between him and designer Blake Patterson, Blake decides to show a bit of ignorance by saying "I don't speak Indian!". You can read my "two cents" on this in my RECAP at the end of this blog or HERE. Although, I am sure you can guess what I thought! I bet Blake will have a difficult time ordering gorgeous fabrics and or beading from India for the next TWENTY YEARS! #JustSaying

Throwing Taste Shade

At one point, during the "closer inspection' of the runway looks, Nina Garcia--as well as Zac Posen--question the taste level of one of the designer's creations, and without missing a beat, he turns to guest judge actress Ashley Tisdale saying "But it's you're kind of taste!" (or something to that effect) Oucheey. I think Zac just called her tacky.

Runway Good:

Me Likey: I liked these looks from last night's Runway (L to R) Hanmiao Yang, Kelly Dempsey, Candice Cuoco, and Jake Wall--Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 2 Unconventional Materials Challenge

Swapnil Shinde: Swapnil did a nice job of transforming his Hallmark Signature cards into this fun little cocktail dress. He cut the card's flowers and placed them like Couture-like applique. It reminded me of...

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2014 dress (above)

Edmond Newton: Edmond's design was the clear winner (no contest!). he created this "Wedding Gown" using the cards. he even made a "Wedding Bouquet" out of the paper cards. Very well done Edmond. The voluminous skirt was a bit reminiscent of...

 "Project Runway" Season 5 winner Leanne Marshall's creative folds in her designs

What did Edmond use to create THAT skirt?? I wondered what cards he used to make the "petals" of the skirt section. I don't think there were Hallmark Signature cards that were that large so...I wonder?? The only thing I'm thinking is he possibly used the shopping bags somehow?? I'd love to know what you guys think?



The "Uh Oh's":

Amanda Perna: I liked the top of this look and the colors of the skirt were great yet...it did look like a piñata and mop all rolled into one skirt.

Ashley Nell Tipton: Last week's winner, Ashley, made this poncho/cocoon coat. I got the whole "monastic"/enveloping design (Valentino's Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo  Piccioli have been showing it for many seasons--top right photo--Valentino Pre-Fall 2013 RTW...for that matter THE Valentino Garavani has been showing it even LONGER, of course!). But Ashley's look had too much muslin and little card. If she hadn't had immunity, she might have been close to the bottom for sure.

Blake Patterson: Not sure what the judges were drinking. They thought Blake's design was one of the top designs. This was Prom-a-Licious papier-mâché tacky. His model, however, is one of my favorites of this season; gorgeous!

Gabrielle Arruda: Oh no! Speaking of papier-mâché, this creation was stiff, unflattering and let's be honest, it look like a Shrimp Sushi Ebi. It was too shapeless and that "Hi, that's almost my butt!" back length...Hello!

Merline Labissiere: Merline loves a good extension on her garments (take a look at what she did last week). This time she used the Hallmark Signature cards to add her "signature" to her creation. Not cute. Her fellow contestant/designer Amanda, correctly compared it to a Manatee. Yikes!

David Giampiccolo: Awww David. You barely used any card to create the shape and silhouette of this garment. Strike that: you used ZERO cards. It's a muslin that's been dyed and glittered (sounds like Blake's design!). I knew he was going home from the minute they showed him having a teary eyed phone call with his husband...and that was the day before! Lots of muslin showing: You're Out!



Here's my RECAP of this "Unconventional Materials Challenge" Episode:

Unconventional. The word means unexpected, not conforming to what is generally done, out of the ordinary. On “Project Runway,” the Unconventional Challenge means using materials not typically used in creating fashion/garments. It’s always a challenge that fans LOVE even if the designers themselves, for the most part, dread. (I did back in Season 2!) We are only in the second week of the new season and it was time for the Unconventional Materials Challenge. Some of the designers rose to the occasion, while most created expected and rather apathetic looks. Let’s delve deeper.

The episode began with the designers in their apartments musing on about the first challenge. Finally (After a cue from one of the producers perhaps?), the designers read a card that just happened to be on their kitchen tables. The card was from Heidi and it read, “It’s important that you play your cards right.” My first thought was, “A card to give out a hint of the next challenge?" As the scene progressed, I was fixated on how weird it seemed that the note was written on such a formal greeting card. (Usually it is just a plain ol' note card) I subsequently feel bad for the poor P.A. who had to make a trip to Walgreens to pick up "Heidi's" card...

Soon enough, however, we realize why it was a card: The designers...



To keep on reading my Episode 2 MyLifetime.com "Project Runway Blog" RECAP, click HERE --and make sure to leave me your comments! I LOVE reading them!