Archive for March, 2008

by Jennifer Zammit 

Last Wednesday night on Bravo TV, Jillian Lewis, Rami Kashou and Christian Siriano had a walk-off to decide who would be named the winning designer.

Okay, fine, the final 3 contestants of Project Runway had someone else do the walking-off for them … but we know they could have done it themselves. Didn’t you hear Christian say he had walked around his apartment in the model heels for hours?

Of course you did. Christian was the best part of every episode. In fact, Christian was the only-stand out designer this season. No, not in terms of fashion. Each of the top 5 designers had a stunning vision, motivated drive and the creativity to make their dreams work. I expect to see much more out of Sweet P Vaughn and Chris March in the future.

And no, Christian wasn’t always the most likeable designer. He was sometimes catty, often whiney, and always egotistical. Yet, he made the season worth watching.

That’s why I’m disappointed that he won. Yes, yes … let the hate mail flow. I recognize that he is an excellent designer. However, I’m used to reality television presenting me with at least a semblance of surprise. The conclusion of this season had none.

How great would it have been to see Jillian rise up from under the radar and take it all? Or have Rami bounce back from having to compete for his shot in the final 3, only to become number 1?

I don’t watch reality television for justice. But in this instance, I suppose justice was served. Fast-sewing, fierce-talking Christian drove off a winner in his 2008 Saturn Astra. While I’m proud that he’ll be able to parade his haute couture designs all over the European runways, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Jillian or Rami original hanging in my closet.

by Tracy Benbrook

Last night, on Project Runway, I learned that Jillian is not just an amazing designer. She is the future. She is destiny. And she’s possibly going to kill anybody who gets in her way.

Let me be frank. I love Jillian’s designs. She is just – she is just so fantastic. I didn’t realize it at first. She snuck up on me. So quiet that I didn’t even notice her and I couldn’t tell her voice apart from Victoria and then one day, a couple of weeks ago, I realized out of the blue– she’s my favorite designer. She’s the one who every week I’m like – “Wow. That is gorgeous. That is wearable. That is fashion.”

Unlike the rest of the designers, the only thing predictable about Jillian is that you had no idea what to expect – except that you’d barely see her until the end.

Then, last night, we got a chance to see a hint of her final collection. And – in true Jillian fashion – we only got a hint. The look of a jacket that was intricate and beautiful I loved it immediately. Glimpses of a few other pieces on hangers against the wall.

Her air of mystery was still intact. Who is Jillian? What is she going to do? I still had no idea what to expect on the runway, even after Tim’s collection tour!

Until that final set of interviews. Until we met her mother. Until we found out that Jillian is the child of prophecy, destined to be famous.

And you know what? When she looked straight at the camera in her final interview – her voice soft and sweet, her mouth firm and her eyes like lasers – and vowed to make it. Well. I knew right then and there that there isn’t any other alternative. This world belongs to Jillian and even though I still have no idea what she’s going to show, I do know one thing.

The Runway belongs to her. And Jillian Lewis is going to win Fashion Week. Because it’s fate.

by Jenni Zammit 

Week after week, Rami Kashou showed himself to be a master of draping, and got pummeled by Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum for being too predictable.

The criticisms were unwarranted, unfair and hypocritical.

Each of this season’s top 3 designers (Rami, Christian Siriano and Jillian Lewis) were just as predictable. No matter what challenge the designers were assigned, the following three looks would walk down the runway:

Rami: Greek-goddess style draping
Christian: Black puffy-sleeved jacket, ivory ruffled blouse, black skinny pants
Jillian: Long coat, high collar, weird stitching

So why are they always picking on Rami? LEAVE RAMI ALONE! The guy’s already made a business of doing what he does best, and I don’t think his choices on the show were any more predictable than the choices of the other top 2 designers.

And for Kors and Garcia to criticize his draped garment after the last challenge (the designers were let loose in a museum, told to choose a piece of art that inspired them as designers) … COME ON!

Can you blame him? Putting Rami in a room full of Greek and Roman statues and asking him not to be inspired by the draping is like putting Augustus Gloop in a room full of chocolate and asking him to eat some celery. You know what’s going to happen.

Even after producing beautiful, body-friendly garment week after week, (okay, okay … except for that week with the WWE divas), Rami still had to compete for his spot in the top three.

While Chris March is cute, sweet, bubbly and creative … I would much rather have Rami’s fantasy gown “enhance” my hips a bit than have human hair hanging onto my thighs. *shudder*.

After winning this season’s first Project Runway challenge, Rami declared “I think that I set the bar for this competition.” Rami, I think you’re right. I can’t wait to see your entire Joan d’Arc collection walk the runway next week … and I’m not complaining about another night of his biceps, either … he can “drape” those around me any time he wants.

by Cara Howard 

Is it just me, or do other people agree that Christian’s picture needs to go right next to the word “fierce” in the dictionary? As an avid watcher of Project Runway (I’ve never missed an episode since its premiere), I am convinced that Christian will represent the show as the Season 4 winner.

Beyond being the fan favorite, our little Christian has some real fashion staying power in his corner. I mean, are we really surprised? When he was in England, he studied fashion alongside Vivienne Westwood. THE Vivienne Westwood. If that doesn’t strike up lifelong inspiration, I don’t know what does.

From seeing the footage of his line in last night’s show and photos from the upcoming runway finale, I think Christian is our clear winner. Sure, Tim Gunn told him some of his stuff bordered on costume-y. But I don’t think it’s costume. I think it’s couture. And I LOVE IT!!

Seriously… The only other promising young designer on Project Runway has been Daniel Vosovic. And even though I really liked him, he just wasn’t that fashion-forward. My favorite all-time contestant has been Jay McCarroll. Since episode 1, season 1. Now Christian is giving him a run for his money, in my book. I just know that the judges continue to emphasize how important it is to have a “point of view.” I haven’t felt a strong “point of view” from a contest on the show except for Jay. Until we met Christian.

Christian has a keen eye, a cosmetology background (he got his start in the Bubbles salon at the tender age of 13, if you didn’t know!), and picture-perfect execution. His hair and makeup decisions perfectly match his creations. They. Are. Flawless!

Simply put: Christian Siriano doesn’t make his clothes because they’re pretty – he makes them because they’re inspired. And that’s what cutting-edge fashion and design is all about. And THAT is why he should be the clear winner.

So, I’ll be sitting in front of my TV next week, anxiously awaiting the verdict. I just hope the judges agree with me (and apparently a lot of other fans out there) that Christian should be the designer to take home the prize.

Some friends and I have a friendly turf battle going on over Season 4 of Project Runway over who should be the winner. I’ll be posting their reasons why each of their favorites should win. Let us know who you think deserves to win!

Where do I stand? I just miss Chris….