Episode 303 (7/26)
Recap The designers are told that they will make a creation for an accessory. Transported to Central Park, Tim Gunn reveals their inspiration: dogs! Each designer chooses their muse, and then designs an outfit for the owner they imagine the dog would have, as well as for the dog itself. The third contestant is eliminated from the show. *** Tim's Take
Heidi announces that for this challenge the designers will create an outfit inspired by fashion’s hottest accessory, but they won’t learn anything more until they meet me the following morning. Speculation about the particulars of that accessory abounds!
There I was in Central Park on a cold morning in late May. I had 13 adorable pooches corralled with me behind a berm, so we would be out of sight. I was rapt with anticipation about the designers’ reactions, and they didn’t disappoint!
The designers were instructed to come forward and choose a dog. Their dog would serve as the inspiration for a womenswear design for their model. Additionally, they were to create a corresponding design for their dog. Finally, they were told to think narratively about their design; that is, who is their customer, what does she do, and where is she going with her dog? Once back at Parsons, they had 30 minutes to sketch, followed by our shopping expedition with a budget of $150. And they were given two days for this challenge.
Our special guest judge was Ivanka Trump. I was thoroughly delighted -- and I’ll admit, surprised, too -- to learn that she’s incredibly articulate and exceptionally knowledgeable about fashion. I assumed that she was knowledgeable about clothes, but I was not prepared for her thoughtful and deft critiques of the designers’ looks. She blew me away.
I feel compelled to mention that for me, this challenge was a turning point in the work of the 13 remaining designers. Never before in any season of the show have I seen such ambitious work created. Not only do we have sleeves, but they’re on coats and jackets! Bravo, designers!
Uli wins! Uli designed a halter dress with an asymmetrical hem. The skirt had flounce and flourish and the scoop of the halter was sexy without being vulgar. Over this, she had a café au lait cropped jacket -- stunning. Her dog, an adorable pug named Einstein, was decked out in a giraffe coat. Along the left hand side of the coat, Uli had sewn trim that spelled, “HI LADIES.” It was for the judges, and they would see it as the model and Einstein made their walk back up the runway.
What I loved about Uli’s design was the risk. When I saw her select two disparate prints at MOOD, I was flabbergasted: one was Pucci-does-Battlestar-Galactica and the other was giraffe. Either one of them would be a challenge, but two? Silly me. I didn’t realize that Uli is a genius with prints. Truly. The only other designer I know who can compete with her is the incomparable Diane von Furstenberg. Congratulations, Uli!
Katherine is OUT. Katherine’s slip dress in varying shades of celadon was well-constructed, but it was oh-so basic. Tallulah, her dog, was done up in a wonderful little hoodie in matching fabric. When I expressed my concern about the plainness of the dress, Katherine retorted, “I can add a hoodie, like Tallulah’s.” Great! Do it! She didn’t. She didn’t have time. And the competition for the win was never tougher. Plain and basic just weren’t going to make it. Katherine has great potential, but as the youngest and least experienced of the designers, she just didn’t have the depth of experience to remain in the competition.
Alison designed a stunning suit in linen, silk, and leather. The dress was a knock-out, graphically constructed in the spirit of Balenciaga and Courreges, but drop-dead modern and today, which the cropped jacket underscored. Her leather vest for her poodle, Pepito, was a work of art, too. Alison looked like a strong contender for the win.
Angela, Angela. This was the first challenge that allowed me to really get to know Angela as a designer. In the first challenge, she was constrained by the textiles in her Atlas apartment, and in the second challenge she was Vincent’s disabled sous-chef. So, this was her first opportunity to control all of the decisions. She has a point of view. There’s no question about that. And I suppose that it’s best described by looking at Angela: she is her own muse. That said, her design for this challenge still eluded me: a silk taffeta bubble-skirt in an oily lavender and a shrunken vest in olive. The skirt was embellished with florets -- lots and lots of florets. And her dog, Pattycake, had some sort of matching coat. Owing to the coat’s exuberance and Pattycake’s punky spiked coif, it was difficult to tell where each began and ended. Who is this woman and where is she going with this dog? Answer: she’s British and works at a children’s art camp in Paris, and she’s hosting a birthday party for Pattycake. Huh? Why not just use that notorious explanation that we all love to hate: “She works in an art gallery.” Enough already!
Bonnie successfully designed and executed a very ambitious look for her model: a classic black dress under a voluminous white wrap-coat with an exaggerated collar. I debated whether the excessive volume of the coat was working, but I realized that what I was projecting was a matter of taste, so I said to myself, “Shut up, Tim.” Bonnie’s look was stunning on the runway and her little white coat for Sparkle was the perfect complement. Bravo, Bonnie!
Bradley’s dog, Stanley, was my personal favorite, because he was so emotional and needy -- you just wanted to give him a big, soothing hug. Frankly, I felt similarly about Bradley, because he was so disabled by this challenge. He had two fabrics: aubergine wool and honey gold silk. He used the wool for an A-line skirt and the silk for a voluminous sleeveless top. The top was a construction disaster. It looked as though he had sewn it with his feet. And the fraying at every seam and hem was horrifying. Prior to this disaster, he had another design, but he abandoned it; a likely consequence when you perpetually second-guess yourself. A mere hour before the judging, I thought he would forfeit, a Project Runway first, but he pulled himself -- and the top -- together. He even managed to have a mock collar (as in lapel) for Stanley. Bradley, I’m so pleased that you’re still with us!
Jeffrey created a magnificent dress. It was ambitious. It was innovative. It had elements of risk. And it was a huge success. His silk panel skirt possessed beautiful proportions and the faux bustier top was an unexpected novelty. He made a little suit for his corgi, Flex, complete with pants. The only imperfect moment for this combo was Flex tripping over the sleeves while on the runway. What a crowd pleaser this was!
Kayne entered into this challenge with immunity, but he certainly didn’t need it. In fact, I was certain that he could have won. He used a bold and colorful swirling print for his skirt, which was paired with a basic white top. Over this was a croc-embossed vinyl coat lined in the same print as the skirt. The coat, in particular, was incredibly ambitious, and it was a Vegas-y masterpiece. His little white poodle, Molly, was wearing a matching coat. Need I say more? It was a giant, “Wow!”
Keith and his petulance are becoming irksome. His design work is extremely strong, and his design for this challenge was no exception. So, why bother posturing and refuse to design for your dog when that’s a requirement of the challenge? I loved his design. Using a print that looked like molten lava, the work was innovative and the construction was beautifully executed: a dress with a fully pleated skirt and a halter top with a pleated collar. Gorgeous. But this could all be for naught if Morgan, his dog, is design-less. In the end, Morgan was carried down the runway wearing a bracelet for a collar, a bracelet from the Macy’s accessory wall. Worse still, he tried to misrepresent what he had done for the dog, until Heidi called him on it. The judges lauded his dress, but admonished his deception and his attitude.
Laura designed a knockout suit in beige tweed with a Mongolian lamb collar and cuffs. The pencil skirt, the plunging neckline of the jacket, and the super fit of both pieces purred “sexy and seductive.” And although Laura demonstrated a palpable distaste for adorable little Sophia, the dog’s matching coat was hilarious and breathtaking at the same time. It’s a testament to the extraordinarily high level of design and execution of her peers that Laura’s design did not remain on the runway as one of the top three. Outstanding work, Laura!
Michael created one of the more innovative looks on the runway. His tan tweed dress with a criss-cross halter and two kick pleats in the skirt’s front was stunning. What I loved most about his innovation was the fact that this was still real clothing and not even remotely contrived or a joke. His corresponding outfit for Carly made the adorable pooch even more adorable. His design was another strong candidate for the win.
Robert’s dog had the perfect name for him: Chanel. And the pink Jersey that Chanel wore in Central Park was the inspiration for Robert’s color story. He designed a light pink (I called it “breath of pink”) tweed skirt and a parchment top with a cascading tie at the neck. It was a little demure, if not buttoned-up, but it was also youthful. His model and Chanel made a splash on the runway. That Chanel really knows how to work it!
Vincent -- his concept and his execution eluded me for a third time. What is he thinking? As was the case in the first challenge, Vincent had a hat obsession -- with his model and his dog, Lil’A (some name, eh?). He designed a black newsboy hat for his model and another in white for Lil’A. I found the dog’s black and white polka dot coat to be infinitely more interesting than his model’s basic black mini-shift, which would have been Zulema-ly revealing had it not been for the black leggings. And to this day, I still don’t know whether Vincent executed the leggings or whether they were his model’s own. In fairness, I must add that Vincent’s construction was excellent, but I’ll also add that there wasn’t much to the construction. So be it. He marches forward. Let’s see what kookiness lies ahead…
http://www.bravotv.com/blog/timstake/2006/07/a_designers_best_friend.php
Recap The designers are told that they will make a creation for an accessory. Transported to Central Park, Tim Gunn reveals their inspiration: dogs! Each designer chooses their muse, and then designs an outfit for the owner they imagine the dog would have, as well as for the dog itself. The third contestant is eliminated from the show. *** Tim's Take
Heidi announces that for this challenge the designers will create an outfit inspired by fashion’s hottest accessory, but they won’t learn anything more until they meet me the following morning. Speculation about the particulars of that accessory abounds!
There I was in Central Park on a cold morning in late May. I had 13 adorable pooches corralled with me behind a berm, so we would be out of sight. I was rapt with anticipation about the designers’ reactions, and they didn’t disappoint!
The designers were instructed to come forward and choose a dog. Their dog would serve as the inspiration for a womenswear design for their model. Additionally, they were to create a corresponding design for their dog. Finally, they were told to think narratively about their design; that is, who is their customer, what does she do, and where is she going with her dog? Once back at Parsons, they had 30 minutes to sketch, followed by our shopping expedition with a budget of $150. And they were given two days for this challenge.
Our special guest judge was Ivanka Trump. I was thoroughly delighted -- and I’ll admit, surprised, too -- to learn that she’s incredibly articulate and exceptionally knowledgeable about fashion. I assumed that she was knowledgeable about clothes, but I was not prepared for her thoughtful and deft critiques of the designers’ looks. She blew me away.
I feel compelled to mention that for me, this challenge was a turning point in the work of the 13 remaining designers. Never before in any season of the show have I seen such ambitious work created. Not only do we have sleeves, but they’re on coats and jackets! Bravo, designers!
Uli wins! Uli designed a halter dress with an asymmetrical hem. The skirt had flounce and flourish and the scoop of the halter was sexy without being vulgar. Over this, she had a café au lait cropped jacket -- stunning. Her dog, an adorable pug named Einstein, was decked out in a giraffe coat. Along the left hand side of the coat, Uli had sewn trim that spelled, “HI LADIES.” It was for the judges, and they would see it as the model and Einstein made their walk back up the runway.
What I loved about Uli’s design was the risk. When I saw her select two disparate prints at MOOD, I was flabbergasted: one was Pucci-does-Battlestar-Galactica and the other was giraffe. Either one of them would be a challenge, but two? Silly me. I didn’t realize that Uli is a genius with prints. Truly. The only other designer I know who can compete with her is the incomparable Diane von Furstenberg. Congratulations, Uli!
Katherine is OUT. Katherine’s slip dress in varying shades of celadon was well-constructed, but it was oh-so basic. Tallulah, her dog, was done up in a wonderful little hoodie in matching fabric. When I expressed my concern about the plainness of the dress, Katherine retorted, “I can add a hoodie, like Tallulah’s.” Great! Do it! She didn’t. She didn’t have time. And the competition for the win was never tougher. Plain and basic just weren’t going to make it. Katherine has great potential, but as the youngest and least experienced of the designers, she just didn’t have the depth of experience to remain in the competition.
Alison designed a stunning suit in linen, silk, and leather. The dress was a knock-out, graphically constructed in the spirit of Balenciaga and Courreges, but drop-dead modern and today, which the cropped jacket underscored. Her leather vest for her poodle, Pepito, was a work of art, too. Alison looked like a strong contender for the win.
Angela, Angela. This was the first challenge that allowed me to really get to know Angela as a designer. In the first challenge, she was constrained by the textiles in her Atlas apartment, and in the second challenge she was Vincent’s disabled sous-chef. So, this was her first opportunity to control all of the decisions. She has a point of view. There’s no question about that. And I suppose that it’s best described by looking at Angela: she is her own muse. That said, her design for this challenge still eluded me: a silk taffeta bubble-skirt in an oily lavender and a shrunken vest in olive. The skirt was embellished with florets -- lots and lots of florets. And her dog, Pattycake, had some sort of matching coat. Owing to the coat’s exuberance and Pattycake’s punky spiked coif, it was difficult to tell where each began and ended. Who is this woman and where is she going with this dog? Answer: she’s British and works at a children’s art camp in Paris, and she’s hosting a birthday party for Pattycake. Huh? Why not just use that notorious explanation that we all love to hate: “She works in an art gallery.” Enough already!
Bonnie successfully designed and executed a very ambitious look for her model: a classic black dress under a voluminous white wrap-coat with an exaggerated collar. I debated whether the excessive volume of the coat was working, but I realized that what I was projecting was a matter of taste, so I said to myself, “Shut up, Tim.” Bonnie’s look was stunning on the runway and her little white coat for Sparkle was the perfect complement. Bravo, Bonnie!
Bradley’s dog, Stanley, was my personal favorite, because he was so emotional and needy -- you just wanted to give him a big, soothing hug. Frankly, I felt similarly about Bradley, because he was so disabled by this challenge. He had two fabrics: aubergine wool and honey gold silk. He used the wool for an A-line skirt and the silk for a voluminous sleeveless top. The top was a construction disaster. It looked as though he had sewn it with his feet. And the fraying at every seam and hem was horrifying. Prior to this disaster, he had another design, but he abandoned it; a likely consequence when you perpetually second-guess yourself. A mere hour before the judging, I thought he would forfeit, a Project Runway first, but he pulled himself -- and the top -- together. He even managed to have a mock collar (as in lapel) for Stanley. Bradley, I’m so pleased that you’re still with us!
Jeffrey created a magnificent dress. It was ambitious. It was innovative. It had elements of risk. And it was a huge success. His silk panel skirt possessed beautiful proportions and the faux bustier top was an unexpected novelty. He made a little suit for his corgi, Flex, complete with pants. The only imperfect moment for this combo was Flex tripping over the sleeves while on the runway. What a crowd pleaser this was!
Kayne entered into this challenge with immunity, but he certainly didn’t need it. In fact, I was certain that he could have won. He used a bold and colorful swirling print for his skirt, which was paired with a basic white top. Over this was a croc-embossed vinyl coat lined in the same print as the skirt. The coat, in particular, was incredibly ambitious, and it was a Vegas-y masterpiece. His little white poodle, Molly, was wearing a matching coat. Need I say more? It was a giant, “Wow!”
Keith and his petulance are becoming irksome. His design work is extremely strong, and his design for this challenge was no exception. So, why bother posturing and refuse to design for your dog when that’s a requirement of the challenge? I loved his design. Using a print that looked like molten lava, the work was innovative and the construction was beautifully executed: a dress with a fully pleated skirt and a halter top with a pleated collar. Gorgeous. But this could all be for naught if Morgan, his dog, is design-less. In the end, Morgan was carried down the runway wearing a bracelet for a collar, a bracelet from the Macy’s accessory wall. Worse still, he tried to misrepresent what he had done for the dog, until Heidi called him on it. The judges lauded his dress, but admonished his deception and his attitude.
Laura designed a knockout suit in beige tweed with a Mongolian lamb collar and cuffs. The pencil skirt, the plunging neckline of the jacket, and the super fit of both pieces purred “sexy and seductive.” And although Laura demonstrated a palpable distaste for adorable little Sophia, the dog’s matching coat was hilarious and breathtaking at the same time. It’s a testament to the extraordinarily high level of design and execution of her peers that Laura’s design did not remain on the runway as one of the top three. Outstanding work, Laura!
Michael created one of the more innovative looks on the runway. His tan tweed dress with a criss-cross halter and two kick pleats in the skirt’s front was stunning. What I loved most about his innovation was the fact that this was still real clothing and not even remotely contrived or a joke. His corresponding outfit for Carly made the adorable pooch even more adorable. His design was another strong candidate for the win.
Robert’s dog had the perfect name for him: Chanel. And the pink Jersey that Chanel wore in Central Park was the inspiration for Robert’s color story. He designed a light pink (I called it “breath of pink”) tweed skirt and a parchment top with a cascading tie at the neck. It was a little demure, if not buttoned-up, but it was also youthful. His model and Chanel made a splash on the runway. That Chanel really knows how to work it!
Vincent -- his concept and his execution eluded me for a third time. What is he thinking? As was the case in the first challenge, Vincent had a hat obsession -- with his model and his dog, Lil’A (some name, eh?). He designed a black newsboy hat for his model and another in white for Lil’A. I found the dog’s black and white polka dot coat to be infinitely more interesting than his model’s basic black mini-shift, which would have been Zulema-ly revealing had it not been for the black leggings. And to this day, I still don’t know whether Vincent executed the leggings or whether they were his model’s own. In fairness, I must add that Vincent’s construction was excellent, but I’ll also add that there wasn’t much to the construction. So be it. He marches forward. Let’s see what kookiness lies ahead…
Designer: Laura
Designer: Uli WINS
Designer: Jeffrey
Designer: Robert
Designer: Kayne
Designer: Michael
Designer: Katherine OUT
Designer: Bonnie
Designer: Bradley
Designer: Keith
Designer: Vincent
Designer: Angela
