Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Project Runway: Episode One

It’s conceivable that Project Runway producers recruited a couple of patients from the loony bin to help balance the contestant pool this season. No offense to sweet Elisa, 42, from Pasadena, TX, but in the first challenge -- an at least 50-yard-mad-dash to three tents in Bryant Park stuffed with $50,000 worth of fabric, she goes psycho Mother Nature-style getting on her hands and knees grinding her fabric into the grass to “imbue it with a natural element.” That is some good TV.

The designers, an evidently talented bunch, all have to create an ensemble that defines them. Elisa ends up ditching the grass stains and produces a turquoise dress that is smashing in front, but bombs because of a frightening multi-color tail that smacked of well, toilet tissue meets a Piñata. It looks like she was “poo-ing fabric,” says Heidi Klum, articulately summing up the look. Nothing like a little bathroom humor. Elisa’s poor model trips down the runway, but the judges don’t nix her. Instead they axe appealing, regular gal Simone, 32, from San Francisco, CA, who does a fairly boring little empire waist number that is so badly made that judge Nina Garcia basically shines hot lights on the lass. “Why is the quality of construction so horrible?” she asks. We love the Nina but what did she expect the girl to say? “Bad construction is the new black?”

Okay, ones to watch include Rami, 31, who hails from Jerusalem. He wins with his swank gray sheath though he’s a tiny bit smug. There’s Selden, Long Island’s own curly-haired Jillian, 26, who is easily “in” with her coral pouf that features a fitted bodice. Then, there’s creative little Christian, (the youngest on the show at 22, from Annapolis, MD) whose asymmetrical hairdo is inspired by the tropical flower, Bird of Paradise and is filmed asking, “Don’t these bitches know I am way better?” Need we say more? He’s clearly miffed that he didn’t win though does get judge accolades. We did not love his camel/plaid ensemble and nor did Heidi, who admitted that it was growing on her only after peer pressure, and what appeared to be one withering look from Michael Kors that read, “Be quiet, look pretty, and say Auf Wiedersehen.” (Though, truth told, they really like each other in real life.) Also, for the record, Kevin, 30, of Fairfield, NJ wants us all to know he’s straight even though he’s a designer. Duly noted.

As for intentional comic relief, it’s all about rotund Chris March, whom we hope they’ll keep around if for nothing else than his fabulous laugh and endearing “whatever,” attitude. Monique Lhuillier, (for those who don’t know it, she designs glam evening wear and wedding gowns, and some call her “Little Oscar,” as in de la Renta), is darned poised on the show in her role as guest judge.

To note: the tattoo factor – who needs clothes? Sweet P, 46, has them everywhere, but we guess that was in fashion with the motorcycle mamas she used to ride with – for real. But almost everybody on the show seems to have at least one. We tried to count them all but couldn’t keep up. We need to be busier. – Anne Bratskeir

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hiya-- good blog, but you did not comment on the fabulous dress that Chris March created... at least I thought it was terrific. I figured he was going to be the bog challenge for Rami, not that ugly plaid thing (what was with the skirt- it was obviously way too asymetrical!) that they all loved so much.

Anonymous said...

“Bad construction is the new black?” Very funny! I’ve never watched the show – but I’m setting my TIVO right away! I have to keep up with it so I can continue to enjoy this delightful blog!

Anonymous said...

I so agree about the tats. They can really distract from 'who' the designer is. That said, Chris March deserves a shot on Ugly Betty. Love the blog. Be back next week.

Anonymous said...

Well, Elisa, rubbing her fabric into the grass...maybe she is just looking to join the "green awareness" movement that is sweeping America. She should have gotten points for that! All in all, it's a fun show; thank goodness for Chris March for providing levity and humor and Monique for adding some elegance!

Anonymous said...

My favorite is Christian, even though he is a drama queen! Liked your reference to Zoolander. I have to admit that I wasn't sure if I was going to stick with it this season but after this episode, I have to say that I think this season will be pretty, pretty good! Love reading your take on it. Keep on blogging!

Anonymous said...

Sweet P's tats totally contradict her runway design--that dress was so sweet! I can't wait to read more next week. Keep us updated on behind the scene PR gossip!

Anonymous said...

I agree with bob--christian is the biggest drama queen ever!! but that's what makes the show so great..i can't wait to see more

Anonymous said...

I'm sure this season will provide as much entertainment as any of the other reality shows that are into 3rd, 4th and 5th seasons... Flamboyant "artists" getting hyper and running with scissors - sounds like fun to me!!

Chris March is quite amusing, and a pretty talented guy... word is that he has created some pretty interesting food-inspired pieces before...

This blog will become my go-to for up-to-the-moment information on all the important details, so I need not worry if I miss an episode!

Thanks for that.

Anonymous said...

Elisa in the grass? Sounds like she was playin' with a little herbal rememdy prior to that gem of an idea...

Can't wait for more!

Anonymous said...

Chris is not the only drama queen here. They are all performing for us! Even the judges. Oh yeah, then there is the fashion -- good thing you are here to remind us there is actually some design going on too.

Rhett said...

How does one find out who won PRway 4? At least the top 3? There are 300 witnesses at the final show which was filmed in september.

red said...

thank you



chat sohbet sesli sohbet muhabbet mirc