Episode 11: Only one big surprise

OK, so this was the episode we’ve all been waiting for . . . who was in and who was out? Who would show at Bryant Park, and who would go back to their regular lives? Five contestants left, and guess what? The judges could only narrow the finalists down to four – what a total gyp. So here they are with only one really big surprise:

- Woo hoo, our girl Jillian made it
- Christian, who won the challenge (more on that later)
- Rami

And ta-dah – the only really big surprise: jolly Chris March. It was actually a toss-up between Rami and Chris, but the judges simply could not decide. It’s such a rip. Why bother having a competition? Imagine if this were the Olympics. “Nice dives you two – yours is pretty, yours has style. Just have two gold medals and call it a day.”

Sweet P, who really lives up to her name, is out but still she got to strut her stuff at Fashion Week, even though she was faking it, because again, and we must vent, Bravo is milking this for every week they can get out of it. For heaven’s sake, next week is a “Designer Tell-All,” and the real, real final episode is March 5.

The challenge was to use masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to inspire fashion. The designers had their choice of art from three rooms: The Greek and Roman Sculpture Courtyard, European Painting Wing, and the Temple of Dendur. Line of the night was from Chris, who when examining one of the ruins from the Temple said, “Joan Rivers carved her initials here when she was a girl.” That’s comedy.

Of course, Rami the draper went for a statue of Aphrodite, what else? From it, he created a really beautiful lilac-gray draped dress that anyone would love to own, but the judges thought lacked originality and was too much same old, same old for him.

Christian used a Spanish military painting,“Don Andrew de Andrade Y Cal” by Barolome Esteban Murilla (circa 1665) inspiration for his swashbuckling ensemble that included a white puffy blouse, bolero-like black jacket and leggings. Guest judge Roberto Cavalli saw his “love” for fashion in the work.

Jillian’s sassy little ensemble -- an equestrian-like black jacket and tiny metallic gold minidress -- was artfully drawn from “Scenes from the story of the Argonauts,” by Unknown master of the Argonauts (circa 1465). She was definitely a judge favorite. In fact, Cavalli told her that he wanted to hire her, and Heidi said her work was “ballsy.” Cool.

We did not like Chris’ dress. It looked like it had a giant, pewter-colored brain attached to the top, but the judges sort of enjoyed it. He used a dark oil portrait as inspiration, “Marie Francoise de la Cropte de St. Abre Marquise D’Argence,” by Jean Marc Nattier (1685 –1766).

Finally, there was poor Sweet P, who chose “Peacocks,” a painting by Melchior D’Hondecoeter (1683). The dress was more turkey, though not horrid, and not nearly in the others’ league.

Who wins the whole gig? We’re guessing Christian, but of course rooting for our homegirl Jillian. In the words of Bravo, stayed tuned . . . for as long a drawn out period as possible.

– Anne Bratskeir

Please consult a calendar next season

Sweet P is gone, and Rami and Chris will battle it out for the third and final spot at Fashion Week at Bryant Park . . . which already happened last week in real life.

Seriously, Project Runway producers, how difficult is it to look at the calendar, determine when Fashion Week at Bryant Park is, count back 12 weeks and then start the new season then? Heck, go 13 weeks and build in a re-run somewhere.

Here's a hint: Fashion Week is the same time every six months, the first week in February and the first week in September. And they're all planned out way in advance, so there are no surprises.

So why is it that all season long we hear that only three will make it to Fashion Week, then we watch the broadcast of the show (taped waaaaay in advance, by the way) that determines who will make it to Bryant Park, even though we've already been to Bryant Park in real time and we've watched all five collections walk down that runway?

There were three weeks of reruns, one in late January which made no sense in terms of scheduling. Two were during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, so that is somewhat excusable, but not really.

Quit all the "suspense" about the "final three" when you can't even figure out the calendar. This is not about maintaining the integrity of the final episodes. If you planned it properly, it wouldn't be a problem. The decoy idea is counterintuitive to what you're trying to accomplish.

Sweet P got eliminated from "Runway" this week and therefore won't go to Bryant Park. She cried about it, too. Then whose fashion show did I watch last week at Bryant Park? And what about the 3,000 people that watched our Sweet P video from Bryant Park?

Man up and do this thing right for Season 5.

- Mark La Monica

Watch the Project Runway fashion shows from Bryant Park:

Chris March
Christian Siriano
Jillian Lewis

Rami Kashou
Sweet P

Past designers' reactions

This time, Jillian beats Christian!

Two weeks ago, we asked you to pick the Season 4 winner of "Project Runway." In that vote, Christian Siriano edged out Jillian Lewis, 267-217.

Now that you've all seen their collections from Fashion Week, there's a new tune to be sung.

Here are the results from our latest reader poll, asking readers which collection they thought was the best:

43% Jillian Lewis (260 total votes)
33% Christian Siriano (199)
9% Chris March (58)
8% Rami Kashou (49)
4% Sweet P (26)

Video: Sweet P collection at Fashion Week

Collection is most like: Cynthia Rowley, with plenty of cuteness and a bit of gimmickry.

What was very good: A mauve sparkly peplum tunic atop a puffy sleeved gold chiffon blouse anchored with a slim pencil skirt. Also, a lovely olive green ruffle gown with a leather back bow and olive cape, and a cute sparkly strapless number with gold piped pockets.

What was very bad: An awkward striped pant suit – just plain weirdo with slim pants and a back ruffle, and many, many pockets that pooched out at the hips – who wants the added volume there?

- Anne Bratskeir

Siriano nudges Jillian in our 'Runway' primary

There are six designers and one episode left before the actual "Project Runway" fashion show at Fashion Week.

Clearly, the math is off, as is the show's scheduling skills. So, after this Wednesday's episode, we'll have five left unless they double up and whack out two people. Why not, right? It is a WWE Diva challenge, so maybe it'll be tag team match.

Either way, the people have spoken: They think Christian Siriano will beat out Jillian Lewis for the Project Runway Season 4 championship belt.

Have a look at the poll results:

42% Christian Siriano (267 total votes)

34% Jillian Lewis (217)

13% Rami Kashou (87)

4% Chris March (26)

3% Sweet P (24)

1% Ricky Lizalde (9)

Who knows if they'll even make it past this week? Who knows if they've already been ousted and will serve as decoys? But that's what the Internet is for: rampant speculation and letting the people voice their opinions.

Now go and rock the vote at the polls that really matter in this life.

- Mark La Monica

Week 8 poll results

The readers hate Ricky!

If he were reading this now, he'd probably start crying, seeing how this is the third time our gang of loyal Runwayers voted to whack him off the show. He's 3-for-5, good in just about anything aside from reality competition shows.

Here are the results from the Week 8 poll:

65% Ricky Lizalde
23% Rami Kashou
5% Sweet P
5% Kit Pistol

Jillian's still in it, and we keep interviewing her!

With only two more new episodes between now and Fashion Week at Bryant Park, Long Island’s own Jillian Lewis is still one of the favorites to make the final cut. That last episode was a tense affair for the young designer, but Thursday afternoon, she was happy and calm as could be when she when she took a moment to catch up with Newsday style writer Anne Bratskeir.

AB: Okay, so let’s talk about the “head laying on the sewing machine,” moment during last night’s episode. Were you really that frustrated?
JL: There’s a difference from being on the show and watching it. Everything is so consecutive, and at that point in the competition I was just completely exhausted.

AB: In the Twizzler episode and this one, you seemed like you really might not finish your work in time for the runway presentation. Is that editing or fact?
JL: It’s the truth. Everyday is walking through the fire for me. I come from a background of making clothes for corporate companies, and this level of finishing is not something I’ve dealt with before being on the show. For me, it’s not a quick process. Both Victorya and I went to Parson’s and were taught the very proper way of making clothes. I go through a process. Rami, Chris and Christian, they make clothes on a mannequin. I do a pattern. It’s not as natural for me, and I suffer a little more.

AB: To be honest, it doesn’t seem like you and your partner last night Victorya, are BFF’s. What’s the deal?
JL: It was a very funny situation. We barely exchanged words before we teamed up together. I never had that warmth with her and I was skeptical. I was worried about her being controlling like she was with Ricky. But I was surprised. We had the most incredible partnership. I almost feel that my partnership was more successful with her than with Rami. I learned a lot from her and we both respect each other. Professionally, we were very successful. I wouldn't say that we were the best of friends after.

AB: Friends or not, that coat you two produced was amazing. So was the whole ensemble. Did you think you were going to win?
JL: For me, it was a real turning point in my entire designing career. It was a dream challenge and I never made anything like that before. That’s why I came to the show. I thought everyone turned out strong work and I didn’t necessarily think I was going to win, but I thought the coat was killer.

AB: What’s the worst thing the judges can say (other than you’re out) about a designer’s work?
JL: That your work is amateurish. You definitely don’t want to hear that.

AB: Alberta Ferretti seemed like a pretty critical judge. How did you feel about her?
JL: I was very impressed that she was there. To have a European designer be a guest judge . . . how impressive is that? We don’t necessarily need people to keep saying, "great job" all the time. I thought she was right on and strong and good.

AB: We know how close you are with Rami. Do you think he’s getting a bad rap or was he really that much of a crazy control freak last night?
JL: I love Rami, but I think he was out of line with the situation. He was one of those people . . . the boss you never want to have. I had one of those and everyday you come home feeling you’ve been micro-managed. I really felt bad for Sweet P and now I understand that it is important not to suppress someone in a team situation. He’s a controlling person when it comes to his vision, but I don’t think it’s a reflection of his personal character. He’s a nice person.


AB: What about Kit leaving?
JL: I was shocked she was eliminated. She’s a very positive and very intelligent person. On our chalkboard in our apartment it said, ‘PMA’ – positive mental attitude – and we tried to leave the house thinking that way and that was Kit’s positive influence. She’s a great designer, and a level-headed, strong individual. Kit and Sweet P were best friends so I was really sad for them, and I will really miss her.

AB: Are you getting recognized on the street these days?
JL: Pretty much everyday sometimes up to 10 times a day. It’s funny. I have to get used to it. People say, ‘Oh my God, I love you,’ and at first, I didn’t know how to react. But now I just say ‘Thank you!’

AB: How are you feeling to still be in it?
JL: It’s an honor at this point to still be in the competition. It feels very good to be at that level.

AB: Um, speaking of winners, are you a Giants fan?
JL: I’m really not, I have two sisters and we are the girliest family you’ll ever meet. I’m a total ballerina type girl.

Photos from BravoTV.com

Project Runway Episode 7: Jersey Girls

Designing the all-important dress for 17- and 18-year old girls – yeah, we’re talking prom – that was the challenge this week. And the models, some of them divas in training, hailed from St. John Vianney High School, a Catholic school in Holmdel, New Jersey.

Witchy Victorya, whom the edit tries to soften with her admitting she misses Elisa, wins the challenge with a vibrant blue chiffon mini featuring a geometrical halter that is studded with jewels. Guest judge Gilles Mendel, whose J. Mendel collection not only features outrageous furs, but also includes close to couture evening dresses with dreamy details, is appreciative of her work.

One of the teenagers offers some breaking news: “Girls who go to Catholic School are really wild.” No kidding. Sweet P counts Catholic school as part of her education along with an all-women’s motorcycle gang. But her dress of champagne silk was pure refinement and one of the best conjuring red carpet movie stars.

Kevin, who has prided himself upon being the group’s only straight male, is a goner. And truth be told, his ill-fitting shiny red dress was cheesy – cheap looking as the judges put it -- and well, so long, farewell. He was dignified enough when he took the final walk down the runway, and asserted his manhood even further when he told the cameras, “I got a hug from Heidi Klum. That wasn’t the worst thing in the world.” Um pal, she was kicking you auf, didn't you notice her dominatrix duds early on?

The conflict of the night was between Christian, whom we almost pitied, and his client. Honestly, we reserve the toughest judgment for grownups of course, but this girl was a brat. That said, Christian should have asserted himself more. The dress, a brown satin shirred disaster with black lace overlay, was gracelessly poufed -- ouch. But how very immature of him to blurt out how difficult the girl was during judging. He needs to grow up, though the guy was sort of funny with antics like rolling around on the floor and drama queen statements such as, “I’m going to die.”

His color combo was poor, but by far, the worst color of the night was Ricky’s vampire flesh tone that basically sucked the life out of his model.

Cute touches included the designers' own prom pictures as visuals – Sweet P was really sweet-looking, Christian incredibly avant garde and Kevin, also from New Jersey, seemed the handsome greaser sort. We loved Jillian’s big query: “Is it just me or is my hair bigger than usual? Maybe it was, but then, at least it wasn’t her ego, as was the case with Rami who basically told the judges, “This is what I do,” when explaining why his knee-length acrid–green cocktail dress that had not a hint of youthfulness, looked so very wrong.

- Anne Bratskeir

Photo from BravoTV.com

Project Runway Week 7 diary

I got a late start on "Project Runway" this week, but thanks to the wonders of technology, my DVR recorded it. So, we decided to still put my plan into action for this week and keep a running reactionary diary for the show.

And away we go watching/blogging (note: time is based on minutes into the show, so when you see :04, that means four minutes into the show.

:01 – “Bottom line, I’m the best.” OK, Carmen, whatever you say. You were better than Simone, that's it.

:02 – Wedding dresses?

:03 – Nope. Prom dresses. Interesting.

:04 - “Oh God, I don’t know what the poor girl who chose me must have been thinking because my portfolio is full of crazy stuff.” Well done, Mr. March.

:05 – And the models get to pick the designers. Nice switcheroo, Heidi!

:06 – “I know that whole Jersey high school thing.” OK, Kevin, now let’s see you design some really big hair!

:08 -- Christian is funny. Christian with flat hair is funnier.

:09 - $250 to shop for materials for one article of clothing? Mix in the labor, the supplies, the overhead and no wonder why clothes are so damn expensive these days.

:10 – What the heck was that? God bless DVR.

:10.30 -- Wow, that was Christian in high school. That photo is something off a Classmates.com banner ad.

:12 – Check out those hooptie earrings on Kit. Dang, yo. Last time I saw hoops that big, they were on fire and a mascot was jumping through them.

:13 -- Maddie vs. Christian in celebrity deathmatch? Tough call. I'll put my money on Caddy Chris.

:14 – Commercial. Time to rewind and see that pic of Christian from high school.

:15 -- He looks like a gang member from “The Warriors” and a character from any John Landis 1980s movie had a kid.

:19 – Here comes Tim Gunn!

:21 -- Sweet P is the voice of reason. Thanks for not dressing your girl like a little hoochie mama.

:22 – Uh oh, is this Comeuppance Day for Christian?

:23 – Hey, how come Ricky hasn’t cried yet?

:24 – Tim to Rami: “Can I just make one comment? She’s going to look like she’s wearing her mother’s dress!” Wow. And there we have this week’s Tim Gunn highlight. It doesn’t matter what happens after this. Tim Gunn won’t top that verbal groin kick.

:26 -- Anyone have Tim Gunn’s cell phone number? I’m going to need a pick-me-up one of these days and he’s the best motivator since Herm Edwards.

:32 -- "When I had a girlfriend, I actually made her prom dress," Ricky said. "That should have a clue right there, right?" Great line, Ricky. Sorry about that crying comment nine minutes ago.

:36 – Pre-runway predictions: Sweet P will win, Christian stays. The show editor would be fired otherwise for making it way too obvious. You can't fool me, Mr. Red Herring.

:41 – I spoke 29 minutes too soon on Kit. Those hoopties are the biggest ones I’ve ever seen, and I grew up in the '80s.

:42 - Victorya’s dress is whack.

:42 - Chris' design is pretty good.

:43 - OK, maybe Siriano will lose.

:44 - Good thing for Rami he’s got immunity this week.

:46 -- Nina is not crazy about the red on Kevin’s dress? Uh, unless my TV screen is all whacked out, isn’t Nina wearing red?

:47 – This is why I’ll never be a guest judge on Project Runway: they all seem to love Victorya’s dress.

:48 – Christian sells out his model. Good for him.

:49 – Kors to Rami: “When I look at that dress, she’s a 35-year-old woman in New York going out to dinner.” Great line. Looks like our boy Tim Gunn was right 25 minutes ago.

:52 - Here comes the over-production music and sound effects. That must mean the commercial break is approaching and it’s time to decide who gets whacked. I’ll guess Kevin.

:58 – Victorya wins. Sweet P gets hosed!

:59 – Sweet mother of mercy! Guess whose DVR just cut out before Heidi could torment Kevin and Christian a bit more and then whack one of them!

:59.10 – For the love of Pete!

:59.20 – Damn you, Cablevision satellite clocks! Fire Isiah!

:59.30 – I hate technology!

:59.45 – Deep breaths, go find out online who won.

1:00 – Kevin gets whacked. Glad I was right about one thing tonight. Too bad I missed the actual reaction. I hope he didn't raise a ruckus.

- Mark La Monica

Photo from BravoTV.com

Bryant Park predictions

OK, yeah, sure, the designers, judges and producers already know who makes it to Bryant Park for Fashion Week in February 2008. Short of kidnapping one of the contestants or judges and forcing it out of them, we have no idea who is currently working on their collections for the "Project Runway" fashion show early next year.

But we can make predictions. Isn't that what reality TV and the Internet is really all about anyway? Of course, when Heidi sits down to read this post, she might laugh uncontrollably at our guesses. Or she may run around Germany screaming "Who leaked the info?!?" You just never know anymore.

So here we go with our predictions for the three designers we'll see again in February, in alphabetical order. Take a look and share your predictions in the comments section.

Rami Kashou: Seems all-around solid and on point with his designs.



Jillian Lewis: She's our home girl, so we're sticking to our guns and supporting the Long Island girl. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she's pretty darn good at what she does, too.




Christian Siriano: A rebellious choice which could backfire at any moment of any show. But that's the intriguing part. He's whacky and kooky in our eyes and "fierce" in his, but the guess here is that he squeaks by a few times and wins a few times. Fashion is weird that way. Besides, he needs to be on the show as long as possible, just for the humor factor.



And our reasoning for why these folks won't make it to Bryant Park:

Kevin Christiana: Seems pretty solid and confident so far. But the guess here is that he'll throw up a clunker on the runway late in the competition.

Victorya Hong: Seems to hang on too tight. The guess is she'll crack in Week 8.

Elisa Jimenez: A lulu in every sense. As amusing as her exchanges are with Tim Gunn and the other designers, at some point she will feel the wrath of Nina and Heidi.

Ricky Lizalde: Can you imagine the waterworks the week he gets whacked? The Bravo marketing people should hook up a deal with Kleenex for that show.

Chris March: In sports, the cliche is that it's hard to beat a team twice in a season. In fashion, it's easy to lose twice.

Kit Pistol: Great name, which is good enough to sell clothes. Designs? Not good enough to win "Project Runway."

Sweet P: Straddles between cool and awful. At some point, there will be less awful designs to stand in her way of the exit door.

- Mark La Monica

Week 4 poll results

Only four weeks in and we've got ourselves a favorite designer to hate. It looks like, from the results of this week's "Who would you auf?" poll that the more Ricky Lizalde cries, the more he gets voted against.

Of course, in real life, Ricky escaped the wrath of Heidi and friends.

58% Ricky
15% Chris
10% Sweet P
9% Steven
4% Elisa