Project Runway - Week 3 - Iconic Inspirations

comments (18) January 29th, 2010 in design

judith neukam, senior technical editor

13 users recommend

Jesus and Amy designed and built this gown. It kept them safe from elimination, but it has some interesting qualities we didn’t get to explore. Did they piece this fabric?

Maya and Jay created this dramatic and exotic black and pewter gown—it was a favorite of the judges.

Mila won first place for this sportswear ensemble she and Jonathan created.

Jesus and Amy designed and built this gown. It kept them safe from elimination, but it has some interesting qualities we didn’t get to explore. Did they piece this fabric?

Photo: Lifetime Television

1 | 2 | 3 next> View all

Add Comment
Print

This was a jam packed week on Project Runway! First, the designers were taken to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they were given a private showing of ten iconic costumes from the curatorial department of the Costume Institute—shown in sky lit daylight. At a glance, I recognized ensembles that live in my heart from well worn pages of design books from the likes of Chanel, Vionnet, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Madame Gres. What a thrilling opportunity for the designers to see pieces of this quality under such ideal conditions. The designers were then divided into teams of two, given a $500 budget, and two days to design a high-end signature look based on their personal style as designers. Sometime later they were given a second challenge to design a “look for less” garment inspired by one of the signature garments designed by another team—within a $50 budget.

Ping and Jesse could have won the award for the most difficult team. Jesse knew from the onset that he didn’t want to work with Ping, and we could all have guessed that she would be a challenge of her own to work with. In the end, Ping was eliminated this week. I don’t see how any of us can be surprised, but she does have a certain unique style. She was wearing a very interesting pair of glasses this week.

Looking back over the 14 garments we were shown, only two of them weren’t predominantly black or dark colors. This makes for a grim runway show in my book, and makes it hard to see the detail in the clothes. Once again, I think a couple of the best designs were hidden in the “safe” bunch. Jesus and Amy’s signature gown was stunning from all angles. Their look for less derivation of Ping’s signature style was a unique interpretation. Jay and Maya were my choice to win. Mila won this week, and I’m going to admit here for all to read, I think this garment looks like a Target commercial. The jacket is an old fashioned cocoon coat silhouette, and the stripes down the pant legs looked like exercise pants. All four judges praised this ensemble—maybe that’s my signal to keep my day job. One thing for sure, it continues to be a great season so far. What were your favorites?

Anthony Williams & Seth Aaron Henderson

Anna Marie Lynett & Emilio Sosa

Janeane Marie Ceccanti & Ben Chmura

1 | 2 | 3 next> View all

posted in: design, designers

Add Comment Print

Add Style with Graphic Fabric Insertions

Gorgeous Wedding Gowns transformed to Heirloom Christening Gowns

Comments (18)

cjbauman464 writes: I too didn't like the winning design.
Carol
Henderson, NV
Posted: 9:06 pm on February 3rd

sews4fun writes: Daughteroflevi:
I'm sorry, I probably was bad and spoke too soon of this design. Everyone knows penguins live in the SOUTH POLE!
>:-)
Posted: 1:31 pm on February 2nd

BarbaraSki writes: As soon as I saw Mila constructing that design, I phoned my sister and said "Hey, she's making LaFred's Penelope Jacket!" a pattern which I've owned for MANY years. It is a very flattering silhouette - but certainly not "forward-thinking" or "innovative" - but then, what is? There is NOTHING new in fashion - EVERYTHING is a derivative of another, past look. My PR critics group all agree - we really don't like Michael Kors & Nina. Take a look at MK's collections - many of his looks are things I've heard him cut on PR. I also hate when they have those "celebrity" designers - Lindsay Lohan? I read in another column how resentful I would be as these PR contestant designers who have studied or worked for years are judged by someone just handed the title "designer" for money by a clothing mfg. who wants to capture a market and wouldn't know a Hong Kong seam from an egg roll. There's several designers that I like, but none jumps to the top just yet. Glad Ping got "awfed."
Posted: 12:08 pm on February 2nd

sewnotso writes: I am sooooooo elated to read that I'm not the only one who felt that the winning look missed the mark! From the comfort of my living room, Coke in hand, I sometimes deal the death blow to the unsuspecting would-be winner of that current week's challenge. I agree with previous comments that Jesus and Amy created lovely gown and that investing a little more time into the showing the "safe" designers looks would be nice. I also liked the dress done by team Emellio(sp). This season gets the nod......so far. I'm happy they're back in NY. Perhaps we'll all be inspired to embark upon our own sewing challenge that will have us scoring high marks on our everyday runways. Happy Sewing Threads Family!
Posted: 12:59 am on February 2nd

Bettyboopfan writes: I was a little disappointed about the lack of professioalism displayed by Ping. I think she had some potential as a designer, but my 2 year grand daughter behaves better.
Posted: 9:30 pm on February 1st

fiberann writes: Oh my! I guess I'm the only one who loves Mila's design! I thought it was beautifully made and very attractive--except I would agree that the stripe down the leg was a big minus.

Posted: 9:07 pm on February 1st

DaughterofLevi writes: Sews4fun, your comments are so funny! the more I read it, the more I thought you had a good point about Mila's outfit looking like a penguin. I also do not like the sporty pants, which is why I did not think Daniel V should have won with his sporty collection previously.

Just maybe there should be a weekly fourth guest judge. Someone who is not a celebrity but likes to sew. Sometimes I think the judges are so jaded that they choose all kinds of "stuff" as winner. Do you really think the maternity top Heidi has on (Models of the Runway) is really cute? What was she thinking? I'm not being catty or mean, but it seems as if she did not feel well that day to wear that!

I really do like this forum. Oh, I think Jesus and Amy or Jay and Maya should have won.
Posted: 8:53 pm on February 1st

Cherlyn writes: I didn't care for the winning design but I could tell that the judges were interested. After their "chat" I figured the design had won.

I was surprised that last week Ping was kept. I don't think the designer should be kept when they send their model out with her rear hanging out!

I liked Jesus and Amy's dress; although, it appears to be a bit copied from other designs I have seen designers produce. It was elegant!
Posted: 6:20 pm on February 1st

Tina424 writes: Mila's jacket was one armed bandit Atlantic City. I'm sure Bea Arthur and her cohorts wore something similar on the Golden Girls. Definetly not iconic and not inspired by the designs at the museum.

Loved Anna's and Emillo's first look.
Posted: 6:15 pm on February 1st

Skymom writes: I guess I'm in the minority in not particularly liking the Maya/Jay gown--in color and form it reminded me too glaringly of...um, tree fungus. Sorry! I can appreciate that it was well-made, however. Among the also-rans that I like were Jesus and Amy's "nude" and black gown and Anne Marie and Emilio's "look for less," which seemed like a slightly updated Claire McCardell dress.

This week I was more sorry than ever that Pamela Ptak was gone. She would have been MARVELOUS in this challenge! With her couture skills and deep knowledge of fashion history, plus her positive, can-do attitude, I think she'd have blown us and the judges away--and treated her partner well at the same time.

I kind of hated to see Ping leave, although I haven't liked her designs after week one. She's entertaining and seems driven by genuine creativity, rather than ego. I guess Anthony is going to be our diva for as long as he lasts. He does come out with expressions that made me laugh! He said up front that pageant-type design is his ambition, though, so I don't now how long he can last. The judges hate anything that smacks of pageantry.
Posted: 1:46 pm on February 1st

ExclusiveHerb writes: Design Differences

I believe that the darker palette shows the design differences to their best advantage. If you can design something uniquely beautiful in black then you will find a happy client. I personally believe though that in actual life scenarios that flattering the wearer's appearance comes first. Thinking of the place or circumstances of your environment are necessary to achieve this happy harmony, and should be thought of in second place. I admit that I am not sure whom they (the designers) are designing for at the time of the show. Are they merely designing for the judges at this time? Who are the judges designing their critiques for at this time? Creating a fashion show that attracts buyers will involve more than what I have seen. I suppose I shall wait and see how the show rounds out before surrendering my decision on what I consider to be a winning outfit or a winning designer.

Signed,
ExcusiveHerb

Posted: 1:38 pm on February 1st

ExclusiveHerb writes: Design Differences

I believe that the darker palette shows the design differences to their best advantage. If you can design something uniquely beautiful in black then you will find a happy client. I personally believe though that in actually life scenarios that flattering the wearer's appearance comes firstly. Thinking of the place or circumstances of your environment are necessary to achieve this happy harmony, and should be thought of in second place. I admit that I am not sure whom they (the designers) are designing for at the time of the show. Are they merely designing for the judges at this time? Who are the judges designing their critiques for at this time? Creating a fashion show that attracts buyers will involve more than what I have seen. I suppose I shall wait and see how the show rounds out before surrendering my decision on what I consider to be a winning outfit or a winning designer.

Signed,
ExcusiveHerb

Posted: 1:36 pm on February 1st

nativemsn writes: Wow! This was definitely a jam packed episode! Just so much to see and then preferably not see. Jesse set himself up to have a horrible time designing with Ping. It was clear from the get-go he didn't like her. So, he already had a bad attitude from the beginning. I felt a little sorry for Ping about this fact. But, she did seem all over the place with her ideas and then flatly saying at one point, "I am the team leader." Don't remember anyone ever saying that in a team project to the other(s) member(s) of the team--not face-to-face. To the camera on the side, but not to their face.

And thank you, Judith for pointing out how unattractive Mila's design was compared with others. I REALLY disliked the jacket. My daughter thought it looked like bat wings. I think Mila got brownie points because she didn't make a dress for the signature look, but 'separates' as Michael noted. I am not a hugh fan of graphic clothing anyway. It was in no way striking..........which brings me to..........

Jay and Maya's signature look was beautiful. It was a classic, 1930's-type elegant, sleek dress. The one-shoulder and the thinness of the other side as it came down in the side/back, as Nina mentioned, was wonderful to see. Second place for me would have gone to Amy and Jesus. And I agree that not enough time is spent showing the 'safe' designs to the audience. Maybe if they cut out more of the hair/makeup part which I care nothing about for the most part--even though I know it's supposed to complete the 'look' or to put a period on it.

Overall, the episode so lacked color in the designer's looks. Most of the 'inspired' looks were drab and boring and were such a contrast as to how much time was put into making the signature look.

In the end, I agreed that Ping should go (if not before now). Fashion is so subjective. And to consider Nina, Michael and Heidi as experts is in a sense ridiculous. They seem to be right on for the most part regarding obvious misses in a garment. But on the other hand, it's all just opinion and certainly assert theirs in a strong manner, whether right or wrong..........subjectively, of course.
Posted: 7:20 pm on January 31st

SewGal38 writes: Seth Aaron & Anthony's look for less was...well, definately less than stellar to look at! I disagree with the judges on their 1st piece, though...it was beautiful and well constructed. I agree that Mila winning was a shock, especially when she only worked on that blasted jacket...yes it is an 80's look, but those "Exercise Pants" were attocious...I have a few pair of them in my wardrobe already and the only place I wear them is to the gym to workout!! Glad Ping is gone...she needs to mature a bit more in the organization department...love, love, love Jay and Maya's "shoulder ruffle" gown! Asymmetry is so in right now, but they did it with a unique touch. My fave couple that did both pieces wonderfully in my books was Jesus (shock) and Amy (she possess a wonderfully youthful eye). I'd wear both...assuming I had a place to wear that gorgeous gown! Buh-nanas!
Posted: 8:33 am on January 31st

sews4fun writes: I have felt sorry for Mila since her model dumped her the last time and I was hoping she would win. Not with this! It reminds me of the movie "The Fly" where the guy gets into the machine to beam himself to another part of the room not knowing a fly is in the machine with him. When he comes out, hes part person part fly. Picture this scenario with a penguin instead. This abomination was so unflattering I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants when I saw the model wearing it. You know, the judges must really be hard up for a pair of pants instead of a dress if they think this was a winner. Can you imagine going to dinner or to a public function with this on? If you can, I suggest you NOT go to the zoo lest you be mistaken for a penguin or a skunk and get thrown into a cage with one of the critters! Those bat wings were a winner alright, if you plan on flying to the north pole to join the rest of your colony! Geesh!
Posted: 2:38 am on January 30th

You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.