Due to a family emergency, CJ is not going to be able to recap this episode so you are stuck with me. Hopefully, CJ and Les will be back with us next week.
This season begins with the eight rookies: Kimberly Goldson (S9), Stanley Hudson (S11), Amanda Valentine (S13), Char Glover (S13), Kelly Dempsey (S14), Edmond Newton (S14), Candice Cuoco (S14), Merline Labissiere (S14}standing in the middle of the NY Giants stadium.
The rookies pretend to be shocked when, Anthony Williams (S7, AS1), Joshua McKinley (S9, AS2), Casanova (S8, AS2), Ari South (S8, AS3),Melissa Fleis (S10,AS3), Fabio Costa (10.4), Helen Castillo (S12, AS4), Ken Laurence (S12, AS5) come out to take the field. Let the games begin!
After a ridiculously stupid team challenge, the veterans win a few extra bucks at mood and the chance to do a group collection of either spring or fall. They select spring, and the rookies will do fall. At mood, one of the few designers I actually remember says that his competitors have some “tacky shit” in their baskets. Ken needs to stick around as the season’s shade thrower.
No matter who they choose as the All Stars mentor, it always pisses me off that it’s not Tim Gunn. If we can’t have Tim Gunn, then why have the damn show at all? This year we got, Anne Fulenwider. They could not possibly have selected a crankier, more critical mentor. Tim Gunn mentors. Anne Fulenwider criticizes. She hates everything. The designers leave day one feeling defeated. Ken was right about some of the fabric choices.There is some really bad sewing happening everywhere. Everyone feels threatened by Ari’s sewing skills.
The vets all smack talk the Fall collection. Everyone seems to be having the usual time issues. Three are some barely sewn together pieces but everyone gets something on the runway.
Alyssa Milano introduces and Isaac Mizrahi promises to be super bitchy this season. Much to the surprise of the Veterans, the rookie team collection wins. Char, Merline and Edmond the top three. The bottom three are chosen from the vets team. Helen, Casanova and Ken are in the bottom. Please don’t send Ken home!
I don’t see how Edmond’s olive green, poorly sewn dress with shoulder pads that rival the women from Dynasty in size. Anthony trashed Edmond’s poor zipper sewing saying it looked like “scoliosis.” It’s going to be a weird judging season, y’all.
Char’s half cape dress ??!! is also ridiculous. Isaac loves it. Alyssa calls it a happy accident.
Merline’s dress is weird in a good way. They judges complain about her sewing. Really? I mean sure it is bad, but not any worse than the other two “winners.” Merline wins the first challenge.
I have no fucking idea how Helena got in the bottom. It was expertly sewn and miles above the top three in my opening. They thought it was too safe. Or something. I think they might all be high.
Cassanova made a nice top and then just kind of tacked together some strips of cloth to serve as pants. They were awful. He deserves to go home.
Ken was apparently mindfucked by Ann Fulenwider to screw up his power suit. Sent maternity pants down the runway with a vest that exposed the model’s navel. He will be lucky to survive this.
Thankfully Cassanova went home.
Sorry for the brevity. This was not on my agenda for the day. Saturday is my day off!
Definitely a weird judging season – seems like it always is on All Stars. I love Project Runway, and Alyssa Milano is supportive to the designers, and seems like a nice person. But I don’t think she has particularly good taste, as evidenced by her own clothes on the show. For being a famous actress, hosting a show about fashion, and having stylists, hair, and makeup professionals at her disposal, I’m often mystified by her outfits and fussy updos. As for their judging, she and over-the-top-bitchy Isaac make me miss Heidi and Zac. It’s OK tho, I still love the show and can pick my own winners and losers.
So who were your winners and losers? I’ve forgotten pretty much everything except for Ari’s dress. I can’t remember if she was the honorable mention on the losing team or not.
I thought that, compared to other PR runway shows, this one was underwhelming. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great – it was just kind of meh. I didn’t see much that was fashion-forward. Most of my top *and* bottom looks were in the Veterans’ spring collection. On top, I liked Helen’s white dress with white-leather panel w/cutouts. It wasn’t super fashion-forward, but it was immaculately-executed, elegant, and understated. I also liked Fabio’s look, which was very Fabio – boxy, Japan-influenced blue top and white skort-type shorts. It would have been my favorite if he had left the fringe off, which seemed like an afterthought, added to make the look cohesive w/the rest of the collection. It didn’t need it. It was the most fashion-forward look on the runway, and sans fringe, it would have been my favorite. So, I’d give top prize to spring and Helen. Ari’s was pretty and well-made, tho the design didn’t knock my socks off.
On the bottom, I think Ken’s was on the bottom, with Casanova’s. But I’d also put Merline’s mustard-yellow dress with the semi-open arms & structured shoulders. I give her credit for trying to come up with something new, but I think she failed in the execution, and those sleeves just looked weird and kind of belabored. Since my favorites were in the spring collection, I’d go ahead and call the Rookies’ fall collection the loser, and send Merlin’s home, with a stern warning to Ken & Casanova to bring it next time.
How ‘bout you?
Oh wait you said you forgot, lol. Yeah, kind of an underwhelming show. Hopefully the designers will step it up or we’re in for a long season.
yes Ari got the top for the bottom
I think you nailed it… this show always seems so low rent. And there’s a good crop of designers this season… the fault lies in Alyssa Milano (how did she get this gig?), Isaac Mizrahi, who is so annoying, and of course the now problematic Georgina Chapman. I’m sure this show could do better to get some decent judges. I’m trying to think of judges I enjoyed on PR – Carly Chaikin and Demi Lovato were both tough and entertaining… maybe Lauren Conrad would be a good replacement for Heidi in the off season. Alyssa seems like a nice person but brings the whole production down, in my opinion.
TT, thanks for your posts, on your day off no less, always keeping your people entertained! Discovered this site a few months back (I’m late, I know) and now it’s my daily affirmation. You have wonderful commenters as well. Love it. Have a great weekend!
If Lauren Conrad presents anything even vaguely to do with fashion I will drown myself.
Thanks TT. I watched the first few minutes and decided if it gets recapped I’ll finish watching, if not, then won’t.
Lol, guess I will put it on to finish.
I just happened to catch the runway shows, so felt like I was playing catch-up. That said, I’m relieved to hear the comments about the weird judging. I was afraid it was just me! It seems that Alyssa tries to be nice to everyone but doesn’t really have much noteworthy to say.
Edmond’s dress was odd – and kind of terrible. I’m not sure how it was top three. I did love Merline’s dress and am glad that she won.
Cassanova’s top was great, but those pants made the model look like she was wearing a teal-colored diaper as she came down the runway. Just awful. I’m glad that he was sent home for his look. Ken had a close call.
Ooooooh sexy Edmond is back. However, that dress was awful. The cape dress was meh. I can’t bloody stand Merline, but her dress was fresh and interesting.
Notice how all the designers from Chiquita Crybaby’s season are back? Is this their payback? Perhaps they’ll let one win as retribution…
It’s nice to see that they have at least upped their game in the sponsorship stakes. High end glam AND ACTUAL designer accessories? That’s a first, no?
Sidenote: were Alyssa and Isaac vacationing at the same all you can eat buffet resort in the off season?
Also Michael Costello is selling $20,000 gowns, dressing Beyonce and judging Project Runway Allstars? How did that happen from they guy no-one liked and didn’t know how to sew?? Well done there chap!
If producers REALLY new what they were doing they should have had Ivy and Gretchen on as Allstars and him as a mentor… ?
Yes!!!!!!!! Ah, revenge is sweet.
Yes!!!!!!!! Ah, revenge is sweet.
Did I miss something about Edmond? Is that why they were all fawning over him? I wasn’t paying that mch attention because I was waiting for CJ to explain it all to me,
I am a huge fan of olive green and am going to try to change from grey t shirts to olive green in the future…
Um, just that he’s an absolute BABE. Never really like his FASHUNZ though.
As someone who likes to dress solely in country casuals and who’s wardrobe consists of the entire spectrum of bodily excretion colours, I appreciate olive. I really do. It’s JUST the dress was awful. The judges realised that too I think, as they were floundering for reasons to fawn over him. I think Edmund has been chosen as fan favourite.
“Chiquita crybaby!” I’ve missed too much! Thank goodness I found you TT! I haven’t watched but a few All Stars. I think mostly because of Alyssa. She’s too sweet and I never understood why she was picked as a head Judge. What, when was her fashion moment?
I think I remember the show recycling a lot of really qualified working designers (I guess for advertising?) want to “bees” that are still working but need more attention (advertising/money?) It’s really hard to be a self promoter when your mind wants to create, in my experience.
I love me some Isaac..he can be pretty catty, dry and I like that in a circle of friends! (Cause I’m in the circle…right? Waahh wa! Sad face!)
I’ve watched every episode of Project Runway but I’m only vaguely remembering everyone from long ago seasons without a face to a name/clothes I’ll struggle until I see. Like which mustache (name of a person) went with which style and who’s bitchiness (name of a person) went with what look.
I don’t buy designer much, bought my mom a really nice MK’s wallet that will hold her phone too…got a smoking deal on it before Christmas…that may be telling too but the whole department was on serious mark down.
When I get home I’m going to record and follow along. TT, your posts are always spot on…no worries, I do love CJ and Les, their bantor and rapport? Amazing and giggle worthy! Plus they are amazing judges as well.
Goodness, a lot of the crud going around! Hand washing people! And don’t fall down and break your arm like I did in November! It really cramps one’s style!
Not sure whether I’ll watch or just rely on awesome!y snarky recaps here. I’m hoping, though for another Kelly Osborne smakdown of the mean girl. I am assuming that is why they were cast.
Kelly O is the BEST! Her comments on Fashion Police were always so succinct and spot on. She was there for FASHION and not to snark, unlike G.
I was not impressed. I will keep watching and hope the designers step it up. I feel the runaway looked cheap and the filming low quality. I guess they have a lower budget. I do like seeing some of our faves come back but if they have been around twice and haven’t won then give the opportunity to new rookies!!!
I believe we have seen some designers too many times/
Oh…Georgina. I was reading back through comments, not done reading by far but I just need to ask before I read more…how does this happen? How and why? She is an amazing, talented, beautiful woman who needs NO PERSON to make her more then she is. I don’t want to cringe for her but I already have without knowing anything about her story!
I’ll read on a bit more, I’m sure it’s going to come up.
I think she needed his money invested in her company. She also needed his clout. He would tell all of his actresses to wear Marchesa on the red carpet when they were promoting a movie he was producing. I personally, like a lot of Marchesa’s designs, but my style icon is Marie Antoinette, so…there’s that. I’ve read/heard that many (most?) women actually don’t like her designs and would never choose to wear them on their own. They don’t find her talented, they think every dress looks like the ribbon and lace room threw up all over it, they find it over the top and dated and too much. So the idea is that she would not have been successful if she were just relying on her dresses to speak for themselves. But because Harvey bullied all of the women he worked with into wearing Marchesa, it saved her dream. Celebrities wore her dresses, she made money, she could afford to keep making her dresses. She loves what she does so much that she married Harvey and was either okay with him bullying women into wearing Marchesa, or was extremely blind and naive and truly didn’t know that’s what was happening. Many people find the latter hard to believe.
If your style icon is Marie? I’ll follow along!
Your explanation is how I feel this probably went down. Doesn’t make it any easier. I want everyone to feel we’re “better than that.”
No business (including show business) should use their power in any way except to be professional. We all know this.
2018. Every day is a new day. Every year goes down in history.
I always wonder where Georgina’s design partner was in all of this. Georgina is a co-owner with another woman who helps to design the dresses and run the business. I don’t remember her name right now. But did she know what was going on with Harvey? Did she know their dresses were being forced on actresses? I don’t think she’s spoken out or said very much.
My DVR missed this, but luckily (I think) they repeat episodes prior to a new one.
I never care for whoever is Not Tim, and not a fan of Alyssa.
Those who was it, what did you think of Alyssa’s outfits?
Last time she hosted, many of us at tvclubhouse were totally convinced that whoever was dressing her, really bad it in for her!
I now have this set to record, in the late night repeats.
Thanks for the heads up on the new season.
Her outfits are terrible. Off the rack high street store looks from 2009. The hair is on point, it too is a bit 2000s but I think it suits her. I can’t tell if she gotten fat or if she’s just dressed really badly.
I want to watch and I don’t want to watch. I don’t have cable, so I’d be paying for the season on amazon prime. On one hand, I’ve watched every project runway since season 6 or 7 and every Allstars and have really enjoyed some/most seasons. It inspired me to buy a sewing machine and my husband has actually learned how to use it well while I just look at wistfully and tell myself one day I’ll learn and get better. I actually do like alysa Milano. I just do. I like her better than Heidi.
On the other hand, it seems like every project runway season since about season 10 has been kind of bad. And every allstar season since 3 has been pretty iffy too. They don’t have enough “all stars” coming out of the one season of the original show to make up an entire cast for Allstars each year; so they end up just casting nearly everyone from the last season whether or not they were good. I also feel like personalities seem to be a bigger deal than fashion and too much time is spent showingnis drama and conversations in hotel rooms. Also, this was (maybe still is?) producer by the Weinstein company and Georgina is a judge. If there is a chance that any of my money is going to Weinstein, I’d want to boycott. If they would do something like say all of this years proceeds are going to a legal defense fund for victims of Harvey and other gross Hollywood predators, I think they could get over the ick factor some of us feel at supporting Weinstein and watching Georgina.
I didn’t watch the latest season of runway and read the recaps instead but it was hard to follow along without having seen the designs because the show is obviously so visual.
Oh crap, Alyssa is the one that says “fowward” instead of “forward” isn’t she? This makes watching hard for me.
I can’t believe Alyssa is back as host. I couldn’t stand her on the previous seasons, and here she is back
again. She certainly doesn’t represent “style” or “fashion” for me. Heidi can get pretentious, but at least
she has someone knowledgeable dressing her. Also, the so-called “mentor” is a bitch. This season has
had to have been recorded months ago, hard to believe Alyssa going so political can still get a job.
One would think Merlin could have taken a few seconds to tack down the right sleeve to the bodice. The judges rip others for their sewing and don’t mention that flopping sleeve. I do believe that given time constraints, these clothes should always be viewed as prototypes, not finished products. Especially fit issues and ESPECIALLY when they have to change models each week. But the INCONSISTENCY of judging is obnoxious and unprofessional.
One would think Merlin could have taken a few seconds to tack down the right sleeve to the bodice. The judges rip others for their sewing and don’t mention that flopping sleeve. I do believe that given time constraints, these clothes should always be viewed as prototypes, not finished products. Especially fit issues and ESPECIALLY when they have to change models each week. But the INCONSISTENCY of judging is obnoxious and unprofessional.
One would think Merlin could have taken a few seconds to tack down the right sleeve to the bodice. The judges rip others for their sewing and don’t mention that flopping sleeve. I do believe that given time constraints, these clothes should always be viewed as prototypes, not finished products. Especially fit issues and ESPECIALLY when they have to change models each week. But the INCONSISTENCY of judging is obnoxious and unprofessional.
Yike! There it goes again. NO posting or double… this time triple. No message of duplicate, just either not posting for five minutes, the double posting within seconds. Sorry TT.
I think after you told the 4 men that they all got to be in the final show then let them buy their fabrics at Moods warehouse. Then tell them that one has to go is cruel and horrible. I don’t like you guys you are all hateful and full of cruelty. To send Ken home is fully wrong I don’t want to even watch your show again.