654 replies to this topic

[TWoP Nikita]

Since Season 4 designers are revealed, I thought we should have a place to start speculating about the show for anyone who wants to.

This will also be the thread to talk about ads or previews for the show when they start appearing.

[PorkFat]

I already love Carmen. She was featured in an episode of Can't Get a Date? (a wonderful show that may 2 or 3 of you have seen). I have been a fan of her company Sistahs of Harlem ever since. Plus, she lists one of her favorite designers as Byron Lars, who created a gorgeous line of Barbies (I care because I'm a collector). She just seems like an all around cool chick, and I hope she goes far.

[audrey hepburn]

I already love Carmen. She was featured in an episode of Can't Get a Date? (a wonderful show that may 2 or 3 of you have seen).

Make that 4 people who watched Can't Get A Date(during it's brief run on VH-1). That was the most bizarre show, but I still kinda loved it. After thinking about it a bit more, I actually recalled the epi with Carmen. And, if I am correct I also remember seeing Carmen as a guest-stylist on The Look for Less. Now, maybe I'm wrong, but the girl is striking and has a very distinct aesthetic and strong personality. Wow. Oh, wow.

Thanks for posting this info because I knew there was something familiar about her, but could not quite put my finger on it. Again, wow. Oh, and I love her, too...already.

Edited by audrey hepburn, Oct 9, 2007 @ 1:08 PM.

[MissusDe]

I checked out the Sistahs of Harlem site...while the clothes didn't do much for me (I'm not a fan of the slash/rip school of design), I did find something interesting. Both Jade and Kelle from America's Next Top Model were used for the Spring 2005 collection.

[nancysparkle]

After reading the bios on the Bravo site, I'm putting my money on Simone or Jillian. Marion is up there, too.

First to go? Christian.

I am really looking forward to the season, and glad Tim Gunn is back. Without him, it just wouldn't be the same.

[henrysmom]

Did anyone notice that at least 3 or 4 of the designers were Parsons graduates? One from Parsons Paris as well. I'm not sure if I'm reading something into it or the paranoia is creeping in again, but I can't help wondering if they were short decent candidates and Tim Gunn or somebody else from Parsons (I know Tim left) encouraged them to apply. As I said, paranoid, but what with the rumors of poor turnouts at auditions, I have to wonder if they had to go to Parsons to find people.

I just have a bad feeling about this season. I started watching the show with Season Two, loved it, watched the reruns of Season One and enjoyed it. Season Three, not so much. I didn't really like any of the participants and ended up bailing mid-season. Yeah, the Everyday Woman challenge, which seemed to have cost PR quite a few watchers. But I was willing to give Season 4 a chance, but after watching the Meet the Designers promos aired during Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, I can't say I'm looking forward to it. Maybe I just caught the ones with the really annoying designers.

[theta1]

I am amazed that Elisa Jimenez is participating in PR...all through the '90s and early '00s, her avant-garde work was featured in major magazines; while she's reinventing herself, she's hardly new to the scene or up-and-coming, and while I always loved her Hunger World work, very much in the vein of art through clothing with a very strong perspective, I'm surprised she would subject that to the vagaries of a reality show, even PR...

[Chocolatier]

I just have a bad feeling about this season.

That's too bad, but I see what you mean. It seems as though they are getting entirely too formulaic and are very concerned with contestants filling certain roles. Such as: the middle aged woman, the under-talented designer who bewilderingly and frustratingly seems to avoid getting auf'd, the over-confident douche, the recent graduate, the fan favorite, etc, etc.....

But don't think that will stop me from watching. I'm a sucker for all that and still love this show.

[operagirl]

I really enjoyed last season (mostly because of Uli!), but it was more about the drama than talent. All season long, we saw all the drama kings/queens (Vincent, Angela, Jeffrey). While the more quiet ones (Uli, Alison, Michael) remain invisible. Yes, it's a design competition, but it's also a reality show, so they are going to show the drama to make it more interesting. No matter what season, there's always going to be a drama king/queen.

[operagirl]

Here are my predictions for this year's contestants:

Chris: Most likely to get the "Malan" effect. Featured a lot in the promos, is a character, but probably get auf'ed sometime before the top 10.

Christian: Can go one of two ways: either he will have the "Wendy Pepper" effect, meaning he'll stay longer than he should, or he could be the next Daniel Vosovic and win five challenges.

Jack: Will get the "Nick/Kayne" effect, meaning he'll win a challenge early and start to fall apart somewhere in the middle.

Sweet P: Most likely to make it to Fashion Week. Will most likely be the "Laura Bennett" of Season 4 or be the you-know-what like Betty from Top Chef.

Rami: First one out. He is the only one whom I haven't seen in the commercials. So without much promotion, he's most likely to be out first.

Victorya: Probably will stay invisible until the episode where she gets auf'ed, like Bonnie and Alison.

Jillian: Will get the "Uli" affect. She'll win a challenge early and remain invisible until Fashion Week.

Steve: Will probably be this season's "Andrae."

Kit: See Victorya

Kevin: Probably be one of the bottom 3 in the first challenge and making it to at least the final six.

Ricky: Probably wont last long

Marion: Wont be called onto the runway for a while as one of the best or worst until he gets eliminated, like Guadalupe and Emmett

Simone: Probably be the fan favorite and will be someone whom I'll really hate, like Casey from Top Chef.

Elisa: I don't see her lasting very long. Kind of like Katherine, not interesting enough.

Carmen: I'm not sure

Other predictions:

1. Whoever wins the first challenge will most likely go to Fashion Week

2. The first challenge will probably be an Innovation challenge, like every year

3. Of the four designers we saw from "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style," at least one of them will make it to Fashion Week.

[MaterialGirl]

I went over to Blogging Project Runway to check out the designers' websites and MySpace pages. Based on what I could view (many of the websites were under construction or not working for some reason), I think Rami and Simone will be the frontrunners.

Rami's stuff has great detail and he looks very skilled at pleating and draping. Some of his designs are a bit twee, but it looks as though he has a good range and could take on daywear, evening and couture.

Simone's TS Bloom website has a very professional look and her clothes and styling are very chic and somewhat hipsterish. I could see Jenny Lewis from Rilo Kiley wearing her stuff. Everything is very loose and casual, though, so I think sewing something more tailored could present a challenge for her.

I was most disappointed in the Kit Pistol stuff. It's totally student work. It looks like cheesy stagewear and the styling is awful (I spotted a pair of thigh-high fringed boots in there somewhere).

[carmelized]

It seems as though they are getting entirely too formulaic and are very concerned with contestants filling certain roles. Such as: the middle aged woman, the under-talented designer who bewilderingly and frustratingly seems to avoid getting auf'd, the over-confident douche, the recent graduate, the fan favorite, etc, etc.....

They have been guilty of this, and it does diminish the appeal of the show for me. Sometimes I think they miss out when they focus on pumping up drama. For me what made the first two seasons so great was that the drama felt pretty real. Of course, there was the usual editing, but it didn't feel like the drama was contrived. Plus, there was a better balance bewteen the fashion, the fun moments and the conflicts. By the third season, the balance seemed out of whack.

Where I think they go wrong is in trying to repeat the past. Santino singing and doing Tim Gunn impressions, Andrae having the vapors, and the chemistry between Nick, Daniel, and all the others, was unique. The same goes for the interactions of the first-season designers Kara Saun, Jay, Wendy, Austin, etc. Instead of looking for what makes people fit into a preconceived role, I wish they'd look to see what makes this group special.

But don't think that will stop me from watching. I'm a sucker for all that and still love this show.

I still love the show, too. I'm hoping for a big improvement over last season.

[henrysmom]

By the third season, the balance seemed out of whack.

The problem for me with the third season was that there was nobody there I really liked. Either I actively hated them, or I just didn't care. Even fan favorite Michael didn't do anything for me, but then he was so <quiet>. Like Daniel V. in Season 2. They barely got any camera time until the field was culled a little. It was worse with Michael, because there were so many crazies for the show to focus on. And that just isn't why I watch PR. If I want crazies, I go to America's Next Top Model.

[carmelized]

Even fan favorite Michael didn't do anything for me, but then he was so <quiet>. Like Daniel V. in Season 2.

That's funny, because I didn't think either Michale or Daniel were particularly quiet. I thought that they were fairly laid back, and they weren't obnoxiously loud like some of their competitors. But I remember so many funny moments with Michael - hilarious soundbites in the confessionals, his cute friendship with Laura, falling out on the table (about Angela's fleurchons, I think), and showing Kayne how to model. I also thought that Daniel V. had one of the best lines of his season, "It's a motherfucking walkoff!" The incredulous expression on his face made it even better.

And that just isn't why I watch PR. If I want crazies, I go to America's Next Top Model.

I think there will always be crazies on a show with fashion designers, and that's okay with me, as long as they aren't cast solely for how crazy they are, and as long as the craziness and drama doesn't become the biggest focus.

[Nich337]

Based on the title for the first episode, "Sew Me What You Got," my guess is that the first challenge will be somewhat similar to "Clothes Off Your Back." Maybe they'll only be allowed to use things that they've brought with them, but that seems like too much of a straight repeat of S2, only easier, as they'd have more options. I'm worried that the well of interesting innovation ideas is starting to dry up.

Edited by Nich337, Nov 9, 2007 @ 2:45 AM.

[nancysparkle]

I disagree. I think there are hundreds of things they could do to keep it original. Sometimes the simplest task can allow for great variety and innovation. I'd love to see them do things like "reinvent the raincoat" or "create a waitress' uniform" or "make a prom dress suitable for a 16 year old girl".

Often the challenges are so out there (i.e. the plant store one the trash one) that the results are pretty ridiculous. The majority of women in this country shop on a budget, so how about a practical "casual Friday" outfit for only $75?

[BocaChic]

The majority of women in this country shop on a budget, so how about a practical "casual Friday" outfit for only $75?

They had the Banana Republic one and the INC one, I suppose if they were all budget challenges the show would get pretty boring.

[Fructose]

I have been *so* desperately awaiting this show's return -- what with being a total Tim Gunn love slave, gender be damned -- that now I'm getting panicky.

Have you checked out the web sites for some of the designers? Eeeesh. Lots of fugly, ill-fitted, awkward, self-conscious Style! on display there. Now that's only the relative few who have sites; several seem to have no pix of their clothes to be found. Which is a bit odd, because most of them appear to be experienced professionals with solid resumes. So where are their portfolios?

Also: I too am wondering about the significance of the Parsons connections. I counted three regular students, one from Paris and one from the "associates" program -- which I gather is sort of a continuing education type deal?

Nonetheless and notwithstanding: I can't wait for Wednesday night.

[eirefaerie]

So what's up with Jack's shocking revelation? Anyone want to take a gander?

[Kolohe]

I'm usually one of those reality TV viewers that wants more substance and less affectation, but the snippet shots for next week were like porn for me...what drama!! Obviously a paired challenge, but what the hell! About everything!

And as for Jack's revelation...somehow I don't think it's that the PRGayBoys posted his nudie pics. (See Nov. 9, 2007 blog)

[henrysmom]

So what's up with Jack's shocking revelation? Anyone want to take a gander?

If you really want to know, check the Spoiler thread. Specifically post 4636.

[JayCor]

If anything, I'd bet it's his HIV status revelation. His Bravo bio says he's open about it, but I bet it's not the first thing out of his mouth.

BUT... my question is, what's the BFD? Unless it affects how he's cutting cloth or interacting with the other contestants, I say Shut Up and Sew. (Or... you can cry and cut, but you have to cry *and* cut).

Plus, we've done the whole HIV reveal ad naseum... c.f., John on Top Design... and even way back to Pedro Zamora. Not to take away from his struggle, but unless it affects you in the competition, save it for the Tim Gunn visit montage in the finale (if you make it that far).

[eirefaerie]

I don't think it can be an HIV revelation, or not only that, because everyone else looked way too shocked/horrified. Not to say that people should be blase about HIV, but it is 2007. Nearly everyone knows someone who is either living with it or died because of AIDS complications, you know? This is making me sound heartless, but I just remember when my friend told me he had tested positive, and it wasn't really shocking as just . . . painfully sad.

Maybe it's that he got sick with pneumonia or something and has to be hospitalized. I hope that's not it, though, and if it is, I hope he's doing better today.

[akapam]

His website does say he is HIV. I agree with you, their reaction was so shocking. I don't think its that. I do hope he is alright.

[LizDC]

From the promo for Wednesday's show, who is the "biggest guest judge in Project Runway history"? My guess would be Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein but I'm probably wrong.

[Kathira]

From the promo for Wednesday's show, who is the "biggest guest judge in Project Runway history"? My guess would be Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein but I'm probably wrong.

I think they could easily mean "big" as in tall or extra-large. Maybe a female basketball player or other sports star. Although my guess is actually Sarah Jessica Parker.

[firesermon]

Nearly everyone knows someone who is either living with it or died because of AIDS complications, you know?

Really? I'm not sure that's true. Maybe in bigger, more metropolitan areas but I'm sure there's a very substantial population of people in this country who have no personal experience of HIV. I do think that, at least in reality TV-land, this would definitely be billed as a "shocking revelation."

I'm already liking this season.

[kitschywitch]

Anybody have any ideas about what the next challenge (for Episode 3) is? The previews chalked it up to being a super-hard challenge they've "been waiting to do for 3 seasons" or something like that.

They kept showing the people ripping fabric, so I was wondering if the designers can only rip the fabric (i.e., not use scissors).

[gloelle98]

I don't know exactly where to post this--but there's a preview up on the Bluefly.com site that is a real wow. They're making pants--Jack takes his shorts off and takes them apart and he and VictorYA and someone make a pattern out of it--I don't think it's a team challenge. Rami calls foul. Very controversial I think--I don't think they should be able to trace Jack's shorts as a pattern--and it's clearly what Victorya and he are doing. What do you think????

[va32h]

I don't think it's against the rules - Vincent in Season 3 took off his pants and traced them to make a pattern. And contestants have always helped each other, so I'm not sure that Jack helping Victoria is an issue either. I'm guessing that the challenge is to make menswear - that would be a first for the series (all the designers doing menswear as opposed to making each other over or making themselves over).