124 replies to this topic

[tessa261]

Didn't see a thread, so started one.

Some quick thoughts:


Gunner, actually has talent. I’m surprised

Sonija: loved and thought she should have won. Loved that she used so many different kinds of candy (esp the shark candy!)

Ven: beautiful

Thought Andrea (Frances Conroy look a like) should have been in the bottom.

Buffi: has a questionable taste level but at least took the spirit of the challenge and not Lantie (girl-who-uses-umbrella-fabric)

Lantie: agree with her auf

Dimtri: loved the dress but agree with him being in the middle bc he didn’t transform the candy materials in the same vein as Ven, Sonjia, and Gunner – it was basically a cloth dress with candy glued on the bottom

[MarWar]

Sanji (sp?) wuz robbed. She used the most kinds of candy, it was whimsical yet beautiful, and I think the Lauren offspring liked it the best. Ven's was gorgeous but it didn't look at all like candy.

Gunnar is so fake with the judges he makes me want to puke. And Heidi was eating him up like candy (sorry). Blech.

I didn't think Buffi's was so bad. Yes, she over-accessorized it to death. But the colors of the top and skirt were fun and happy and it had nice movement. I would have swapped her out of the bottom 3 for one of the other designers, including the one who did the apron-cum-bustle which was just grotesque.

Overall I'm impressed with this group. The looks were generally really interesting and clever.

[CrumbyButtons]

Sonija: loved and thought she should have won. Loved that she used so many different kinds of candy (esp the shark candy!)

I agree. All the different candies she used and the amount of work she put in I thought put her over Ven. Plus, I HATE pink and thought Ven's looked too washed out to be more than middle of the pack.

Also agree that Andrea should have been on the bottom. I would have replaced Buffi with Andrea (because ya know what? Carrie Bradshaw TOTALLY would have worn that! Lollipop and all!) Andrea's was beyond ugly.

Glad Lanti(?) went, but that girl with the macaroni dress did a terrible job. It was close for me. I did feel for her with the glue burns, been there, felt that. Never got it on my thigh - hands hurt enough!

ETA (lest you think me a wimp) I never carried on like she did about getting a burn (of any kind)! But it does hurt!

Edited by CrumbyButtons, Jul 26, 2012 @ 9:55 PM.

[mauras]

Really glad they got rid of Lantie,,who has a grating personality to go along with her lack of talent. Buffi's was juvenile, but the top took some skill, and it was kind of cute. (The skirt, not so much.)

I was really hoping Gunnar would be mediocre again, but that was a very pretty dress, though I oked Fabio's outfit better. But Ven and Sonjia were both a level above anyone else, and I wouldn't have wanted to choose between them. Ven is pretty unlikable so far, but I'm looking forward to seeing what he comes up with throughout the season-so far, he's been seriously impressive.

Didn't see anything that was truly terrible tonight--so far, I'm still thinking that this is one of the more talented groups they've had inn a while. Especially now that Lantie is gone.

[wyndham]

OK, so they showed a clip of someone leaving the show in the middle of the night. Was that from last week or this week and who left?

[rustyspigot]

I just want to give Gunnar a buzz cut. I think that's where his bitch-ass-ness power resides. And Lord help me with his fake laugh.

So, Lantie's exit was a non-event with the group. Even Tim was like "See ya." Meanwhile, Buffi, despite her umbrella pounding, got a rousing greeting.

"Run Sonija." Thanks, Tim.

ByeLantie.

[lovesduncan]

Ven's was just beautiful - a well deserved win. He is clearly very talented but perhaps a bit over-confident. Sonija's was lovely but, for me, a bit over-embellished. Regardless, I liked her use of color. Did not like Gunnar's dress; the peplum and the candy on everything was too much. I also do not like Gunnar.

There should have been a Bottom 4 that included Andrea and her hideous clown costume. Buffi's taste is questionable (obviously). Elena's was just boring. Lantie - ugh! She didn't belong in this competition to begin with - she lacks a true design sense and has a holier-than-thou attitude.

[MusicaDolce]

I didn't think Buffi's was so bad. Yes, she over-accessorized it to death. But the colors of the top and skirt were fun and happy and it had nice movement. I would have swapped her out of the bottom 3 for one of the other designers

ITA. I thought Buffi's look should've landed her safely in the middle, with either Andrea or Raoul in the bottom instead.

I loved Ven and Sonjia's, though I would've given Sonjia the win over Ven. I thought everything about Sonjia's work was perfection - the color palette, the shape of the dress, even the little headpiece. Yep, I thought it was cute, even though Heidi disagreed.

Gunnar drives me insane. He's bitchy for no apparent reason, especially to Christopher. I thought his look was solid, but I have to admit I was disappointed to see him in the top three because he grates on my nerves so much.

[JustMary]

I thought the most hideous thing on that runway was the falling apart mess that Elena put up there. The color was horrid, too...it looked just like a kid's macaroni art project. I also hated Andrea's ugly whatchamacalit. Good grief!!
If Dmitry's dress had been muslin covered in candy foil, with those same candy beads, I'd have put it in the top three. As it was, I'd definitely call it fourth place. I loved the movement of those candies, and I thought it was super cute.
Christopher's fit horribly, Gunnar's was nice (but I still can't stand him), and I liked Ven's a lot but thought it was too pastel. It made the dress look washed out, and I think if the colors had been bright and jewel-like, it would have been worthy of first place. As it is, Sonjie was robbed.

[caci66]

This was the first episode I saw as I wasn't able to see the premiere. I was impressed by most of the designers outfits. Even if I didn't like all of them, the designers did really seem to embrace and enjoy the challange. That's why I'm glad Lanti went home; she totally ignored the idea. After how long this show has been on, she should have known better than to put out a cloth dress in a candy challenge. Still, that monotone thing was a real monstrosity. It was kind of a close call. I can see real potential, though, in this group.

[windy31]

I thought the top and bottom were decent choices. I did think that Andrea's was pretty bad and really didn't like the jumper that Dreadlock Girl did. It was too much muslin and kind of blah. But the bottom three were worse.

You can tell BUffi must be a very nice girl with how happy everyone was to see her. Makes me like her more.

I thought the guy who won last week made a nice dress too.

[Ladle]

Do they have a new rule that someone has to reference Toddlers and Tiaras at least once an episode?

[hunterhunted]

I loved Tim's sign off to Lantie. "Bye Lantie. I'm going to have to send you to the work room." No "it's sad to see you go" or "we're going to miss you" or "you're so talented" because it isn't sad to see her go and she's not so talented.

Buffi could have saved her work by cleaning up her styling and saying that her inspiration was Paris Hilton and not Carrie Bradshaw.

Elena's was hideous and derivative of her work last week. And I love how she was making excuses for not working with color and Gunnar (who I hate) is standing next to her using beige and black and in the top. I get this sense that she thinks that working nearly monochromatically makes her work more cerebral and architectural.

Andrea should have been in the bottom.

And I could have gone either for the win: Sanji or Ven.

Edited by hunterhunted, Jul 26, 2012 @ 11:14 PM.

[Bridget]

I knew Lantie would go as soon as she used the umbrella for her dress. You don't use fabric for the unconventional challenge!

Michael and Heidi had me rolling with the macaroni references to Elena's dress. That pina colada licorice color was very blah.

I did think Andrea's apron/bustle monstrosity was worse than Buffi's. Her model wasn't even wearing anything underneath the apron, so it wasn't a wearable outfit.

I liked Ven's dress and I get that he was going for a stained glass effect, but this is the second week in a row that he's gone with a rose design in his garment. Seemed sort of repetitive. Plus I find him humorless.

Sonjia's was my favorite with all the different candies and the colors. The gummi shark neckline looked like a necklace. BTW, what do gummi sharks taste like?

[JodithGrace]

Ven's dress was magnificent, and I agree with his win, though it was close between him and Sonja. However, we are only two challenges in, and already I am seeing a sameness to his work. Beautifully tailored, Pink and roses. I hope that he's got something else up his sleeve, or he's not going to win, despite his talent.

I was surprised that the owner of the candy store was Ralph Lauren's daughter! No wonder that store was so beautiful.

I really loved Dmitri's dress, but I could see that it didn't make the top three since part of it was fabric. If there had been a top 4, i think he would have been up there.

Lantie really had been dead designer walking since the first episode, so I was unsurprised to see her leave. Buffi is weird, but kind of fun and I love her voice, so i hope she remains a bit longer. That girl with the macaroni project dress can leave any time now. I had to laugh when her model came out for the second time and half the Twizzlers had fallen off.

I think the apron dots lady (bad memory for names still) was just lucky there wasn't a bottom 4. I've hardly ever seen Tim so harsh in the workroom. I did feel for her, even though her original design WAS hideous. i'm not sure that adding all that billowy stuff in the back actually improved it, but at least the candy dots part was better after she re-did it.

I couldn't believe that designers used cotton candy. Haven't they ever eaten it as kids? It's designed to dissolve!

Very fun episode! I prefer Gunnar in his happy mood to his bitchy one, though he's pretty annoying either way. Chris as the good twin..that I can see.

[Tory]

Was Gunnar's model Tarah from the earlier seasons (season 2)?

I loved the chic-ness of Ven's dress and was glad that he won. He must have a thing for roses. Last week's top was a sculpted one from fabric, and tonight's dress had a little section that looked like a tiny bud. That being said, I thought Sonji made better use of the materials. The sharks, from far away, looked like a beautifully draped scarf around the model's neck.

Buffi sounds exactly like Mel B.

Several were worthy of getting the boot, and I'm not sorry to see Lantie go. Her two designs were not good, and every time I looked at her, I saw an older, very haggered looking Vanna White. And without the pleasant personality.

Edited by Tory, Jul 26, 2012 @ 11:11 PM.

[bellonaclub]

And I could have gone either with the win: Sanji or Ven.

Same here--I especially loved the gummy shark bib on her dress, which was whimsical, but evocative. In the end, though, I'd have given it to Ven because I do think one of the points behind this challenge is to, as Nina and The Orange One kept harping on, to "transform" the materials. Much as I loved Sonjie's dress, in the end, she glued whole pieces of candy on, whereas Ven actually crushed the hard candies to achieve the look he was going for. I know it's a fine distinction, but it might have been the hair that was split when it came down to it. Either way, though, they were clearly in the top of the pack this week.

Hated Dylan Lauren as a judge--for her, it was all about how many different pieces of product were used and not much else. She added nothing to the discussion.

There was something very wrong with the peplum on Gunnar's dress in the back--it looked very flat back there compared to the rest of it.

Buffy's was definitely overstyled, but she at least made an effort to manipulate the candy, unlike Lantie, who just threw her hands up, sewed up an umbrella, and glued some seriously ugly candy flowers on it. I'm glad she and her whiney complaining about time constraints are gone--hasn't she ever watched this show? Sheesh.

Also, the one who was also in the bottom (whose name I can't remember)--I'd have been happy to see her go as well. I think if you can't even glue something on properly so it stays on, you should be called out for it.

I was sorry there wasn't any love for Nathan's 20 pound bubble skirt. I thought it was cool, although its weight was clearly a problem for the model, who seemed to be holding it up as she walked.

[PolkaDotty]

I want candy.

Fabio, the Freegan, was discussing one of his inspirations, including "Chanel," pronounced with the plosive "ch" as in my real name. I suppose we should be impressed that a young designer can reference an earlier era (I'm looking at you, Bitchy Josh).

But I had to wonder how much free candy would a Freegan eat, if a Freegan could eat candy?

[pomme de divan]

Elena's Dynasty inspired Macaroni Dress should have gotten her AUFd.
But I'm definitely okay with Lantie aka Kenley Sr going.

Candy Dots Andrea should have been in the bottom.
I predict she will be one of the designers who drops out.

Gunnar may be shaping up to be a better designer than Christopher. But the giggly Valley Girl Speak has got to go.

I loved Nathan's Bubble Skirt-he was in my Top 3 along with Ven & Sonjie.
Sonjie's dress was gorgeous. Period.
I loved Ven's dress and his strategically placed Rosebud.

Buffi: As Miss Nina would say "I question your taste level"

[sheetmoss]

Especially for this challenge, why didn't they provide them with cool melt glue guns?
I'm sure it must have been a pain in the ass to have candy melting with the hot glue.

[Rozen]

I don't know in what world Andrea thought her original design was...well design. She basically sewed the sheets together and was draping it around the model like a funnel cone, how is that innovative? What she came up with ranks up with Emilio's washers and string disaster, except Emilio at least knew he was sending crap down the runway. I suppose she wins through plain coverage of the model.

I wonder if Lantie will ever figure out that her fierce refusal to acknowledge any criticism of her work is the exact reason why she hasn't progressed as a designer. That sad, pitiful attempt at a dress should have really made her reflect on her own limitations and how she could push past them. Instead she just blamed external factors for causing her downfall, when just last week she was ripped to pieces for her 'at home' work, where she had all the time and materials in the world. Like Tim, I was not sad to see her leave.

Gunnar should be forced to work for Kenley next episode, or Irinia, it would be excellent to see them cut Whinyrage down to size.

[stafford]

I loved Ven's dress but can't say that I like him at all. He gets the win and then says he is happy for the win because it lets the other designers know there is competition and it's him. Was that really necessary? Who cares what the other designers think...it's the judges that make the decision on who wins. His ego is as big as that rose on his blouse last week (and he's still kvetching that he should have won the first challenge...give it a rest).

Gunner...there are no words. I think he may be somewhat talented but he needs to tone down his self aggrandizement and annoying behavior (plus the fake voice and laugh are so grating). He is trying to be Christian 2.0 but it ain't working at all.

Christopher seems like a nice enough guy but he needs to stop looking over his shoulder and reacting to Gunner (I don't think they are in the same league).

Oh, and that long haired older woman should have been locked in the sewing room and not allowed to show her "apron" on the runway. By far, her creation was the worst thing I've ever seen go down the runway. I cannot understand how she ended up in the middle...it was just hideous.

[Bookrat]

Agree with everybody who thought that candy dot apron thing with what looked like tissue paper stuck in the back was one of the ugliest things ever. How THAT didn't get in bottom two, I'll never know.

Who was the designer who had the black dress with the candy fringe? I really liked that dress.

[catray]

I freaking loved Sanji's dress. I adore those shark gummies, so I loved the neckline on her dress and thought it was pretty and interesting. I wish she had won this challenge. She created an awesome dress and used a lot of the candy.

Ven's dress was really pretty, though not my favorite. But he did do an excellent job. Sadly, Gunnar's dress was actually really pretty too. Curses! I hate his attitude but he does appear to be talented.

Not sad to see Lantie go. She was a lot of talk and not a lot of show, honestly.

I am so hungry now! Damnit.

[Lilybee]

I am glad that Ven got the win. His dress was the most flattering to the model of all of them. She looked fantastic.

There is something about Christopher that really reminds me of Mike Costello. I am not sure what it is.

[mahtov]

He is trying to be Christian 2.0 but it ain't working at all.

My theory is that Gunner decided the only thing that prevented him from getting on season 9 was Josh so he decided to be Josh on crack.

If Lanti hadn't ignored the challenge, I would have thought Andrea was going home. An apron is not fashion. It should not take a day to make an apron, and she couldn't even be bothered to make it well the first time around.

I think if Buffi's top hadn't suffered from sliding/slouching and she skipped a couple of the accessories then she would have been solidly in the middle. I actually thought she may have been in the top because I forgot they called Sonji as well.

[Anacharsis]

Dmitry's piece was my favorite, followed by Melissa's, though I liked Ven's and Sonjia's as well (especially her blue gummi sharks). Andrea's was hideous. I also didn't like Elena's cardboard box shaped dress or her repetitive fencing uniform theme.

Ven is definitely confident, but at least he acknowledges that his competitors have talent and that he needs to stay on his toes to keep ahead of them.

Gunnar is annoying. I can't stand his fake laugh, his flitting around the work room checking out others' work ala Gretchen, or his delusion that the other designers are threatened by him. He can't leave soon enough for me.

Lantie was a lot more disappointed than she let on, I think. Too bad she couldn't get her shit together because I tend to root for the over-35 women on PR (they're usually the underdogs, sadly). Now she's gone and I'm not going to root for Andrea.

So far Dmitry, Melissa, Sonjia, and Christopher are the ones I like the best.

[phoenix780]

Hated Dylan Lauren as a judge--for her, it was all about how many different pieces of product were used and not much else. She added nothing to the discussion.

I thought that was kind of valid and I was glad she focused on it, since they had a pretty decent budget and she gave them a discount. Plus, I'm not sure how seriously I take it when people use unconventional materials by gluing them to muslin. At least when they use a lot of types of candy it seems like they have to use more skill/creativity in getting everything to stick together and move properly.

I don't really get the difference between using fabric from an umbrella and gluing candy on muslin. I get that you have limited options with candy, but for me the two things are similar and it's a bit of a wash. I mean, it's not like they're used to working with paper or umbrella fabric, so I don't see how it's a copout.

There is something about Christopher that really reminds me of Mike Costello. I am not sure what it is.

I have the same feeling. I think for me it's partly the way he looks, and partly...it's kind of a fake wounded animal thing. It's this vibe that they're like a bottomless pit of neediness and desperation, and they seek the continual praise and adoration they need through fake humility and self-doubt. And every so often they let out a bitchy comment that exposes the whole fraud. That probably makes no sense, but they tap into this thing where I alternate between wanting to hug them (because they seem to need the reassurance) and punch them in the face ('cause it's all bullshit).

I think Gunnar is the same way in terms of being fake, and I think that's why he and Christopher clash. They can probably see through each other. I hope the pair of them go quickly.

The dots dress reminded me of Vincent's dress from several seasons back. All I remember about it was it was like long sheet of paper, no real shape, with some crap drawn on it. This seemed just as good as that, and I'm surprised she wasn't in the bottom.

[redpencil]

I think Gunnar is the same way in terms of being fake, and I think that's why he and Christopher clash. They can probably see through each other. I hope the pair of them go quickly.

See, I don't think they clash at all. I think Gunnar wants them to clash (because he wants drama) and he decided Christopher should be who he clashes with. It seems to me that he instigated the whole thing and Christopher picked up on that quickly and is just trying to stay out of his way. I'm pretty sure everything he says in the talking heads about Gunnar is prompted by producer questions. Who knows what happens going forward, but I haven't picked up on any inherent drama from Christopher. To me it's all Gunnar.

[LennieB]

Gold: Ven won because there could not be two weeks in a row where he had a stunning outfit and yet was runner-up. Also, Nina Garcia pointed out that the pastel palette was "on trend".

Silver: Sonjia's Blue Candy Water dress was also beautiful, but she explained her design process as less planned and thought-out than did Venn with his.

Bronze: Gunnar's Checkerboard Bodice was really well-done.

Took a Taxi to the Craft Wars Venue: Lantie. Again. Auf Wiedersehen.

Just Made it to the Finish of the First Heat: Andrea. Her Button Candy Apron with Bustle was....just sad. Don't unpack too much, Andrea.

I was surprised that the owner of the candy store was Ralph Lauren's daughter! No wonder that store was so beautiful.

No wonder that the store WAS, period.

Edited by LennieB, Jul 27, 2012 @ 5:11 AM.