163 replies to this topic

[TWoP Nikita]

From Zap2it:

The designers must get along long enough to create cohesive looks in a team challenge.

This thread will open at 10:30pm EDT on August 16th.

[CrumbyButtons]

Bye bye you no-talent sore loser. Way to be classless and childish.

I can't believe no one mentioned how ridiculous Ven's blouse looked from the back.

Loved Dmitry "Everyone hate Elena. Even if they say they like her. They hate her."

[cakeordeath]

"one way monkey" - I love Dmitry!

Edited by cakeordeath, Aug 16, 2012 @ 9:38 PM.

[Chikibun]

So glad to see Raul go. I'm no Elena fan but he was so uneccessarily rude to her - talk about major sour grapes. I hope to never see him or his designs on my tv again!

I'm okay with this batch of designers. But its become more apparant to me that I tune in largely to see Nina's outfits.. she has really brought it this season, if I could only raid her closet.

On that note, I'd wear Dimtry's dress like yesterday. Obviously perfectly made again. I thought Fabiou's dress was adorable and I would take both of Sonjia's skirts, love her.

[nicole61083]

Wow, Mondo-lite was really ignorant when he was sent home. If you don't like someone that's fine, but you don't verbally attack them in front of everyone before you leave. That was very low class, and I don't even like Elena.

[Bananabread]

Team challenges suck, but what a bunch of pissy babies!

While the format (judges, challenges, sponsors, etc.) got more corporate, hard-core and "made for TV", the designers seemed to have gotten more precious and less functional. There are lots of "artistes" this season, but few craftsmen and even fewer marketable professional designers.

Has there ever been a direct call out "I hate you" like Raoul did to Elena?

Edited by Bananabread, Aug 16, 2012 @ 9:45 PM.

[peanutbunny]

I liked most of the clothes this evening, but few of them could be worn in my office. The one shouldered top would need a jacket over it. Loved Dmitri's dress - but the cut outs in in the back would be unacceptable - again, a jacket would be required. I'll have to look more closely, but I didn't think Gunnar's dress was the travesty they made it out to be - if the model had worn a bra, it may have improved the look on the top.

I sometimes wonder what experience people like Nina, Joanna, Michael, or Heidi could possibly have outside the fashion world. The Woman on the Go challenge, and now this -- some of their ideas are so off base. Also, the necklines they were disdainful about - I liked those, too.

Very glad Raoul is gone again - I was sorry to see him back. He was determined from the get go that he wasn't going to work with the whole team, and was only going to do what he wanted, regardless of whether or not it was good for the team. That said, Elena was just as bad - her way, or the highway.

I enjoyed the episode, and was not sorry to see a lack of drama for drama's sake - sorry, Nina, that you didn't have all the designers frothing at the mouth. The end result were (mostly) well done and cohesive looks - the very thing I like to see.

[cherry malotte]

My love for Dmitry just knows no bounds. Yes Dmitry you are right, Ven is just one way, one trick, and one that will be gone if he doesn't stop his fabric from doing the wave. His assessment of Elena is right on as well, I would have picked her to be outta there for the same reasons, except I would have gone one step further and called her a raging bitchaholic who can't play well with others. It's a team challenge Ms Crawford Shoulders, suck it up and learn to keep your mouth shut.

I think if Gunnar had time to retool that dress it could have been saved.

Enjoying the season so far, but there's a 'zip' that I'm missing, and I can't quite express what's absent. Maybe after a couple more designers leave, or maybe it's been the challenges so far.

Elena as fan fave? That's a joke, right?

Edited by cherry malotte, Aug 17, 2012 @ 7:00 AM.

[rustyspigot]

The models kind of suck this season. It looked like Dmitri's almost fell over on her turn.

A bag goes missing? There's a tie in judging? How convenient, show. And it had to be fly off the rails at a moments notice Elena's bag the went MIA?

Get rid of the stupid tie and Gunnar would have been gone.

Nathan is so boring.

I think I'd like to hang out with Elena, just not work with her. If only to find the root of her shoulder fetish.

[Anacharsis]

I just love Dmitry. His style, his accent, his look, and his take on the other designers. I also liked his dress the best, but Nina and Joanna were right that a woman in a law or financial office wouldn't be able to wear it because of the back cut outs. I'm not sure a woman in either of those offices would wear Melissa's dress to work either, but whatever.

Melissa, Christopher, and Sanjia continue to be my other favorites, though I like most everyone except Elena and Gunnar. Hopefully the two of them will go next.

The only real surprise to me was that the two teams were tied. I thought for sure Team Six would blow the other team away. Gunnar's dress was hideous, Ven's outfit was not at all flattering, and Nathan's pants wouldn't look good on a woman who isn't tiny. Christopher did the smart thing with that pattern, but why they chose that fabric to begin with is a head scratcher. It was pretty ugly and worse than Elena's ridiculous jacket and Raul's boring shirts.

[lovesduncan]

Bye-bye Raul - you and your nasty attitude will not be missed. Elena and Gunnar can leave soon. Neither of them have the talent to back-up their superior attitudes.

Loved Dmitry's dress and I am beginning to love Dmitry, especially after his comment about Elena. Also liked Melissa and Fabio's dresses.

Christopher's outfit was nothing special. That jacket looked exactly like the jacket from last week's challenge. Ven may have peaked too early.

[bodielovesbetty]

My favorite looks were barely mentioned: Alicia's jacket, and Sonjia's not-blue skirt. I liked the top with that skirt, too--did Raoul do that one too? Not the ruffled (gag) but the one in the picture with the blue dress.

The winning blue dress was okay, but I question that neckline in the workplace--it looked more like a cocktail dress.

Edited by bodielovesbetty, Aug 16, 2012 @ 9:55 PM.

[bawarner]

Thank God that pissy crybaby is gone again! And this time it better be for good!

If you don't like someone that's fine, but you don't verbally attack them in front of everyone before you leave. That was very low class, and I don't even like Elena.

I was going to post this exact sentiment - thank you for wording it perfectly for me:)


I have to wonder if designers come on this show having never watched any previous episodes. I mean after 9 seasons you'd think they would know that nothing good comes from doing your own thing in a team "collection" challenge. I wonder if Raoul insisted on doing his own thing because he's just not talented enough to figure out how to design something that both fits into the group's overall theme of the collection and also reflects his own personal aesthetic. Or it could be that he did it simply 'cause his an asshole.

[Maddingcrowd]

I wasn't crazy about either team's outfits. This is such an unfair challenge though: Clothes that can be worn in the office are rarely editorial. I'm glad the judges didn't ding them for no major wow factors. I still like Ven and I don't care if his outfits have the same vibe, to me it's the mark of a designer who has a particular point of view. I liked Melissa's dress and Sonjia's skirt.

I never like it when they split up making entire outfits. It is hard to show your personal style when you make a top but someone else makes the skirt. And Elena is a raging bitch-hope she goes next.

On another note: What person or religion was Fabio channeling at runway tonight? So far we have had Hassidic Jew and Hindu/Sikh. Tonights outfit looked like a cross between a Venetian gondolier and a lingerie model. Can't wait to see what he wears next.

[Gibasi]

I was expecting Team Six's decision to divvy up the work to come back and bite them the way it did last season with Anya's team. As it was I think they were lucky that they seemed to pull it off.

I finally saw Alicia design some nice pants and fit them well too. Before this I never thought anything fit right.

Dmitry is becoming my favorite too. I liked his dress but why did he do the cut outs in the back? I have had a lot of jobs and have never worked anywhere that it would be allowed.

Having said that my daughter started out in advertising and now works in a fashion related industry and she has always been able to wear stuff I could not and frankly things I did not think were appropriate. Only the pants outfits would have worked for me.

Ven's skirt fit his model strangely. When she walked it was bunching at the crotch and for a moment I thought he made pants.

I cannot stand Elena. I agree with Raoul (!) that for a work place photo shoot you have to use the props!


And the jacket that was on Alicia's outfit was actually made by Elena. I agree that it was lovely.

Edited by TWoP Nikita, Aug 17, 2012 @ 12:54 AM.
off-topic

[culturevulture73]

The winning blue dress was okay, but I question that neckline in the workplace--it looked more like a cocktail dress.

I have to ask if the zipper was decorative - otherwise, I zip it up how if I'm alone? I loved Melissa's comment about the chiffon dudes but her dress wasn't office-y either.

Alicia made pants that fit! I happened to like the big shouldered jacket but apparently I wasn't traumatized by the 80s.

My office usually looks like what the designers wear to work in - okay, what most of the designers wear to work in (not Mondo). The looks that were sent out, not so much.

A clipboard? A DIAL PHONE? Is this a Mad Men office? No smart phones? No computers? And based on the Team 5 photo with the girl and her bag, I carry my purse to meetings. Good to know. I have to say Elena was right that the props were awful. That was about the only freakout thing she was right about.

Dmitry was so right on and "one way monkey" is fabulous.

[caci66]

That was truely one of the most disappointing, maddening episodes I've ever watched. I am so, so tired of the "working" woman look, because none of it looked even remotely wearable to an office or anything relatable to me. I mean, really, women are going to flock to wear that high neck blue dress? I could see them constantly pulling the neck down all day. Plus, that horrible, unwearable jacket of Elena's should have automatically sent the six team down to the bottom, (although I don't disagree with Raul's going.) I guess maybe I'm too working class, but I wish they would somehow devote an episode for the real working class woman. Women that can't show skin, that can't wear heals, that need clothes made of durable fabric that can stand a lot of wear and tear. After last week's "woman on the go" episode, this weeks show was not needed.

I had a bad feeling team six would win, although I thought the other team was much more cohesive. I really got the idea the judges were stretching when they mentioned how everything went together for team six. Really liked Dimitry's dress, though, except for the skin in the back. Good for the guest judge for saying it wouldn't be acceptable in certain offices. But that goes back to my original complaint about this episode - even the judges didn't seem to know where the women would be working. Fashion industry, ok - lawyers office, not so much, yet it was supposed to be for working women. Apparantly, only for the fashin industry working woman.

[Medigal]

No Heidi, you can't show skin on your low back at work. Unless you are a model. Or a stripper. But in an office, no.

[JustMary]

I adore Dmitry, and I loved his dress. It looked impeccably made, and if not for the back cut-outs I'd have chosen it for the win. Hell, I'd probably have chosen it for the win, anyway.
Elena is just a nasty piece of work and must be dreadful to work with. Same with Raoul and Gunnar. And why did Gunnar hold his pencil like that when sketching? Looked like a baby with a crayon.

Edited by TWoP Nikita, Aug 17, 2012 @ 12:49 AM.
off-topic

[Mars in Gemini]

Okay--is this Project Runway or Project Workaday? A lot of the stuff being sent down the runway is uninspired and sloppily executed, often with just a shrug or a lame excuse from the designer. So it's actually kind of boring. It's clear to me now that with this show on Lifetime, the focus is on things "real women" could wear. Well, that's what MK et al seem to be saying and basing the challenges around. I miss the old PR on Bravo.

I also wish I'd gotten to see whatever Kooan would've made for his team.

Elena just annoys. Her negativity is bringing so many people down.
Congrats to Dmitry to making it to the top--maybe one day he'll actually win.
Heidi desperately needs a new stylist.

The looks tonight weren't that bad, exactly, but watching the collections grouped together was a lot like thumbing through the Esprit catalog circa 1982. Sure, they all hate team challenges (especially with these insane time restrictions), but they really could have come up with even better looks if they'd made up their minds to do their own personal best and make every look essential and cohesive. Even when they disagreed, there was more team spirit in S1's or S2's big futuristic team challenge.

So far this season has been all over the place. I never know what's going to happen and instead of making it more interesting, it makes me dread each new challenge. Maybe this season just hasn't hit its stride yet. Well, I hope it does, and soon!

[designing1]

"one way monkey" - I love Dmitry!

This quote is right up there with Heidi's "it will sell like bagels!" from a few seasons back.

I'm loving Dmitry, too. He's a grown-up, and he makes beautiful clothes. I watched the repeat of last week's show prior to tonight's offering and that grey dress was even more beautiful on second look. Tonight's dress was equally beautiful.

The Marie Claire woman (her name escapes me) said Elena's big floppy shouldered jacket was wearable in a law or finance office? Yes, technically you could wear it, as unlike some of the other outfits you'd be covered. However, if you did wear it, people would wonder what your drug of choice was.

It's clear to me now that with this show on Lifetime, the focus is on things "real women" could wear. Well, that's what MK et al seem to be saying and basing the challenges around. I miss the old PR on Bravo.

Yes. As nice as some of the pieces are, I'm really longing to see some high fashion stuff that I'd never be caught dead in!

Edited by designing1, Aug 16, 2012 @ 10:37 PM.

[SoManyWays]

Anyone who can't compromise on a design has a fragile sense of self. (Refusing to compromise your principles? Strong. Refusing to compromise on aesthetic choices? Weak. Confusing your aesthetic preferences with principles? Annoying as all get out.) If you don't understand your design sensibilities enough to break them down and build something out of the pieces, you need to fix that.

Elena is one of those dish-it-out-but-can't-take-it drama queens. She runs around spewing negative comments and then complains when someone criticizes her? Bless you, Melissa, for handling that beautifully.

I still can't remember what Nathan looks like half the time, but he seems like a decent human being. He was (I think) the one who said "even me" when talking about people falling apart under pressure.

Did Heidi say "uh-oh" at the prospect of booting Gunnar? As in, "well, we can't boot him 'cause he's our designated bitchy sound bite provider"? Sigh.

[tessa261]

The only real surprise to me was that the two teams were tied. I thought for sure Team Six would blow the other team away. Gunnar's dress was hideous, Ven's outfit was not at all flattering, and Nathan's pants wouldn't look good on a woman who isn't tiny. Christopher did the smart thing with that pattern, but why they chose that fabric to begin with is a head scratcher. It was pretty ugly and worse than Elena's ridiculous jacket and Raul's boring shirts.

I was too, I thought that hands down, team six was the winner. Team 5 looked like the 80s - esp the one shoulder piece. I loved Sonija's two skirts. I think the only reason they were a tie was to get rid of Raul

I wasn't crazy about either team's outfits. This is such an unfair challenge though: Clothes that can be worn in the office are rarely editorial. I'm glad the judges didn't ding them for no major wow factors. I still like Ven and I don't care if his outfits have the same vibe, to me it's the mark of a designer who has a particular point of view. I liked Melissa's dress and Sonjia's skirt.

I disagree in re: to Ven. This is PR and to be successful you need to be able to show your versatility.

[Bentley]

I was so glad Melissa won. She and Dmitry are my favorites. I especially like that Melissa is just quietly competent. When she gets stressed over something going wrong, she just fixes it, no drama, no whining. She was way more patient with Elena than I would have been while she ordered everyone around like they were her foot soldiers. And for a self-proclaimed goth girl, Melissa's designs show a lot of variety and versatility. I was hoping she was as good as I thought she was, but when she partnered with Dmitry a couple of weeks ago and they got along so well, it was confirmed in my mind.

I wish Venn could wait for someone else to tell him that he's great, but they can never beat him to the punch. That massive ego is not going to handle it well the day he's in the bottom 3. And I think that day is coming soon. One note monkey,indeed.

Oh Raul. I felt like quoting him some Jerry Seinfeld (speaking to George Costanza): "If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right." His design aesthetic had gotten him nowhere except the bottom, and at his peak in the lower middle of the pack. Why not try something new?

[Ladle]

When this season began I thought I was going to hate Dmitri, but this episode made me realize how much I look forward to his deadpan unintentional (?) one-liners each week. "One-way monkey"? Gold!

[hunterhunted]

This challenge was hilarious because it was so abundantly clear that neither the designers nor the judges had ever worked in a regular office. I loved Christopher talking about his model looking like a secretary like that was fierce. There's nothing wrong with being a secretary/admin assistant, but let's not pretend that they are the top of the food chain in most offices. If any of them knew what an office/business was they would have said that she looks like a CEO/president. I also love Joanna Cole saying that the skin in Dmitry's dress was objectionable, while the shoulders in Elena's jacket were fine. I have practiced in a law firm, which is the environment that Joanna cited. With Dmitry's dress, you could put on a blazer and there would be no problem, but Elena's jacket was always going to look weird. The law is strange and should not be a benchmark about appropriate work wear; some places don't allow peep toe shoes, other places don't allow bare legs (pantyhose only), and others don't really care.

Also I will forever love Dmitry for coming up with Ven's thread title: One Way Monkey.

I can't decide if Elena is an asshole, rageaholic, addicted to steroids, or all three. But I don't think I've ever seen someone so obnoxious that the producers decided to show the designer bitching at the hair and make-up people. And then to show the hair person comment right back that they could hurry it up have it look like crap. Even if Elena has some behavioral issue that needs to be overseen by physicians, she is a self absorbed asshole. This show has never once depicted anything like her behavior, that I can recall, to the hair and make-up staff.

Edited by hunterhunted, Aug 17, 2012 @ 6:06 AM.

[Bucky FourEyes]

I'm torn about Raul Squigmond's Elena smackdown. On the one hand, Raul completely erased any fleeting notion that he might have a shred of class. On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoyed Elena's pop-eyed bitchface of indignation. It's my fervent hope that Elena gets the axe next week so that she and Raul are trapped in the sequester house together for the maximum amount of time. All that said, there was no question in my mind that Raul was the proper auf for the night (and arguably, last week, too). He doesn't have the vision to make up for his pitiful construction skills, and you really have to have at least one of those down to continue in the competition.

I thought Melissa's dress was just fucking weird looking, but I'm happy for her win.

Dmitry continues to win me over more and more each week. He's got a droll sense of humor that wasn't really shown in the first week or two. His dress was really smart this week, and back cutouts be damned - it's not like the judges were even using a realistic measure of professional dress in any world where non-models work.

More on Elena, because, wow, what an insufferable shrew! You don't get to be the bitch and the victim, girlie. She and her fishbowl shoulders can go away any time now. That glue gun is my hero.

Ven's garments: zzzzzzzzzzzz. I hope his strong start fades, because I don't think I can take looking at a whole Ambien by Ven collection.

[kscoaster]

This show has never once depicted anything like her behavior, that I can recall, to the hair and make-up staff.

It's not hair and makeup, but Vincent (S3) chewed a production assistant a new asshole when they laundered, instead of dry-cleaned, his shirts. I think they showed the clip during the reunion episode.

[stafford]

Can there please be a moratorium on using zippers as a design element? The blue dress was beautiful (not particularly office appropriate as someone up thread said the collar would drive you crazy all day) but I was so disappointed when the model turned and we saw the god awful black zipper zigzagging around her back. There were also a couple of other outfits that showed the zipper as a design enhancement. Boring and so not cutting edge.

Elena is bat shit crazy and mean to boot. She can't get off my screen fast enough. I was so uncomfortable for most of the show due to her horrible attitude and annoying shrill voice. I really hated watching most of the show due to her. And since when did navy blue become verboten?

What sort of fantasy world do these people live in that they believe a cut out at the waist would ever be appropriate in any work place? Frankly I thought most of the outfits could not be worn to work. What's next tube tops?

I guess there must be some rule that they all have to use an accessory from the "wall". Other than shoes I think the accessories distract from the outfit. The rule of thumb seems to be the worst outfits have the biggest accessories. That purse in the photo with the three women around a desk was ridiculous...briefcase maybe but fake berkin bag rip off no, just no.

[CrumbyButtons]

On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoyed Elena's pop-eyed bitchface of indignation.

Her crazy eyes (on full display on the runway) are both hilarious and frightening!