PR - All Stars Ep 4 - Flavor of the Week

I've always loved the dichotomy that is April. Such a tough, dark exterior yet so soft and vulnerable. Back in season 8, she designed her HP fabric based on being split in two during her parents' divorce. I thought it was some of her best work.

When given a reasonable amount of time, these qualities yield results that really show her unique and powerful voice. Unfortunately, this challenge was just too short and ridiculous to yield really excellent results from anyone.

April, good for you for staying true to your aesthetic! Sorry you didn't have more time, but I'm sooo very happy that you are designing fabrics for JoAnn fabric. Yay! It's so wonderful to have some interesting, decent options in JoAnn fabric besides the usual matronly, quilty lot there.



Congratulations, Michael. It really was draped beautifully and moved like liquid behind the model.

Honestly, I was pretty disappointed with most everyone because it was a ridiculously short challenge. I get that it's a good way to ramp up drama, but I don't see how the pressure to be creative works with not having any time to experiment.

I really liked Mila's dress, but I think Isaac Mizrahi and I are the only people who feel this way. The STRANGEST critique definitely came from Georgina Chapman who said something about the sheer red through white "conjures up a strange color." You mean, like, pink?  I loved how Mila's dress conjured up melted ice cream swirls with the overlapping sheer panels. I hated her heavy styling, though.

I didn't think Kara's dress was so bad. The waist just need to be lowered a couple of inches. No big deal. TLo DID point out that Kara was recycling an old design, though.

And, Mondo! LOVE, Love, love Mondo! The color combination was fantastic but I really hated the belt. Anthony seemed to think it was all about being the fastest seamstress, but the top looks were all pretty simple. The creativity showed in the color/pattern choices.

Dear, Project Runway All Stars. No more super fast challenges please. Thank You.

I'm Intrigued

I saw this on a really lovely blog called lobster and swan. It's called fairy bread and is, apparently, commonplace atr children's birthday parties in Australia. How cute! But....white bread with butter and sprinkles? Could that really taste good? Maybe you need a five year old's palette.

I think I'm going to have to see for myself...

Happy Lunar New Year: Enter the Dragon

This print is by Chelleline Cards of Montreal, Quebec. Cute, right? And such a great way to remember the order. It's a print of an original collage and may be purchased on Etsy and through her website.

I'm a monkey, but my husband is a dragon. I'm happy to ride his coattails if it means a successful year for us.

PR - All Stars Ep 3 - "A Present For Kermie"

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I have always had a soft spot for Gordana. She got a raw deal on her season, which actually inspired me to write this rant in 2009. (I was going through a pretty stressful period in my life and was maybe taking the show just a wee bit too seriously. ;) ) Anyway, so I felt bad because, though Gordana's wasn't my favorite dress, I felt that Mila was the one to go since she pretty much ignored the challenge and made something for her collection. I didn't love Gordana's baby doll nightie, but I really love her attitude, creativity and experimentation with fabrics. Also, even though she didn't grow up with Miss Piggy (shouldn't it be Ms.? Isn't she a little old to be a Miss?) as she reminds us in her BPR interview, at least she gave the challenge some thought.


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And congrats to Michael. I was really surprised because Rami seemed to be getting all the love. Maybe it was more impressive in person, or I need a bigger tv, or something... Rami's was fun, and I thought he was clever to pick up on her movement with the fluttery sleeves, but I really loved Kenley's and that adorable giraffe print. I don't know if a poufy retro skirt was the way to go, though. Some of the critiques were a little weird. Yes, the neckline was plunging, but I was scratching my head when Georgina mentioned the danger of falling out of her top. What's Miss Piggy got to fall out? It's sort of like Gordana being concerned about a puppet's comfort. One of my favorite moments was watching a poker-faced Joanna Coles advise her not to focus too much on comfort. Yep, things got a little strange.

By the way, does anybody else think that Kenley is way sweeter this time around? She just looks like she's having fun with the whole experience. Actually, they all do.


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I love how Mondo always takes such a thoughtful approach to challenges, but I feel like he lost his way a bit. The styling, which didn't help, was severe and, oddly, reminded me of Joan Allen in Pleasantville. And Austin... Miss Piggy said it best, "and those bows!"

Looking forward to Diane Von Furstenberg, who happens to be inspiiired by nature,  next week.

PR - All Stars Episode 2 - "Off the Kahoonies"

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Farewell, Sweet P. There's a reason you have always been a fan favorite. You really do come off as very down to earth, your color choices are often really gorgeous, and you design accessible clothing for women of many sizes. I actually think the accessibility of your work made this challenge a little more difficult for you. A night at the opera seems so far removed from your girl. Once again, the judges made astute observations and offered really helpful critiques. Georgina Chapman was absolutely right when she suggested bringing the pattern from the skirt into the top part of the dress. The halter top made it look like separates, which automatically makes it feel more casual. And Badgley (or was it Mischka?) hit the nail on the head when he said the skirt was more dirndl than ball gown.

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But you do make really fun, colorful maxi dresses. As seen here and at Forever 21 and on your blog. So I'm glad someone like you is out there designing for rest of us who don't always make it to the opera on opening night. 

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And congratulations, Austin Scarlett! To be honest, after last week's dress I was kind of worried that you were going to choke, but you pulled it off spectacularly. I loved the shimmer and the smoke, the glamor and elegance. What a gratifying victory.

Speaking of choking, I was also concerned for Kara - especially when they showed her clutching her dress form with a look of sheer terror on her face. Actually, I really hope they keep her around for a while because she is so funny. What was she saying about having a "pabu" moment? (paboom? South African for kaboom? ) I don't know if it's South African slang or just her own lexicon, but I plan to use the phrase, "off the kahoonies" every chance I get. 

But my favorite moment of the night (and a slight double-take) was seeing Rami and Anthony cozied up on the couch while Rami casually played with Anthony's hair. Aw! I think there are a lot of gentlemen out there that would like to have been sitting where Anthony was. 

So who will make it to the finals? Mondo, Austin and Rami is my guess, but I'd love to be surprised. Will Kara have the emotional strength to make it through another challenge? Can't wait for next week!

I Like Her Even More Now

So I just finished reading Blogging Project Runway's (BPR)  interview with Elisa Jimenez and not only does she sound kooky and adorable, but she also offered some insight into her process which I really enjoyed learning about. She talked a lot about a character named Fancy, created by her mother, who is returning to a garden full of flowers. The artwork above conveys her imaginative garden idea maybe more successfully than her All Stars challenge, but I really do enjoy the story and the direction. Also, it helps make some sense out of her challenge sketch.

Click here to read BPR's interview with Elisa. Speaking of BPR, I was very excited that they posted my recap on the Looza. So cool!

Pretty Reds

I made a little Valentine's themed treasury the other day. I think it's really pretty. Plus, it includes the work of my dear and talented friend, Nikki, of Fused Glass Originals and Fusing Fun Art. Not only does Nikki make really bright, cheerful and unique pieces, but she also teaches fused glass workshops for children and adults at her lovely home in San Rafael. What a great idea for a kid's birthday party or craft get-together with friends.