Books(in140) & Other Things

Last night, the designers paired up to create a two-look collection to complement the L’Oreal Paris spring 2009 looks. The winning looks would be featured in a promotion at Shoppers Drug Marts across the country. While the team challenge was a refreshing change of pace, it didn’t bring out the personalities and aesthetic conflicts I was hoping it would.

Adejoke

We didn’t see much of Adejoke last night, only that she wasn’t too pleased about being partnered with Brandon. Adejoke is revealing herself to be very mediocre – a mediocre personality and a mediocre designer. This is probably moreso the fault of the show’s format, which is limiting her rather than letting herself shine, but it’s still frustrating to watch because she isn’t adding anything to the show.

Baylor

While Adejoke is mediocre, Baylor is good. He’s quiet and unassuming but can pull designs out with the best of them. He doesn’t have the creativity to really thrive on the show, but should make it far based on skills alone. He was also so genuinely pleased to have one a challenge, which was endearing. And his pants were impeccable.

Brandon

Now that Christie is gone, I expect Brandon to become the hot mess of the bunch. He just doesn’t have the skill set or maturity to do well here. He isn’t ready to be a designer in his own right. While he’s one of the few designers who showed personal evolution last night – holy fuck, this is a design competition, not a personality competition – it’s not enough to keep him around. I expect him to pul one brilliant challenge out of his ass before he goes down in a ball of flames.

Christie

It was more of the same from Christie last night. A complete meltdown and a subpar garment. While Christie was aware she was self-destructing. I find it hard to believe her design skills are as above and beyond as they’re being represented on the show as she claims. I’m glad she’s gone, she wasn’t adding anything to the show except tears.

Genevieve

Genevieve is emerging as this season’s dark horse. She’s calm and collected, knows what she wants and worked with Kim very well, even when there was clear disagreement between the two of them. Her dress was modern and fresh, showing she has a distinct style and point of view (which is very important on this show.) I think it’s early, but I’m calling a top-three finish for her.

Jason

I still don’t think Jason is a great designer. His color palette, immunity and partnership with Christie just made him look less worse than the rest of the crowd. Also, I find it weird his personal sense of style is so rudimentary. It would be part of his charm if I actually found him charming.

Jeff

Oh Jeff. I want to like you so very much. But it’s becoming very clear that why, after 20 years in fashion, still no one knows your name. You’re overly ambitious and seem to not know your own limitations, let alone the limitations placed upon you by the show. I like you, you’re sweet and funny and put up with Jessica’s suburban ghetto queen act wonderfully, but you’re so gone next week.

Jessica

A few weeks ago, I predicted Jessica would become annoying and become a one-note designer. She’s not there yet, but boy is she close. If she could learn to inject that personality into her clothes, she would be at the front of the pact. But she seems more concerned about her ability to fist bump Jeff than she does about the poor construction of her garment. I’m losing interest and fast. Which is too bad, because Jessica Biffi is an awesome name for a clothing line.

Kim

Unfortunately for Kim, her narrative this week was exactly the same as last week. Time management! Oh no! I suck! This is over! Oh my god, my dress is so fresh, flirty and cute! Phew. I like Kim a lot, her dress last night was adorable, and she and Genevieve seemed to be the best team (Sunny and Baylor appeared conflict-free, whereas Kim and Genevieve worked through each conflict maturity and compromised when necessary), but the show needs to let her grow. I’m chalking this up to the editors and not Kim, but if it happens again, I’ll be disappointed.

Sunny

Oh Sunny. You are wonderful and wonderfully unpretentious. Your designs are whimsical and unusual and your construction might be the best PRC has ever seen. You seemed truly overjoyed when you won this challenge (although we all knew it from the moment you picked Baylor). You’re going to win this show with a collection that is equally architectural and fantastical, then you’re going to cry tears of happiness and Canada will cry with you.

Tonight was the designers’ first team challenge, as they had to work in pairs to create day and night looks for a L’Oreal Paris Spring 2009 campaign.

(If these designers learned anything from Project Runway, it would be that seamlessness and cohesion are key for team challenges. Sadly, no one seemed to know this.)

To create the teams, designers names were pulled out of a hat and that designer selected the partner they wanted. Christie and Jason teamed up, Sunny and Baylor teamed up, Kim and Genevieve teamed up, Brandon and Adejoke teamed up, and Jessica and Jeff teamed up.

This episode focused largely on the evolution of the designs and the relationship between each of the teams. Which sounds better than it played out. Lots of discussion, not enough combat. I want Christie to earn those tears!!

It became immediately apparent Sunny and Baylor were going to run away with this challenge. Everyone interviewed said so and their drama in the work room was a minimum, Unlike Christie, who had a complete meltdown, “lost her spirit” and produced a pair of crappy shorts. Kim and Genevieve seemed to be doing ell, but Kim’s time control issues flared up again, as did Jeff’s overambitiousness. Jessica’s cutsieness is getting old fast, Brandon is finally seeming to get this is a competition and not the Brandon show, Jason was overwhelmed by Christie’s ridiculousness.

As for the looks that went down the runway, Sunny & Baylor’s looks were so far above and beyond everyone else’s. This wasn’t even a competition. Kim and Genevieve’s were cute, but not really cohesive. Adejoke and Brandon’s allowed them to squeak through, but that mediocre performance won’t hold in future episodes. Jason and Jessica’s dresses were cute but dated and Jeff’s and Christie’s were both complete and utter messes. In the end, the judges let Jeff stay because his spirit isn’t going to break him.

Again, Iman proved to be the greatest fashion reality show host of all time. I loved Sean’s “Addicted to Biddell” shirt. And finally, the PRC editors need to learn the element of surprise. Kim and Jeff’s design issues felt tacked on and harried, not an attempt to create a possible elimination narrative to counteract the obviousness of Christie’s elimination.

I need some growth, from the designers, from the challenges and from the show overall. This episode felt like filler. Delicious, meaningless filler.

This week we, thankfully, got to spend some more time with each designer and learned more about their personality. We have yet to divulge into any heartbreaking backstories, but give it time. There’s still ten designers left!

Last night, the designers designed a “glam” outfit for “celebrity” Elisha Cutherbert to wear for a night on the town. The challenge was uninspired, but I’m glad PRC decided to put the requisite celebrity challenge in the running early. Save the creative stuff for later. Elisha was completely unremarkable and showed surprisingly little knowledge about fashion. I get that’s probably normal for celebrities, but if she can’t have a semi-intelligent conversation about fit, she probably shouldn’t be judging the competition.

Adejoke

Adejoke blew it this week with her immunity risk-taking. I’m beginning to think it was less of a risk and that her win was more of a one-time fluke. I was not impressed with her attitude on the runway (and neither were the judges). Watch it, Adejoke. That is going to come back and bite you in the ass unless you pull out some amazing designs in the future.

Baylor

For the second week in a row, Baylor quietly put together a thoughtful, well-made look without ruffling any feathers. He didn’t get much screen time (expect so we could learn what a fast sewer he us!), but he’s emerging as a quiet dark horse. I’m seeing him in the top fie, but blowing it on an especially creative challenge. Regardless, he’s going to be an exciting one to watch fashion-wise and a boring one to watch drama-wise.

Brandon

Brandon needs to stop worrying so much about being a television character and start focusing on his designs. His teal figure-skating dress was a mess. I personally don’t think he stole Margarita’s design, he was just messing with her head a little bit because it’s good for tv/it would be fun. He’s trying way too hard to be Biddell and I just want him to shut up and go home.

Christie

Sweet Jesus Christie. When Brian tells you your design sucks, he doesn’t mean you suck. You’re never going to get anywhere if you can’t get past that. Her weepy, I’m so sensitive attitude made me want to throw things at the television. Her final dress was unremarkable, but well-made enough for her to squeak by in the middle of the pack. I’m excited for her breakdown next week, because this lady can make you an ironic-Cindy-Lauper-inspired prom dress but you don’t her dressing you anywhere else.

Genevieve

We saw nothing about Genevieve this week. Nothing! I don’t think she even spoke on camera. Her dress was cute, she’s cute. I’m assuming she either sticks around for a long time-hence the complete lack of screen time-or will be one of the most unremarkable eliminations ever. I think I like her, but how do I know?

Jason

I still can’t stand Jason, his attitude and his personality. I’m not entirely sure what it is. Despite that (and despite the fact Sunny’s dress was better), Jason winning this challenge was the right choice for the judges to make. He took their criticisms to heart and really turned it around this challenge. I don’t expect him to keep it up, but it was nice to see him get passionate instead of keeping cocky. The problem with cocky is that it rarely works, but when it does, it’s golden (Biddell, Christian Siriano, etc.) Everyone thinks they can be that guy. And everyone can’t.

Jeff

I still like Jeff, but I think we are beginning to see why he hasn’t made a name for himself in fashion. His likelihood to Shane from Project Runway Australia is uncanny in everything from his backstory to his looks to what he puts down the runway. I don’t see him lasting long and I don’t see him making an impression with the judges. I like the guy, but he needs to step it up.

Jessica

Right now, Jessica is hilarious, bubbly, vivacious and makes cute dresses. In three episodes, she is going to be grating, annoying and a one-note designer. There isn’t much more I can say.

Kim

I was expecting Kim to be wild, crazy and, well, kinda suck. I’m sorry Kim. While her dress left something to be desired and she really needs to work on her time management skills, her attitude was surprisingly professional, unfazed and collected. Even when she was convinced her run on this show was over, her calmness was awe-inspiring. I want to see more of Kim and I want her to do things on this show that are as cool and innovative as she seems to be.

If I wasn’t so sleepy last night, i would have stood up and cheered when Margarita was eliminated. Everything from her re-selecting her crappy model, to accusing Brandon of design-stealing then not letting it drop to choosing a fabric that’s really hard to work with and refusing to own up to her own short-falls to that mess of a dress she put down the runway, Margarita was no-way no-how likable, interesting or good at what she does. Get over yourself and get to work Margarita. Your portfolio needs it.

Sunny

This competition is Sunny’s to lose. For the second week in a row, he pulls out a perfectly tailored, original look. In challenge wins, narrative often trumps design, but when it comes to what matters-the final fashion show-it’s always about the looks going down the runway. And Sunny is going to bring it. It helps he seems like the sweetest, humble, most unassuming person ever. And his starburst dress? Stunning.

Images: Global

Okay. Project Runway Canada makes me deliriously happy. I think I have an addiction.

First up, the designers get to choose their own models for this challenge. Each designer remains loyal to their model from the first challenge, even Margarita! Models are dispensable and should be considered tools you use to make the best of your garment. However, Margarita kept her horrid horse-trotting model from last week. I understand the designer/model relationship is an important one, but if the model is holding you back, get rid of her! Loyalty means nothing if you ain’t number one!

This week, the models had to make a garment for “celebrity” Elisha Cuthbert. She’s looking for a “glam outfit for a big night on the town.” Elisha Cuthbert is as annoying as her character on 24. She’s so not interesting.

This episode really focused on the creative process, which is the strength of the Project Runway brand. Brandon emerges as mentally unstable and completely rips off Margarita’s design. Reality show brilliance or complete skeez? You decide!

However, Margarita should just stuff it and make a freaking fabulous dress instead of focusing on what Brandon is doing.

While in the workroom, we learn:

Christie is insane and overemotional.

Brandon is an evil genius, but not in an enjoyable way.

Kim is cooler than I thought she’d be, but needs to work on her time management.

Geneiveve needs screen time! We know NOTHING about her!

Sunny, Baylor and Jeff seem truly skilled, calm and collected. I love all three of them.

I like Adejoke, but she disappointed today.

Jessica is hilarious now, but give her three episodes. I might want to kill her then.

Jason is blah, but he surprised today.

Margarita is unbelievably grating and nowhere near as cool as she thinks she is.

On the runway, Adejoke gets called out for her sloppy dress, but her immunity keeps her safe. Sunny and Jason impress and Jeff, Brandon and Margarita blow it with their poor construction and flawed designs. In the end, Jason’s transformation from flawed to fab emerges the winner. Margarita’s sloppy dress gets her sent home, for which I’m glad. She didn’t add anything to the show, design-wise or personality-wise.

(Did anyone else call this elimination from the first five minutes? C’mon editors, make it a bit more dramatic!)

Next week: A team challenge! A national campaign! And Christie!

Last night’s premiere episode of Project Runway Canada had everything a reality show producer could want, interesting characters, instant tension, loads of drama, harsh, polarized judging and even two medical emergencies.

The show started with fourteen designers and already we are down to eleven. Since it began with so many (and the medical emergencies took up a lot of screen time) we didn’t really get a chance to get to know all the designers. Here, based on last night’s episode alone, are my initial impressions!

Adejoke

I’m calling for an Adejoke win right now. She’s got the skills, she took Brian’s critiques to heart and made an amazing tailored dress that impressed the rock star in Iman. It should have impressed Rita more than it did, but whatever. (Rita cried over Lucien’s final collection last year, remember. Cried over something that, while beautiful, we’ve seen before.) She’s the complete opposite of Biddell-not-white, not-male, not-egomaniacal-which will go a long way in a franchise that prides itself on the diversity of it’s winners.

There’s potential for craziness here. But if Adejoke keeps it in check, she should be fine.

Baylor

We hardly saw Baylor last night, which was too bad. At first, I was horrified there was a designer willingly going by the name Baylor. But he seems quiet, talented and sweet and will ease into the designer-filler role. I’m expecting Baylor to either fizzle quickly or be a solid dark horse contender.

Brandon

This cocky little asswad is gunning to be the next Biddell. I’m certain he’s not in it to win it, but in it to become a household name. Oh Brandon, he’s so edgy and confident. Oh Brandon, he so knows what he wants. Stuff it, Brandon. At least Biddell’s designs backed up his ego. That frothy cocktail dress you made last night? It won’t cut it.

Camille

Camille is the pretty girl in town everyone thinks should be a model because they have no clue what real models look like. I’m sure she’s a wonderful dressmaker, but somewhere along the way confused the ability to sew with the ability to design. It didn’t help her cotton-candy sweet personality only backs up the small-town-model-trying-make-it-in-the-big-city metaphor I’m going for. She wasn’t going to add anything to the show, design-wise or personality-wise. I’ve got nothing against her, but I’m glad she’s gone.

Christie

Oh, Christie’s sooo kooky, don’t you think? I, like, so, totally love her. If Christie can bring the talent to back-up her space-invader aesthetic, she is going to be an exciting one to watch. However, I’m banking on more hot pink messes from the twelve-year-old in a thirty-year-old body. If you’re too old to be on Gossip Girl, you’re too old to wear headbands, sweetie.

Danio

I’m genuinely disappointed Danio opted to leave the competition. I completely understand why he did (and completely support it), but he had a super-strong narrative that would draw viewers in, seemed to be sweet AND competitive and had the design credentials to back it all up. Get better Danio!

Genevieve

We didn’t see much of Genevieve last night. She’s an art school type who fancies herself creative and artsy (there are always several interchangeable versions of this girl on the Project Runways. Did you watch Season 5? I couldn’t tell half the cast apart!). I doubt she will be as intriguing or as polarizing as Kim or Christie. She seems talented enough, but perhaps not enough so to push the envelope on the show. It’s too early and there’s not enough screen time to make a decision on this one.

Jaclyn

What a waste of time and space casting Jaclyn was. My guess: she’s a moderately talented designer the producers cast because they felt her anxiety issues would make for awesome television, not even thinking she would breakdown in THE FIRST HOUR. For someone who completely changed their hair and wardrobe to be on the show (go watch her audition video), I’m deeply disappointed.

Jason

Jason is Marco from America’s Season 1? Remember him? The bravado, the super-literal interpretation of the challenge? The arguing? The lack of hard work and insight that makes a designer exciting? Attitude is a big part of being a PR designer, but it ain’t everything. He’s not going to last, and I’m glad for that.

Jeff

Jeff is a designer I’m excited to see more of He really sees this show as an opportunity, he’s quietly confident and genuinely grateful for this experience. (He reminds me a bit of Shawn from PR Australia.) I’m hoping he’s a strong enough designer to make it far and hasn’t just made a career simply through his longevity in the industry.

Jessica

Jessica could go either way for me. She could be the token plus-sized girl cast for one-dimensional commentary on the state of the industry and for comic relief. Or she could be a vivacious and exciting designer and personality. I liked her a lot this episode, but hope she has the opportunity to become a real person on this show and isn’t pigeon-holed into being a character.

Kim

Kim, for me, is the most exciting designer of the hipster twenty-something set on this show. Her dress was interesting and had potential, it suffered from lack of experience and not knowing how to edit one’s work. She seems to have a bit of an attitude, but if she can keep bringing it on the runway, this attitude can become engaging. If she starts flopping, she’ll become a whiny, bitchy baby.

Margarita

Margarita is so tough, isn’t she? She has so many hard edges with those piercings, black clothing and tube top. Margarita is boring, Margarita has been done. Stopping giving everyone the finger and start focusing on your designs. You’ll be more interesting and more liked if you do.

Sunny

Sunny’s got it. He’s got talent, the fashion background, the personality. He just needs a platform to take his career to the next level. He’s going to be interesting and exciting on the runway (probably less so on the screen) and give Adejoke a run for her money. There’s he possibility of him totally tanking a challenge and getting sent home inappropriately early because of it, but I have faith he’ll be a top three contender.

So excited for next week already!!

Images via Global

Project Runway Canada premiered tonight and holy crap. The production quality is stunning and it could easily compete with any south of the border reality television program. Global secured Iman for a second season, which is fantastic. Iman is by far and away my favorite fashion reality show host, and not just because she’s hosting a Canadian show. She’s smart and saucy and freaking fabulous.

A few initial thoughts:

I like the move to Ottawa, it reflects the notion that this is truly a Canadian show. I am disappointed, however, in the lack of Eastern Canadian representation for the second year in a row. I recognize that the contestants from the past few years represent the Canadian demographic breakdown, but it’s still a bit frustrating for a former Bluenoser. One question, though: Why Ottawa over Montreal?

Two contestants leaving in the first episode for medical reasons? They need to creatively rectify this. I don’t want to see two non-elimination episodes.

The Canadian War Museum was a fabulous venue. Sleek, modern, sophisticated, timely, it was the perfect way to launch the second season.

Joe Zee? I couldn’t stand the man on Stylista, but securing Elle’s creative director proves Global and PRC2 are serious.

Iman is fabulous. I can’t say this enough.

In the end, Jaclyn and Danio left for medical reasons. Adejoke’s outfit was slamming. Iman’s reaction: “I love it! I love, love, love it!” was the perfect reaction. Sunny’s outfit was a decent runner-up, his jacket was immaculate. Camille and her machete dress (she said it, not me!) and Jason and his Wilma Flintstone bedspread made the bottom two, with Camille going home. Jason’s outfit may have been a mess, but he has attitude and vision and I want to see what he does next. Camile, well, Camille who?

Next week: Elisha Cuthbert. What is happening, Canada?