The Remote Island : Project Runway

Does Bravo's "The Fashion Show" Have The Worst Catch Phrase Ever?

Jake Kalish — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:33:00 GMT

There's one thing critics aren't digging about Bravo's new post-Runway hope, The Fashion Show. And that's Isaac Mizrahi's truly awful catchphrase. This from Nicole Homewood of the New York Post:

BRAVO'S "The Fashion Show" already has a pattern (sigh) that is so troubling, so painful to the ears that the temptation to hit the mute button in the last three minutes of it is almost overwhelming.

It's Issac Mizrahi's farewell catchphrase to the poor loser sent home each week: "We're just not buying it."

And to the lucky person saved from elimination?

"You're still in the competition, but you're hanging by a thread," says Kelly Rowland.

Oh dear. Really?

Boy, that is bad. And we've thought a lot about reality show catchphrases.

PREVIOUSLY:

"The Fashion Show": Bravo's "Project Runway" Replacement Premieres Tonight At 10 Eastern [VIDEO]

"Project Runway" Makes It Work On Lifetime

Can Isaac Mizrahi And Kelly Rowland Make It Work On "The Fashion Show"?

"The Fashion Show": Bravo's "Project Runway" Replacement Premieres Tonight At 10 Eastern [VIDEO]

Jake Kalish — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:20:00 GMT

We were going to rip into this as nothing but a lame Runway ripoff, but preview episodes have actually been getting quite good reviews. Check out a clip...

PREVIOUSLY:

Can Isaac Mizrahi And Kelly Rowland Make It Work On "The Fashion Show"?

Tim Gunn Needs A Date

"Project Runway" Gets An Airdate, And A Companion Series

Heidi Klum Is Shutting Down The Baby Factory

Olivia Purnell — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:31:00 GMT

Heidi is currently incubating her fourth child. Even as we type, a little bitty babe is gestating inside her, preparing for a long-legged life of flawless physical beauty and throaty vocal stylings. 'Cause that's what happens when your Mama is Heidi don't-look-directly-into-my-hotness Klum and your Daddy's Time Keeps On Slippin' Slippin' Slippin'. That kid, like the other three, is pre-destined for the good life.

That kid also might be the last of his or her ilk.

Heidi is probably closing up shop. She tells Ellen Degeneres that she and Seal might be dunzo after number four saying:

"We kind of took one baby at a time, and every time we thought, 'Yeah, one more, that's it' … But I think now it's the first time I feel like this is it."

Wow, the woman who practically invented post-pregnancy hotness is hanging up her Lamaz card for good. World watch closely, pay attention, take notes, and possibly video, this is the last time we'll see Heidi's freakishly beautiful body swing from glowing pregnancy to runway ready perfection.

(people.com)

Previously:

Top Three People Who Could Use a "Project Runway" Makeover

"Project Runway" Gets An Airdate, And A Companion Series

Heidi Klum Gets Psyched For "Project Runway" Season Six, And Baby Number Four [VIDEO]

Tim Gunn Needs A Date

Jake Kalish — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

The Project Runway star says he hasn't been on a date in a long time. No, like a really long time...

26 YEARS.

WTF, Tim? You haven't been on a date since the Commodore 64 was cutting-edge technology? What gives, man? Here's the revelation, and subsequent explanation, from an interview with OK! Magazine:

OK!: Are you in a relationship?

I haven’t been on a date in 26 years [laughs]. So no, I have no relationship. I’m not even remotely looking. To have a relationship would require time. I don’t have any time, so it wouldn’t be fair to someone else. It might sound selfish, but I’m very happy being alone.

Isn't he the busy bee! Verdict: not healthy. 26 relationship-free years? Love the guy, but no wonder he seems a little uptight. Date Tim Gunn. Seriously. He's a catch. Smart, kind, stylish as hell. What woman wouldn't - hmmm? Whuzzat? He's gay? Him?

Okay. What gay guy wouldn't want to date Tim Gunn? Come on, fellas. Take Tim Gunn out and make it work.

Crap. Vowed "make it work" wasn't going to appear in this post. Dammit, now that's twice.

PREVIOUSLY:

"Project Runway" Gets An Airdate, And A Companion Series

Heidi Klum Gets Psyched For "Project Runway" Season Six, And Baby Number Four [VIDEO]

"Project Runway": Cat-Thrower Kenley Collins Pleads Guilty, Judge Practically Asks For Her Autograph

"Project Runway" Gets An Airdate, And A Companion Series

Jake Kalish — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:55:00 GMT

At long last, we now know when the next season of Runway will air on Lifetime...

Lifetime Television announced that Project Runway will make its debut on the cable channel at 10 p.m. Aug. 20, followed by a companion series, Models of the Runway, that will take viewers backstage at the reality TV series.

Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn and judges Michael Kors (fashion designer) and Nina Garcia (fashion director of Marie Claire magazine), will guide 16 contestants as they demonstrate their design skills this season.

Models of the Runway will air at 11 p.m. beginning Aug. 20, following Project Runway. According to Lifetime: "Each 30-minute episode will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition – from the models’ perspective."

The new show? Okay, we guess. The models' perspective isn't really as interesting as the judges or contestants' perspectives, which is why it isn't part of the original good and successful show. But sure, make what you can out of this franchise, especially since you had to wait all this time.

PREVIOUSLY:

Heidi Klum Gets Psyched For "Project Runway" Season Six, And Baby Number Four [VIDEO]

"Project Runway" Makes it Work On Lifetime

"Project Runway": Cat Thrower Kenley Collins Pleads Guilty, Judge Practically Asks For Her Autograph

"Project Runway" Kenley's New Cat-Throwing Explanation

"Project Runway" Winner Comments On Her Cat-Throwing Former Competitor

Kenley Of "Project Runway" Attacks Her Sleeping Ex With An Animal, Is In Jail [UPDATE]

Heidi Klum Gets Psyched For "Project Runway" Season Six, and Baby Number Four [VIDEO]

Lindy Parker — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Now that Project Runway has finally settled into its new home at Lifetime, can we expect to see host Heidi Klum with another baby bump next season? Apparently, the answer is yes...

Sources confirm that the supermodel mogul is expecting her third child with music-man hubby Seal. Word of Klum's happy news apparently leaked when sketches of her in a couture gown redesigned for her growing belly had somehow posted on the Internet. (E! Online)

Obviously, the thing that's irritating about Heidi Klum is that it's often difficult to decide whether she looks more stunningly beautiful pregnant or not pregnant. Added to which, while we're trying to decide, she has the baby, and then it's like, "What? I was pregnant?" Remember the 2005 Victoria's Secret fashion show, two months after she gave birth to baby number two? Let us refresh your memory...

What's that? You want video as well? Well, okay. You talked us into it...

Previously:

Project Runway Makes It Work on Lifetime

What's Happening With Project Runway?

Kenley Of "Project Runway" Attacks Her Sleeping Ex With An Animal, Is In Jail [UPDATE]

Whoopi Goldberg Weighs in On Elizabeth Hasselbeck's Pregnancy

"Project Runway": Cat Thrower Kenley Collins Pleads Guilty, Judge Practically Asks For Her Autograph

Jake Kalish — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:22:00 GMT

This sentence will be the new dictionary definition of "lenient." Let's recap: She threw a cat at her sleeping ex-fiancee, then flung apples and a laptop at him, and then, as he was desperately trying to crawl away from this assault, slammed his head in a door. That's the case you were looking at, right, Judge Miriam Cyrulnik? Because if so, this makes no sense.

Oh why have you failed us, American judicial system?

The designer initially faced a second-degree felony assault charge for allegedly throwing her cat, computer, apples and water at fiancé (at the time) Zak Penley last month. Today, however, the charged was reduced even lower than the misdemeanor that was expected.

Collins pleaded guilty in a Brooklyn courtroom to a count of disorderly conduct, which, Judge Miriam Cyrulnik explained, is considered a violation and not a criminal charge. The reality-TV star was sentenced to a $120 fine and a two-year protection order barring her from having contact with Penley. The incident will remain sealed and not appear on her criminal record.

According to the district attorney, the sentence was reduced on the basis that Penley received no treatment and the alleged kitty-flinging caused no serious injury.

Chrissakes. So if the guy goes to the hospital, it's felony assault, but since he didn't, it's disorderly conduct? These are examples of disorderly conduct:

Examples of Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct offenses vary widely by state. Here are some of the most common acts that are considered disorderly conduct offenses:

Public drunkenness
Inciting a riot
disturbance of the peace
loitering in certain areas
fighting / physical altercations
obstructing traffic
use of extremely obscene or abusive language
loud or unreasonable noise

Nowhere in that list is attacking a sleeping man with a live animal and then continuing to attack him with whatever you can get your hands on as he tries to crawl away.

PREVIOUSLY:

"Project Runway" Kenley's New Cat-Throwing Explanation

"Project Runway" Winner Comments On Her Cat-Throwing Former Competitor

Kenley Of "Project Runway" Attacks Her Sleeping Ex With An Animal, Is In Jail [UPDATE]

"Project Runway" Makes It Work On Lifetime

Chenda Ngak — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:18:00 GMT

The future of Bravo's hit reality show Project Runway has been uncertain for months while the networks and production company duked it out. But it's finally settling into its new digs...

The popular design-competition series that aired for five seasons on the Bravo network had been mired in a legal struggle involving NBC Universal, which owns Bravo, the Weinstein Co. and the Lifetime channel.

The dispute began last April when NBC Universal sued Weinstein after the production company made a reported $150 million deal with Lifetime for the series that features supermodel Heidi Klum as host.

The lawsuit has been settled. In a statement issued Wednesday, NBC Universal said Weinstein will pay the media company "for the right to move `Project Runway' to Lifetime. All parties are pleased with the outcome.'"

The show's sixth season — which has already been taped — will air this summer on the female-centric channel, said Lifetime CEO Andrea Wong. (yahoo.com)

Bravo has already braced for the loss by creating a Project Runway rip-off called The Fashion Show starring Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland, which will air on May 7. Seems like everyone got what they wanted for twice the price. While we are rooting for Mizrahi and Co., there is just no replacing silver fox, Tim Gunn.

Now that one hurdle is out of the way, how are the Weinsteins going to deal with losing all of the male viewers whose guilty pleasure was watching Nina Garcia piss all over those poor contestants? Or will Lifetime simply gain a new secret audience?

"Project Runway" Kenley's New Cat-Throwing Explanation

Jake Kalish — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:22:00 GMT

When the story first broke, Kenley Collins of Project Runway called her throwing a cat at her ex-fiancee while he was sleeping a "miscommunication." In a Brooklyn court, she had a new explanation for whatever the hell that was...

In a Brooklyn court hearing yesterday, Kenley admitted she "gently" tossed the cat onto the bed, (where it hit her sleeping ex-fiancee's face) but denies said cat was being used as a weapon.

Wow. Does this have an "I smoked, but I didn't inhale" ring to it? She's getting into the force and intent with which a cat was thrown? Why you throwing a cat in the first place?

The charges against Kenley were reduced from assault to misdemeanor. Damn, really? Boogie from the corner got 2-4 for a fat sack of weed because of the Rockefeller Laws and Kenley the cat thrower looks like she'll just have to take some anger management classes or something?

Where's the civic outrage? What happened to the protest movement? It's time to take to the streets.

PREVIOUSLY:

"Project Runway" Winner Comments On Her Cat-Throwing Former Competitor

Kenley Of "Project Runway" Attacks Her Sleeping Ex With An Animal, Is In Jail [UPDATE]

"Project Runway" Winner Comments On Her Cat-Throwing Former Competitor

Jake Kalish — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:55:00 GMT

Leanne Marshall weighs in on Kenley Collins, psychotic cat-thrower. And she clearly prefers the cat she's never met to the human with whom she spent way too much time. Here's what Leanne told the New York Post:

"This should put a clear answer to the question I am most frequently asked, 'Was Kenley really that awful, or was she just edited like that?' When she got angry, I knew to keep my distance. Clearly, she needs therapy."

And this is no shit-talker - remember, Leanne was the quiet, sweet one. Now let the shit-talking continue:

I feel a little sorry for her that she can't control her emotions and behavior, but on the other hand, absolutely nothing excuses physical violence and throwing a poor, defenseless kitty at someone who is sleeping.

What, you mean the "miscommunication"?

PREVIOUSLY:

Kenley Of "Project Runway" Attacks Her Sleeping Ex With a Cat, is In Jail

What's Happening With "Project Runway"?

Heidi Klum Is Too Heavy?

Kenley Of "Project Runway" Attacks Her Sleeping Ex With An Animal, Is In Jail [UPDATE]

Jake Kalish — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:35:00 GMT

Wow. This is amazing. She's even more of a batshit crazy bitch than she seemed on Runway, and that's a major accomplishment. We don't know what this guy did, but she hit him with everything in his house. Including his pet...

Kenley Collins, the Project Runway Season 5 third place finisher best known for her crappy attitude, has been charged with six crimes -- including 2nd degree assault, 3rd degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the 4th degree - after being arrested in a Brooklyn apartment for attacking her sleeping ex-fiance with water, apples, a laptop, and...a cat.

She threw a cat at him. And then she reportedly said "You're lucky...it could have been a lot worse."

How, exactly? What, short of surprise castration, is worse than your former lover flinging an animal at you during your sleepytime? We also love that she talked shit after throwing the cat, like words are going to have any effect after that traumatic episode.

Also, wtf did the kitty do to deserve being thrown? We're almost positive the cat didn't cheat on Kenley, so it would have been nice of her to stick with inanimate objects for her insane assault. Although we're sure Michael Kors appreciates the creativity.

UPDATE: Okay, this is apparently how the beatdown went: Kenley wakes the ex-fiance, 28-year-old Zachary Penley, up in the apartment they still share by throwing a cat in his face. He tries to crawl away and use his blanket as a shield. At which point she SHUTS THE BEDROOM DOOR ON HIS HEAD. Then she grabs his laptop and flings it at him. And ends with the apples and water. Which is really a fizzle, like closing your collection with a flowered sundress. Seen that before, Kenley. And now the comments are coming out:

Kenley: It was a miscommunication. Fights happen, and that's that.

Kenley's dad, Kenneth Collins: She broke it off and I guess he was a little bitter, so when this happened he called the police. He called my wife and said he was sorry the cops took it so far. He said he was sorry, but she's still facing felony charges for tossing apples and water. It would be laughable, if she wasn't dragged through court. ...She has a personality and sometimes it gets a little rowdy - but it was still apples and water, and a cat.

Way to take responsibility, Collins family. First off, How is throwing a cat at someone a "miscommunication"? And no, cat flinging does not just "happen." We've been in some bad breakups. No pets got thrown. Okay, also: she broke it off? What the hell would she have done if he called off the engagement? Pummeled him with a potbellied pig? No, Papa Kenley, your daughter is not the victim here, sorry. And just because she chose her weapons poorly doesn't mean they weren't weapons. (Although slamming his head in a door was a solid, standard assault choice. We've seen that in plenty of movies.) And no, your daughter does not just have "a personality." She clearly has psychotic tendencies. And now she has a big-ass problem.

PREVIOUSLY:

Can Isaac Mizrahi And Kelly Rowland Make It Work On "The Fashion Show"?

What's Happening With "Project Runway"?

Heidi Klum Is Too Heavy?

Tim Gunn Lets It All Hang Out

Can Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland Make It Work On "The Fashion Show"?

Chenda Ngak — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:23:00 GMT

Now that Project Runway is moving to Lifetime, there is a large void that must be filled at Bravo. The Fashion Show is a Project Runway-like reality show that will feature professional designers competing in challenges. The ultimate prize is a deal to have their designs carried at a major retail outlet. [Ed.: Target? Or perhaps... Targét?]

It's been announced that Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland will be the hosts and judges for the show. IMG Fashion executive, Fern Mallis, will also judge. A studio audience will also have the opportunity to judge the competition.

So, Runway fans -- Entertainment Weekly isn't all that excited about this, and we don't know what to think. What about you?

What's Happening With "Project Runway"?

Lindy Parker — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:45:00 GMT

With New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week '09 in full swing, we find ourselves wondering about the precarious fate of our favorite skill-based, fashion reality show (although in fairness, the competition isn't that severe. Stylista, anyone? That'd be a no.)

"What is really sad about it is that ...all the people that are in the audience don't know the designers," [Heidi Klum] tells Access Hollywood. "You know, normally you have people there that are like clapping, because they have their fans coming out, you know, the fans for these designers. They're like, 'Yeah!' And they're like rooting for this one or that one and this time no one knows anyone, so the feeling is going to be, unfortunately, a little bit different — so it's a little sad." (via Yahoo News)

How much would it suck to be a season 6 contestant? You still have to knock yourself out in all the challenges, and bust your ass just as hard, but at the end of the day, your on air exposure could pontentially be zero. Luckily, Project Runway mentor (and Remote Island boyfriend) Tim Gunn disagrees...

Echoing his recent comments to TVGuide.com about the future of Runway, Gunn adds that he doesn't know when or where Season 6 will air, but is "confident" it will make it to TV screens. (via Yahoo News)

Don't worry Tim Gunn! We will not lose faith! But, until that day comes, you can peep the collections here.

Previously:

Project Runway: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Bitter Bravo Likely to Ignore Project Runway Before It Moves To Lifetime

Heidi Klum Is Too Heavy?

Jake Kalish — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:30:00 GMT

At least, that's what German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop says, along with a bunch of other catty comments. Perhaps he didn't see the upcoming cover of German GQ. Or perhaps "Wolfgang Joop" is German for "moron." Don't know, don't speak German.

As the Season 4 premiere of Germany's Next Top Model approached, Wolfgang Joop thought he might provide a harsh critique of the host, our beloved Heidi:

She is no runway model! Heidi Klum is simply too heavy and has too big a bust. And she always grins so stupidly. That is not avant-garde – that is commercial!

Okay, Joop, benefit of the doubt: perhaps you didn't see this:

Yeah, that's this month's German GQ, with its covergirl, Mimi Bobeck. What's that you say? Magazine cover = retouching? They took away 50 pounds? Okay, here's Klum in November, at the Victoria's Secret show:

So can we dismiss this "too heavy" business, Wolfgang Joop? As for your other attacks - yes, she smiles and has large breasts. Guilty as charged. She'd be much more avant-garde if she were flatchested, stick-thin, and surly. From never eating.

PREVIOUSLY:

Is Miss Piggy's Weight A Thing?

Is Jessica Simpson's Weight A Thing?

CBS Wants to Arrange Your Marriage

Lindy Parker — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Hold onto your daughters, kids. CBS is taking the fickle wand of destiny into its greedy clutches, and going into the matchmaking business...

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series, tentatively and uncreatively titled Arranged Marriage, will follow four unlucky-in-love adults, age roughly 25-45, who allow their friends and family to choose a spouse for them because they're that anxious to commit. The couples will legally tie the knot, and the series will document their lives together post-ceremony. (Popwatch)

Our first reaction to this is: "Ew, weird." But the more we think about it, we realize we're kind of obsessed with the idea of arranged marriages in general. We once went on a date in high school with a guy whose mom gave a post-date speech about how parents, in their infinite wisdom, are the best equipped to choose a suitable mate for their child. Ever since then, (after we got over being uncomfortable) we've been weirdly fascinated by the whole concept. In theory, relationships forged on a show like this could potentially have a better success rate than those formed on, say, The Bachelor. Thoughts?

The NFL Network Is In Talks With Fox To Expand Its Distribution

Jake Kalish — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:29:00 GMT

Yes, please. Seriously, this whole 5-year NFL Network/Cable distributors fight makes the Project Runway mishigas look positively smalltime. Great in-depth article in the Sports Business Journal on this dispute, which has kept football games way from football fans. Seems that finally the NFL is starting to get truly nervous about the limited distribution of the NFL Network, which the SBJ calls "a rare and high-profile black eye for the biggest and most powerful sports property in the United States."

PREVIOUSLY:

The NFL Network Babyfit Continues

NBC: Your In-Flight Entertainment

Lindy Parker — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:30:00 GMT

After over ten years of Young and the Restless, CSI and Cold Case re-runs on your cross-country flights, American Airlines is switching networks...

NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution's Frances Manfredi was the architect of the Peacock's deal with American. Not so coincidentally, as a CBS exec, Manfredi helped construct the Eye's original deal with the airline in 1998. After a decade with CBS, American decided to reassess the in-flight account and put out a request for proposals last year.
American -- cash-strapped, like all airlines -- was also looking to alter its financial arrangement: CBS had sold the in-flight ad time; NBC will not. NBC also had a leg up when it came to the sheer variety of its programming options: The Peacock will offer fare from NBC, USA, Bravo, Sci Fi, Oxygen, MSNBC and CNBC, in addition to Universal Pictures films and programs from NBC News and NBC Sports. (Variety)

Looks like we're in for a Project Runway marathon to pass the time on our next trip to California, and to that we say: Awesome.

"Project Runway" News: Doc About Jay McCarroll Gets Distribution; Will He Talk More Smack About Tim Gunn?

Jake Kalish — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:33:00 GMT

Hey, it's something about Project Runway that doesn't involve injunctions and other rancid precipitation from this legal shitstorm.

A documentary about Runway Season 1 winner Jay McCarroll called Eleven Minutes has landed distribution from Here! Films, which also runs the Here! Network. As in "We're Here, We're Queer", etc. Don't really understand the link between high-end fashion design and homosexuality, but whatever. It's not like Jay McCarroll, Michael Kors, or Tim Gunn is gay.

Oh, speaking of Tim Gunn, we wonder if he and Jay are still talking trash; if you don't recall, a couple years back Gunn was publicly critical of McCarroll taking such a long time to get his first fashion show up, and McCarroll responded like this:

He’s having his heyday, but I also don’t think he’s an authority on any designer’s life. He went to school for sculpture or something. I don’t think that he’s ever, to my knowledge, started a fashion line and therefore should not be the adviser or the fuckin’ creative director … how dare you pretend to know what I should be doing with my company? It’s none of your business, dude — you’ve never started a fashion line. You’ve never initiated showing at Bryant Park on your own so don’t tell me what my time line is to show at fuckin’ Bryant Park. He doesn’t know what I want to do. Maybe I want to fuckin’ take a piss off the Empire State Building and call it fashion. But that’s my fuckin’ prerogative. I just hate that because middle America looks at him like, He’s so nice, he’s like a father to them. On the show he was, sure. I’m not bitter about the man. It’s kind of hurtful. At one point he said I was an embarrassment because I didn’t show yet. And it’s like, fuckin’-A, man. Maybe next season they can make Tim Gunn show a line. Five months. We’ll see how good it is. But don’t worry. I’ll be fine.

Meow! Hope Jay keeps talking in the documentary;even though we love Gunn, there's nothing better than a good catfight.

PREVIOUSLY: Our Project Runway Archive

Tim Gunn Delivers a Message of Hope

Olivia Purnell — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

In these trying economic times we’ll take hope where we can get it. But we’re especially receptive when optimism comes from the Fairy Godfather of fashion.

He’s so wise . . .

Tim moderated a panel discussion called “Redefining the Rules of Fashion in Today’s Economy.” He told attendees:

"These are very trying times, but we need to pull through this," Gunn said to a packed room of fashion students at the Directors Guild of America. "And I think we will. But I think it will be a different time." (nymag.com).

Zac Posen, Mary Alice Stephenson, fit model Josh Button, Alex Gonzalez of ad agency AR New York, Macy's senior vice-president Les Steiger, and CEO of HSN Mindy Grossman were part of the discussion as well. All of the speakers delivered Obama-esque messages of hope, change, adaptation, and innovation within the fashion industry.

Apparently, the kids left the panel uplifted and ready to make it work. Yes we can.

Previously:

Tim Gunn Lets it All Hang Out
Tim Gunn: Our Late Night Companion

Christian Siriano Cuts A Fierce Deal With Payless

Jake Kalish — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:33:00 GMT

Christian Siriano won Project Runway 4 back in March and since then has gone on to design for Victoria Beckham, Heidi Klum, Anne Hathaway, Whoopi Goldberg, and Ugly Betty, despite being something like twelve years old and therefore the gayest middle-schooler in history. And now he has a new business venture - he's cut a deal to distribute a line of low-price shoes and handbags at Payless next fall. "I want everybody to have a piece of my brand," says Siriano. And, according to him, everybody wants a piece:

I have a pretty huge fan base, not to toot my own horn, but a lot of those are 'Project Runway' watchers and they're young. They're in school and aspiring to be artistic and they can't afford my clothes.

We'd say the kid is arrogant, except for that old saying: you ain't cocky if you're that good. Imagine what he'll do once he hits puberty.

OMG, Daniel V is that you?

Olivia Purnell — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Project Runway fans, you know you miss him. Season 2 finalist Daniel Vosovic was known for his reserved sass, clean designs, and adorable floppy hair. Sadly, no contestant’s H has been as adorably floppy in the three seasons since.

Ever wonder what Daniel V and his perfect shag have been up to? . . .

Well, Daniel is a freelance fashion designer, and author of a book entitled “Fashion Inside Out, Daniel V.’s Guide to How Style Happens From Inspiration to Runway and Beyond.” Congratulations D, but that title is a mouthful, no?

Anyway, Daniel’s still working toward launching his own line and has recently been profiled in The New York Times Arts section. In the article, he and his four roomies discuss their apparently sitcom-esque life in the Lower East Side. The five childhood friends rented their now-chic apartment sight-unseen, and apparently their new home came complete with goup on the walls and a “murder-bed.” Check out the article and accompanying video here.

Importantly Daniel’s still got the H, but from the looks of the photo and video accompanying his profile, he's utilizing a comb more often than he did in his Project Runway days.

Previously:

OMG, Bailey Is that You?

OMG, Kelly Kapowski is that you?

OMG Dawson, Is That You?

Tim Gunn Lets It All Hang Out

Lindy Parker — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:20:00 GMT

Seriously, remember what a whiny nightmare Kenley was on the most recent Project Runway? Fashion guru Tim Gunn does, and he's sounding off for Entertainment Weekly with a behind-the-scenes look at his relationship with the designers. Even better, he's not holding any punches. Apparently, Kenley was even worse off camera -- is that possible?

Take a look for the scoop on Kenley and Tim's real feelings about season 4 winner, Christian Soriano. (P.S. our favorite part of the video is the cuts to a Bravo photoshoot where Tim's getting harassed by Atlanta Real Housewife, Ne-ne):

Click here to play video

"Stylista": Kind of Like High School, But Bitchier

Lindy Parker — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Here's the thing. Our feeling about Stylista (the CW's newest competitive reality show) is basically that not unlike it's semi-fictional literary counterpart The Devil Wears Prada, we would've enjoyed it more if it gave us an interesting, nuanced look at working in the fashion industry from the bottom to the top, rather than focusing on the sad attempts of a group of fashion-loving peons to prostrate themselves before a campy, overbearing, power-hungry fashion editor in oversized sunglasses and heels that we swear to God, she removes when she goes off camera. Turns out, the behind-the-scenes turmoil of Stylista might actually be more interesting than the show...

So, the whole big debacle involves network politics and Harvey Weinstein and complicated negotiations between print and television publicity that we don't really understand, but in a nutshell, the drama is this: Project Runway judge Nina Garcia was fired from her post as fashion editor of Elle Magazine, and went to work at Marie Claire. Last night's premiere of the Tyra Banks produced reality competition, Stylista, served as something of a coming out party for Garcia's replacement at Elle, Anne Slowey, the former fashion new director who traded off judging duties with Garcia during Runway's first season until producers decided they preferred Garcia's personality (for the record, we do too). Meanwhile, Nina Garcia is slated to star in her own show, Running in Heels, a fly-on-the-wall look at the in's and out's of life at Marie Claire that will air on the Style Network in March. It's a whole thing, y'all.

The eleven hopeful competitors arrive at the Elle offices in hopes of winning the grand prize: a one-year junior fashion editor position at Elle Magazine, and the first challenge involved them buying and presenting fashion editor, Anne Slowey, with her morning breakfast. Slowey click-clacked from peon to peon saying things like, "Oh, I never eat almonds unless they are soaked in water over night" and "No, no. Melon should never be served with any other kind of fruit." Seriously Anne Slowey? We're already over it. We don't have time to have you flapping your power wings in our face over ridiculous nonsense just because you can.

Additionally, the contestants themselves are no less ruthless when it comes to tearing each other apart. The worst offenders so far have been entrepreneur Megan (whom we've nicknamed "Snooty Booty") and freelance stylist DyShaun got the party started by callously ostracizing well-endowed, legal secretary Kate for her impossibly perky rack, and spent the entire episode referring to her as "Boobs." Dude. We haven't seen this much petulant vitriol since junior high soccer try-outs. It's possible there was a side competition going to see who could make Kate cry the most times, but we can't be sure.

The thing is, it's possible we would have loved this show with Nina Garcia at the helm. Even though she certainly holds no punches during Runway judging, we can't picture her upbraiding nineteen year olds for bringing her the wrong kind of coffee mug. We feel like our girl would've kept it strict and professional with a little praise thrown in when due. Our verdict: Maybe we'll ditch Stylista and hold out for Running in Heels instead.

"Project Runway": Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Lindy Parker — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Last night, another season of Project Runway came to a close, and yet, we're still not tired of it. Keep it coming, Heidi Klum, we could go for years yet. The three finalists gave it their all, but it was Portland-native Leanne Marshall took home the crown...

Our take on the final three collections:

We've stopped hating on Kenley as much as we were before. She seems to have pulled it together at the eleventh hour and given us a collection with some fun colors and whimsy. We actually found a couple of her outfits surprisingly fetching and even downright hey-we-would-totally-wear-that awesome. For example, we love this:

We could so rock that at the grocery store or whatever. Unfortunately, Korto (who's been our girl this whole season), gave us the least interesting collection. Although, if someone asked us to wear this on the red carpet we wouldn't say no:

In the end, we were okay with Leanne winning. She's made some pretty great clothes this season, her wedding dress was badass, and we always love an ocean theme. This, however, was our favorite:

Okay, yeah, we love a humongous collar. So, sue us.

"Project Runway": Let's Hear It For The Girls

Lindy Parker — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:20:00 GMT

Despite the barrage of Kenley trashing that went down on the runway last week (we admit that we totally contributed to it off the runway, but she's annoying, no?), it was a quieter, less abrasive Kenley that returned to Parsons after the eight weeks away. Although, there is still that voice...

As usual, the home visits are basically just Tim Gunn being lovely. Things we learned on the home visits:

Just when we thought Korto couldn't get more badass, it turns out she's a drummer
Tim can ride a tandem bike
Tim and Jerell make quite a striking couple -- sort of a May/December thing.
Kenley's couch is kind of awesome

The designers return to the runway with their collections in tow. Each designer has to send a wedding dress down the runway that will represent the spirit of their Bryant Park collections. It has to be said, we sort of feel bad for Kenley and the school yard cold shoulder that the other designers are giving her. Kenley breaks the tension by apologizing up front and we feel proud of her.

Sidenote: That ridiculous tie hanging on a string around Jerell's neck is making us nuts. We just want to rip it off him.

Predictably, Tim springs one final challenge on the designers -- they have to create a bridesmaid dress to complement their wedding dress. We can't really understand why the designers express so much frustration. Have they not seen the other seasons?

On to the runway -- it almost pains us to say it -- but Kenley is our favorite. We know. Strange, but true. Seriously though, look at this dress:

We LOVE it. and her bridesmaid dress was pretty great too:

And thank God, because nothing short of amazing would have convinced us that she belonged in the final three. Sadly, much as we love Jerell, his wedding dress was too much for the judges and he was sent packing. We'll say this though, while we hated his wedding dress, we're totally feeling the flowered hair thing:

We'll miss you, Jerell. Go ahead girls, see you in the finale!

"Project Runway": Tears on My Fabric

Lindy Parker — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:20:00 GMT

As the episode begins, Kenley's not speaking to Leanne. She feels Leanne tried to sabotage her during the last challenge by "not selling" her hip-hop outfit on the runway. Come on, Kenley. Anyone could see poor, mousy Leanne was giving it her best effort with all that hip-hop shoulder shrugging.

This week the designers take pictures at the Botannical Gardens to inspire their looks. Kenley accidently leaves a bag of material behind at mood. She surveys her works space, looking perplexed. "Where's my tulle?" Ha. You're the tool. It's existential fashion -- the tool is inside you.

Meanwhile, Collier Strong (make up artist for Vidal Sassoon) is all over this episode. God, we love a bald man. He's like a sexy Mr. Clean.

One thing we'll say for Tim Gunn, he's not a quitter. He's still trying to give Kenley helpful critique even though she's got to be the most frustrating contestant he's ever worked with. Tim's like, "Kenley, I need you to be careful because it looks like fish scales." Kenley: "Oh cool!" What does he do with that?

Twenty minutes into the episode and everyone's crying. It's stressful, we get it. In the end, the judges can't decide on a loser and send the remaining four finalists to Bryant Park.

Check out their Fashion Week collections here.

Top Five Surprising Reality TV Couples

Lindy Parker — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:25:00 GMT

We were pretty weirded out when Jennifer Hudson got engaged to the guy from I Love New York 2, but then it became like learning a new word -- suddenly there were weird reality TV couples everywhere. It's kind of blowing our mind, and we're not even counting the shows that are specifically designed for hookup's (The Bachelor, et al) -- do these reality show casts just hang out together and pair off?

A couple of our favorite bizarre reality couplings...

Johnny Fairplay and Michelle Deighton -- This is by far the weirdest pair for us. Johnny, the loony Survivor cast member who fabricated a dead grandmother story to get ahead in the game, and Michelle, the lady wrestler from America's Next Top Model. Given the incredible crassness of this video, we can't even fathom what life is like around their house.

Jack Mackenroth and Dale Levitiski -- Yes! We've so been waiting for a Project Runway-Top Chef romance. Their kids are going to be the best-dressed,most well fed children the world has ever seen.

Jeff Probst and Julie Berry -- Okay, this was kind of inevitable, no? We knew it was just a matter of time before the Survivor host fell for one of the castaways.

Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich -- We don't care what you say. Hate on Amber and Rob if you must, but we LOVE them. Rob's hardcore Boston accent ("Am-bah, you make me feel important and sm-aht."), Amber's elfin beauty -- it all works for us. Also, her hair looked amazing at their wedding.

Sean Duffy and Rachel Campos -- We can all get behind a Real World wedding right? And anyway, we always had kind of a soft spot for Sean and his flannel shirts.

"Project Runway": Why We Hate Kenley

Lindy Parker — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the most annoying designer of them all? It's obviously Kenley (she of the vintage dresses and incessant giggling). We just can't take her and her petulant grousing and intolerably nasal whine. It's been a while since a PR designer has filled us with this much ire. Last night, we found ourselves bellowing at the TV screen when she chuckled behind her hand at Joe's critique -- her elementary school people skills bring out the rage in us.

Last night's worst attempt at professionalism was brought to us by Joe.

The designers had to create looks for recent college graduates to wear when applying for jobs. Joe designed an eighties pinstripe power suit for his funky graphic designer client. Come on Joe, that suit might as well have had shoulder pads. We think the always fabulous Jerell said it best, "Do most young girls have an assortment of pocket squares on hand?" We'd say no.

Wake Up And Smile: Sarah Palin Makes Even "SNL" Look Better Than It Is

Bryan Christian — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:28:00 GMT

- Tina Fey did a pretty mean impression of McCain's Vice-Presidential nominee on Saturday Night Live's season premiere; too bad the rest of the show did an impression of every cruddy sports-figure-hosted episode ever. (Check out our review and video highlights, coming up next.)

- 90210 is going to reveal the father of Kelly's baby tomorrow night. And then someone will probably get fellated.

- I, Claudius fans: prepare to get so angry you'll have to breathe into your favorite PBS tote bag just to not hyperventilate.

- Tim Gunn filled in last night on Project Runway for Jennifer Lopez, who had been scheduled to be a guest judge but cancelled due to a foot injury. This marked the first time Gunn has ever judged on PR, not to mention the first time that [INSERT WHITE MAN BUTT JOKE HERE].

- Those Seth McFarlane videos did gangbuster business last week, apparently cementing YouTube's position as "the thing that ensures we will someday hate the Internet."

- Boy howdy, them Brits sure do love them some Daleks.

"Project Runway": Double Down

Lindy Parker — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:24:00 GMT

It always surprises us that Michael Kors can look so jovial and kindly even when saying things like, "you have the worst taste in the history of the world" or "your fashion taste makes me feel like you deserve to die." Nina Garcia just nods, placing a knuckle thoughfully against her chin as though he's just said something neutral like, "you really should try to use more blue." We can't argue with him this week though -- some of the looks really did reach a scandalous level of ugly...

As promised, two designers were auf'd this week: First Blayne, who sent his model down the runway in what appears to be an eggshell bodysuit, accompanied by an S&M harness and garnished with wads of jewel-toned tulle (most of which seems to be blossoming from her crotch). Admittedly, we're not altogether sure what "avant garde" means exactly, but we're willing to bet that ain't it.

Kenley escaped elimination despite the fact that it looked as though she was designing for Whoville...

We think the trouble is, we always want Kenley's personality to be as cool as the clothing she wears (wears, not designs), but we're usually left disappointed. Also, she got into a shouting match with Nina Garcia that left us feeling generally put off by her. We're ready for her to go.

Unfortunately, Terri (lover of pants) was the second contestant to be eliminated this week. It was a combination of factors really -- she and Keith had some sort of fight that we didn't really care about and then her model looked like she was sprouting feathers from her armpits...

Ah, well. So it goes. She should've stuck with pants.