Monthly Archives: March 2018

PRAS & Candy Crush!

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This would be a week of fun-filled, color excitement, right? Especially given that Candy Crush was involved! The actual runway may have not showcased all of the fun and color Candy Crush has to offer, but it was a standout showing nonethless! Nina Garcia was joining the ranks this week, initially along with Alyssa, to lay out all of the details.

Each designer would be assigned a Candy Crush land to gain inspiration in order to create a resortwear look. Narrative designer, Yonna Ingolf, was also along to further elaborate. She also announced the prize for the week in that the winning designer would be able to work with Candy Crush for a future fashion collaboration.

Each designer played one level and the highest scores got to pick their land inspiration first.This would a 1-day challenge with a $200 Mood budget. As the designers got going with this challenge, beginning their work process, it was clear they were all designing to that of a pants look, some in jumpsuit form, others a pant/short.

The designers welcomed back to the fold this week their regular mentor, Anne Fulenwider. She offered to be the Nina whisperer since she knows what she likes and what she doesn’t. At the end of her sessions, she reminded the designers that resort is a state of mind — the looks should not be too fussy!

Nina would of course be on the panel to judge, but along with her, as a guest judge, was Kelly Osbourne.The designers also found out they would be going to DC next week for their challenge. So who just missed that opportunity?!?

Ken one the chance to pick his inspirational Candy Crush land first, choosing Brulee Bay for a beach resortwear look. And choosing first gave him what he wanted, as well as this week’s win! I was in love with this gorgeous marigold, strapless jumpsuit. The color popped. It read high-end, fashionably chic. It fit with beach resortwear perfectly. The judges had a few comments, nitpicking if you ask me, but overall there were positives and he deserved the win!

Fabio actually was able to pick his inspiration land right after Ken and go figure, what a coincidence, he came in 2nd in the rankings. I support this top 2 ranking! Fabio had Taffy Tropics, for a tropical resortwear feel. I think he hit the mark spot on.. The colors were great, color-blocking being an excellent choice. This was not the most perfectly constructed look, but the vision was there and I would rock this look any day.

Rodial Makeup/Glam SHOUTOUT!!

Actually, the rankings this week all came in exactly how the designers picked their inspirations. Stanley was safe, having chose his land third, selecting Lemonade Lakeside for a lake resortwear piece. He went with a print dress over a pant. The judges were right in that this look had too much going on. And it read heavy as well, which doesn’t comport to resort in my eyes. But he did a phenomenal job on creating a well-polished look. The print he chose was kind of hit or miss, but he took risks and got the reward of being safe.

Umberto BH, Hair look, SHOUTOUT!!

Coming down to Anthony and Edmond in the bottom, I was worried that Anthony might get cut. I am so glad that did not happen and if it had, it would have been the incorrect decision. Anthony created a gorgeous white, short look for his Savannah Safari resortwear piece. Was it the best he has done all season — no. But it was well made, certainly wearable, and really just looked great. It had such an ease about it and was quite chic.

Intermix SHOUTOUT for these uber cute wedges!

This meant Edmond was out. Edmond did well last week, but has certainly not been the most memorable designer all season. And he really did not do justice in creating a look for Marshmallow Mountain with a resort piece. I do think it skimmed the line more on athleticwear than resortwear. The crotch area was an eyesore, so glad this was pointed out. All in all, it was just his time.

Next week is going to be impossible if one more is indeed cut — can’t wait to see!

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PRAS Designers Face-Off

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The designers were off to the Hard Rock Cafe in Time Square, to meet Alyssa, but this would not be any fun dining NYC experience! Along with Alyssa was the VP of Merchandise Development for Hard Rock, Kitsy Phillips.This week, the designers were tasked with a first for PRAS, to create a dazzling performance outfit for the stage. The performance-wear creation was not the only challenge though. Each designer would face-off against another within a given musical genre. The lower score of each pair would be at risk for elimination.

To figure out the pairings and genres, the designers were left to the fate of a Jukebox! The face-offs were —

  • Anthony versus Ken for Pop
  • Helen versus Fabio for Country
  • Stanley versus Edmond for Rock

Kitsy then announced that the winning designer would create a new hard rock T-shirt, which would be sold at select Hard Rock Cafes. Additionally, the designer would be whisked away, all expenses paid, for a trip to the Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun! Naturally, everyone was ready to go for this 1-day challenge, starting with spending their $250 budget at Mood.

Anne Fulenwider was still away, so taking her place this week as guest mentor was designer Rebecca Minkoff. She did a fantastic job. She pointed out to the designers about making sure their looks were recognizable within their given genre. She also wanted to make sure each designer created a look that stood out.

Joining the judges this week was model Olivia Culpo. And now onto the runway to see who survived their face-off!?!

Overall, I loved this runway. I thought each pair really provided amazing looks. I had a hard time selecting my faves. The weakest pair was Helen and Fabio though. And although Edmond has not done very well this season, I did really love his look this week, and happy for his win so close to the end here.

Shout-outs All-Around — Rodial glam, Umberto BH for the wavy locks, killer black booties from Intermix

His look screamed Rock! A little cliche perhaps, but compared to Stanley, it fit the Rock mold very well. The leggings he made were cool and the vest was a great touch. He didn’t rest on his laurels, really pushing himself, creating a lot for his overall look.

Shout-Out — Umberto BH on the straight locks

Stanley lost out in the face-off, actually landing in the bottom 2, but was safe at the end of it all. His look wasn’t all that bad, it was just a little too polished for Rock. I liked the print he created, but it needed more edge.

Next up was Anthony and Ken. This was a hard choice!! I loved both, but if I had to choose, I would have gone with Anthony. His choice of royal blue is personally one of my favorite colors. His fringe work was amazing. There was a great deal of mixed media, so much to catch the eye.

The judges went with Ken for the top look of this pair, but both really did a standout job here. His sheer jumpsuit was stunning! The judges seemed to disagree about the coat and I sided on not liking it so much myself. I don’t think it was needed to make the look better.

Shout-out — Another standout hair look from Umberto BH

And finally, there is Fabio versus Helen. I don’t think either particularly did a great job for the country music genre. I didn’t love Helen’s look, but I think she was closer to the mark than Fabio on a performance look. I actually liked Fabio’s romper creation, but it didn’t fit the challenge. I could not see the judges getting rid of Fabio though, so sadly, it was Helen who was out this week.

Shout-outs — Umberto BH for all of the curls; Intermix for the sexy strappy heels

With Fabio’s look, my main issue, besides that it didn’t read country, was that I don’t think it was enough for a stage or performance look. And then with Helen, her silhouette was great, but the full on black sequin concept didn’t work. Had she made use of a print or design to put with the black, or maybe having used another color, it could have worked with more of an impact. But the solid black was not the right direction to go!

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Oscars 2018 — Part 2

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Countless looks from Oscars weekend! Between the main red carpet, pre-party and afterparty looks, so many stunning numbers, my Best Dressed list has to be done in 2 parts! Here are my faves from outside of the main red carpet looks!

MADELAINE PETSCH

EMMANUEL CHRIQUI

KATE BOSWORTH

SARAH HYLAND

LAURA MARANO

RADHIKA JONES

CAMI MORRONE

KRISTIN CAVALLARI

EMILY BLUNT

CARLY J. STEEL

PATRICIA CLARKSON

JASMINE TOOKES

LYDIA HEARST

JENNA DEWAN-TATUM

BELLAMY YOUNG

REGINA HALL

ASHLEY TISDALE

KATY PERRY

ROMEE STRIJD

SARA FOSTER (on the right)

CATT SADLER

ZENDAYA

SOFIA RICHIE

HALSTON SAGE

ROBERTA ARMANI

ABIGAIL SPENCER

LINDSEY VONN

EMMA ROBERTS

PADMA LAKSHMI

KATE BECKINSALE

ERIN FOSTER (on left)

KAREN GILLAN

BUSY PHILIPPS

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PRAS — Red Carpet Glam

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This week was all about eveningwear and red carpet glam. The designers were invited to Zac Posen’s studio, a designer who is well known for a signature technique on the red carpet. Zac also allowed the designers to make use of his own personal fabrics! But on top of creating a gorgeous, glamorous look, the designers were also tasked to incorporate into their look a signature technique. This could be tailoring, pleating, etc..

Whatever the technique might be, it had to be clear and would be what the judges would focus on. Certainly a great deal to complete in only 1 day! Regular mentor Anne Fulenwider was away this week, so each designer would mentor one another. But first, it was back to the workroom, where really right off the bat, the designers were worried on time.

But time aside, the mentor sessions had to occur. Each designer drew a name from the infamous button bag, and that is who they would mentor. Not much excitement with this, except for Helen mentoring Stanley. It seemed as if everyone was watching! Everyone was also later watching as there was a little drama post runway between Stanley & Josh — retract the claws kiddies!

Joining Zac as a guest judge was actress Rosie Perez. To make this week even more huge in the stakes, there was a top prize in play. The winning designer would land a gig as wardrobe designer for the leading lady of a Lifetime original movie. Of this bunch, there was one safe designer, but I will offer my critique on all 7, basically because the judges’ safe designer, I would have placed her in the top 3!

I thought every designer could have stood to go a bit longer in length with their looks, but that aside, Helen’s burgundy toned number was gorgeous. And her technique of corset work was amazing. I don’t think it was my favorite look from her ever, but certainly a fantastic look.

Stanley was also in the top, although it certainly seemed he was getting some mixed reviews — not all positive. But it really came as no surprise that Stanley once again did a phenomenal job. His tailoring skills are always impeccable. I thought he chose a standout color. And the top bodice portion was stunning. Also, a great fit for his model, she looked amazing.

Fabio took a top spot with the judges, but I think for me, I would have placed him as safe. He did an excellent job with his pleating technique, but something about the final look here seemed dated to me. But I got what the judges said about this look being the “anti-red carpet” red carpet look.

Shout-outs — Gorgeous Umberto Beverly Hills updo & stunning Rodial glam

Rounding out the top 3, and receiving the well-deserved win was Anthony. I loved the silhouette here, and his technique of sculpting was above and beyond the best of the bunch. It was such a glamorous look. Zac noted the color being fresh, but I think that a different color would have made me love this look even more.

The bottom 3 was not surprising. Given Ken’s previous bouts with standout work, I knew he would not be in major jeopardy. But he knew this week, he did not perform his best. The whole side part of his gown, working on his technique of sculpting, it was a letdown.

I would have rather Josh stayed over Edmond, but I have a feeling Edmond will be out next. Edmond really has not done much by way of greatness throughout this competition. His pleating technique was not bad, but there were some issues in this piece. The judges, namely Alyssa, took issue with the floral pleated bodice. I actually didn’t mind this, but what bothered me was the pairing of this with the print, versus a solid red. And the exposed zipper, ahhhhhh, how tacky.

Shout-out — Gorgeous wavy locks from Umberto Beverly Hills

And this leaves once again Joshua out on this week’s challenge. I applauded him choosing an ambitious technique, in that of pintucking, and for that part, he did it oh so well. However, the judges were correct in their assessment that there was a lot going on for this look. It seemed as if there was a hodge-podge of elements all thrown together to make a piece that just didn’t work.

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PRAS — Isaac Mizrahi

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The designers started of this episode by meeting Alyssa at The Jewish Museum. Joining them was All-star judge Isaac Mizrahi. He is currently being honored there with an exhibit of his collection, “Unruly History.” A signature aspect of a Mizrahi look is a creative use of color. This would serve as the focal point for this week’s challenge.

Each designer was assigned a color, and with that, as well as being inspired by Isaac’s work, they would create a colorful party look for spring.The designers would have their one dominant color to work with, but had to also choose a complimentary color to incorporate. This would be a 1-day challenge with a $150 Mood budget.

During Anne’s check-ins, she reminded the designers to not lose the fun and to capture imagination in their looks. Ken was focused on in the workroom as he was hitting a design roadblock. In fact, it appeared as if he took a break the entire last hour of the workday!! Would he rally?!? And joining the regular judging panel this week was model/actress Carmen Dell’Orelice.

The judges’ rankings basically made sense this week. I was mostly in agreement, give or take a name or 2. Stanley was the winner of the week, but I actually didn’t love this look. And I definitely wouldn’t have placed Anthony in the bottom 3. No doubt, my winner would have been Helen. Her assigned color was purple, but going with a more subtle tone worked so well for her. It was such a standout look, and creating a pants look was really something different. And the pair of purple with blue was perfection!

To answer my earlier question, yes, Ken did rally! I am not sure how he went from basic to boss, but he worked it out. I did agree with the judges’ note about the zipper, but other than that, I loved this look. Red and pink paired so well, and Ken scrambling definitely led to success!

Shoutouts — Gorgeous straight locks from Umberto Beverly Hills; subtle glam from Rodial, love the Intermix necklace

Again, Stanley was the winner, but not a fave look for me. I don’t think his look read as a party look. I did like the color combo of his assigned color pink with that of a mint blue, so for that aspect of the challenge, he did well. But the length, the fabric choice, and even the fit, just really made me not love this look. And I know he added in boning to fill out his model, but at least one judges noted this as an issue too, so glad to some degree, I was not alone.

Edmond was in the bottom, and really should have been in the bottom 2. I already mentioned I wouldn’t have placed Anthony in the bottom, so to see him comprise the bottom 2, needless to say I was shocked! But Edmond’s placement there made total sense. I did love his use of color (assigned orange, paired with fuchsia) and there was a sexiness to his look that worked. But all in all, this was far too simple and basic of a dress, there was not enough design in it, if any at all.

Shout-outs — love the waves from Umberto BH

Seeing Anthony in the bottom 2 with Merline, someone who has been saved far too many times, it had me worried for a minute. But thankfully, Merline was finally sent packing — long overdue if you ask me! Anthony’s look was not perfect, but it was not a bottom 2 look. The use of yellow, which can be hard to work with, he knocked it out of the park. I thought the elements he made use of were great and overall, he created a very sexy, glamorous dress.

But with Merline, it was finally time for her to go. The judges were so nice in their critiques, but this was clearly the worst look of the bunch by a landslide. It was so messy, and in classic Merline style, not very well made.I would have boycotted the rest of the season had she escaped elimination again!

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Oscars 2018 — Best Dressed

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There is so much to see with Oscars related red carpets, therefore I am creating 2 posts. This first one, it is the main red carpet looks. Here are my faves!!

JENNIFER GARNER

LESLIE MANN

KRISTIN CAVALLARI

ZOEY DEUTCH

MOLLY SIMS

MIRAI NAGASU

ALLISON WILLIAMS

NICOLE KIDMAN

SANDRA BULLOCK

MEGAN HENDERSON

KELLY RIPA

PAZ VEGA

LESLIE BIBB

RAYA ABIRACHED

MIRA SORVINO

KELLY MARIE TRAN

BEANIE FELDSTEIN

LINDSEY VONN

MARIA MENOUNOS

GRETA GERWIG

EIZA GONZALEZ

LORRAINE ASHBOURNE

GIULIANA RANCIC

WHOOPI GOLDBERG

RITA MORENO

Recycled look from when she first wore in 1962, purchased in the Philippines, made of Asian fabrics and an obi. Actually made by Jose Moreno, no relation!

PATRICK STEWART & SUNNY OZELL

MARIO LOPEZ

 

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Best Dressed — Grammys Plus+

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Of course faves from the 2018 Grammy Awards, but also, the Independent Spirit Awards, AMFAR Gala in NY, and BAFTA Film Awards.

MILEY CYRUS

JULIA MICHAELS

MAREN MORRIS

ALLISON JANNEY

LALA ANTHONY

SERAYAH MCNEILL

REBA MCENTIRE

GRETA GERWIG

CRESSIDA BONAS

ASHANTI

ALEXANDRA DADDARIO

GIULIANA RANCIC

HEIDI KLUM

KRISTIN CAVALLARI

LUIS FONSI & AGUEDA LOPEZ

Luis — DSquared tuxedo and Cody Sanderson jewelry

Agueda — Manolo Blahnik heels

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PRAS — Avant Garde

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Every season, the designers do avant garde, and this was the challenge of the week! Alyssa met the designers at a planetarium, asking the designers to draw inspiration from the solar system, create designs based on the cosmos. She urged each designer to push the boundaries of creativity, to go above and beyond. This would be a 2 day challenge, with a $350 Mood budget.

Getting back to the workroom, starting the 1st day, Joshua was experimenting with a hot glue gun technique. Not much excitement on day 1, but day 2 was of course filled with model fittings and Anne’s check-ins. Anne was loving everyone’s inspirations, but she was seeing that the stories weren’t necessarily translating into the garment.

The morning of the runway, I noted that pretty much every designer was in a crunch for time! And as it turned out, with a major prize on the line for the week, every second counted! The winning look would receive Marchesa shoes (Georgina Chapman’s line) for their next professional collection. This week’s guest judges were RuPaul and actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

I think the safe looks for the week were definitely just that — SAFE! I was in pretty much agreement with the top/bottom 3, except Merline should not have been there, but in reality, she should have already been gone period! My winner would have been Anthony. I loved the color palette of his “Milky Way” look — definitely the embodiment of wearable art. I was wowed!

SHOUTOUTS — Rodial & Umberto Bevely Hills on the far out, runway glam/hair looks!

The judges picked Stanley for the win with his “solar eclipse” look. His piece was definitely great as well, very much a show piece, perfect for the runway. It did have great proportions, but I agreed with one note given that it might be too wearable. The mask, overall styling, was what amped it up a bit to the avant garde level, but standing alone, I’m not so sure.

SHOUTOUT — Another standout Umberto hair look with this extravagant updo!

Annoyingly, Merline landed in the top because of her one trick she can apparently do so well. Why the judges choose to keep around a one trick pony, beyond me?!? And I disagree, I don’t think she does her one trick so well, especially in this “Orbit” look! She basically does well every once in awhile, and it makes the judges forget of all of her mistakes and mishaps.

Fabio finally landed in the bottom 3, narrowly escaping the bottom 2. I actually really liked his color choice and the movement of his “Neptune” look. The braiding work was also a standout aspect. The judges’ notes were that it wasn’t very attractive and it needed some resolution. I thought the look just read way too boxy. I also don’t think it was the most avant garde concept for a look.

Joshua landed in the bottom 2, and it might not have been just his “Pluto” inspired look that put him there. He definitely was having a moment during his critique, little testy with the judges. His look did have a lot going on, but when I think of avant garde, I think intrigue. Joshua’s look definitely intrigued me. And the icy glue tactic he did was pretty cool.

Kimberly was the one to go this week. She is not the worst designer, but I am not a big fan. Nothing she has done all season has really stood out or been too memorable. And this week, her “Neutron star” look was great up top, but had nothing going on at the bottom. It needed more. For avant garde, 2 days, larger budget, I expected more.

SHOUTOUTS — Love the Beauty look from Rodial, Killer heels from Intermix, awesome braided do by Umberto

Until next week….

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