Tag Archives: New York City

A Color Extravaganza

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What a fantastic way to splash into a new season, season 19 of Project Runway that is! The incoming designers were immediately greeted by the core team, minus what it seems like former host Karlie Kloss. So yes, Nina, Brandon, Elaine, and Christian all returning. The prize package for the season, still very high caliber —

But there is a long road to that prize package being won. First and foremost the very first challenge of the season! The designers were split into 2 teams. Each team would live together and work separately from the other team. Yes, this means everything is a surprise until runway day! Each team had to create a cohesive mini collection celebrating color. The judges were looking for 8 monochromatic looks, all to be created in this 2 day challenge. The teams were made and a color wheel was brought out so that each team could pick their color.

It was going to be Team Warm colors versus Team cool colors. For the losing team, one designer would be going home. From the jump, it appeared as if Team Warm were a little all over the place, while Team Cool was playing it a little cool (no pun intended), not as much drama in the mix. It was clear with Team Warm they had different aesthetics, everything from sequins to streetwear. They were desperately trying to find unity but decided to wait to see the fabrics before finalizing direction.

In the meantime, Team Cool made a point to first try and focus the incorporation of plus size looks into the collection. Zayden was the only guy in this group and with all of the ladies being super vocal, he was displaying a lot of confusion. I felt the team had an idea, but somehow it got lost with the addition of bows. The original idea of flowers and seeing that growth or formation, that could have worked. But again, the bow focus threw a wrench into the plans.

So again, the designer teams worked separately. Everything from the trip to Mood to actually working in the workroom was all separate. Each team had 45 minutes to shop with a $400 budget for each designer. Team Warm was first up. We finally started seeing a glimpse of a theme, the idea of going out, dinner and a show. It was a celebration of color in the return of going out, hope in the future, post the pandemic craziness. Christian kept reminding them of being cohesive, which actually was a good thing.

Team warm still felt a bit more frantic, while Team Cool in Mood, there was a bit more calmness. As team warm was first at Mood, they too were first to begin working in the phenomenal work space. Christian stopped by for a visit later on Day 1. Even though the idea of the concept was coming together, Christian was doubting that in the looks he saw. Team Cool had slightly less drama, really just some tension over the sewing machines. Christian liked what he was seeing, but doubted this bow concept into the collection.

At the start of Day 2, the team warm designers gathered in their living quarters to kind of recap the first day. Bones stepped into a leadership role, which seemed to be a group decision. As they got to the workroom the model fittings began. Christian was still around for advice, but Bones was quick to jump in and say his team was doing great and they should do them and not listen to outside opinions, ie in this case, Christian. This was not a group decision, but it did come off very offensive and Christian didn’t stick around as long.

Team cool then began their 2nd day. As the models came in, it seemed as if Chastity and Caycee were struggling the most. It was quite evident for both teams that each had some designers who had it together, while others were appearing to be the weaker links. Team Warm was still having a lot of tension and doubts by the morning of the runway. Bones appeared now to not want the leadership role and Aaron was over it. Team Cool never discussed a leader for their group, and still with this bow confusion, some designers were doing it, while others were not.

By the morning of the runway, many designers were still hard at work. They had to get their models in full glam mode, so using the Tresemme hair salon and Maybelline makeup studio. Bones took a moment to apologize to Christian, but it felt very insincere IMO. Team cool had some clear strugglers, but Darren was most out of sorts for Team Warm. With very little time left, he was in full freak out mode, even trying to sneak a smoke break instead of working. Darren had nothing. Bones really stepped up and virtually created an entire new look for Darren.

It was time for the final judgments. Joining the judges panel as this week’s guest judge was acclaimed designer Jason Wu. The final runway for each team certainly included pops of colors, all standing out, but for some, standing out was not the best idea.

The judges did have to choose one winning team. I do agree with the winners being Team Warm. It was not by much, but overall, their collection was slightly better. I believe there was more cohesion and overall some strong, stand out looks. I do not however agree with the top 3. Bones being in the top for 2 looks was very confusing to me. I actually feel the look he did for Darren was far superior to his own look, which was quite odd since he spent more time on his own look .

I was shocked Coral, Kenneth or Aaron didn’t make the top. Each had super strong looks. The bodice on Coral’s dress was amazing.

Kenneth had such a bold look, including a fitting cutout in the mid region that was super eye-catching.

And Aaron also had a strong top for his look, including a separate jacket. He did a lot and it was very impressive.

I get why Octavio was in the top. I did not love his look, just not my taste, but it was still a strong streetwear look, very well constructed and a strong look.

Darren and Shantall were very lucky their team won. But out of luck was team cool, who did have some strong looks despite being the losing team. We really only got to hear about the weak links of the group, but I really loved some of the looks here and wish the top looks could have been highlighted. Katie had such a fun and flirty look. The intricate details really made this look. The hand-painted areas really stood out.

Kristina’s look moved so well on the runway, very eye-catching. But my favorite of this team was Anna. I mean such a stand out look, so luxe, very regal. It was a minimalist look, not overworked, very tasteful.

The bottom 3 was quite obvious — Sabrina, Chastity, and Caycee. Even though Sabrina had a sloppy look, it was even more clear the bottom was 2 were Chastity and Caycee.

This was a tough choice on who to go. I felt it could have gone either way. Chastity really had no direction in this look. She lacked creativity here and got lost in the bow concept. Her construction was also very poor.

But it was Caycee who was the first eliminated. It really was not a great look. She created a coat dress, working with a plus size model, but I don’t think she knew how to construct well for plus size. I felt as if she just put a lot fabric on her model rather than creating a look. Very unfortunate, but as the Project Runway story goes, someone must go home each week.

Next week looks like more drama and some stunning streetwear creations.

2018 — Best Dressed Round-Up

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Lots of red carpet events — iHeart Radio Music Awards, Olivier Awards, various premieres, and more! Here are some faves of the past few weeks!

TAYLOR LOUDERMAN

Mean Girls premiere

Theatre Forward Gala (on the right)

MASHA

ROWAN BLANCHARD

A Wrinkle In Time Premiere

at Miu Miu show in Paris for Fashion Week

HAILEY BALDWIN

LOTTIE MOSS

AMANDA STEELE

RITA ORA

Brit Awards

KAREN GILLAN

Avengers — Singapore premiere

Glasgow FilmFest

Tribeca Film Festival

SOPHIE HUNTER

Avengers premiere (on the left)

TALLIA STORM

Brit Awards

MARSAI MARTIN

Kids Choice Awards

Wrinkle In Time premiere

HELEN MIRREN

Oscars

SHANTEL VANSANTEN

Oscars 2018

CHRISTINE EVANGELISTA

MEGHAN TRAINOR

I Feel Pretty premiere

 

PARIS HILTON

DARBY STANCHFIELD

Oscars 2018

UCLA Sea of Change Gala

ASHLEY GREENE

BRITNEY SPEARS

Hollywood Beauty Awards

AMY NOBLE

Olivier Awards

JESSICA SWALE

Olivier Awards

ASHLEY PARK

Mean Girls opening

Theatre Forward Gala (on the left)

MAIA SHIBUTANI

Apex for Youth Gala

iHeart Radio Music Awards

LESLIE BIBB

Pre-Oscars

ISLA FISHER

DANIELLA MONET SHIMMERS

Kids Choice Awards

ALEXIS REN

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Event

NAVIA ROBINSON

At the Avengers premiere

BEBE REXHA

LESLIE MANN

Directors Guild

 

OLIVIA HOLT

Avengers Premiere

Family Equality Council’s Annual Impact Awards

SHAY MITCHELL

NYC Upfronts

MEL B.

America’s Got Talent season 13 premiere

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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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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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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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Project Runway Ball-Mania!

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Starting right off the bat this week, Alyssa met the designers on the runway, informing them of a visit to a castle for the rest of the challenge details. However, she didn’t say what type of castle! The designers arrived to find they were at an inflatable bouncy castle, filled with all types of balls — toys, rubber, sports, etc. They were tasked to create a modern day ball-gown with the use of these unconventional materials, the balls!

The designers had 5 minutes to gather their supplies. An interesting note was that it seemed almost all of the balls were taken from the castle, yet the designers were later told they didn’t get enough materials?? Either way, it was a “make it work” moment for this 1-day challenge.

The designers upon arriving back to the workroom were excited to get creative! Helen whined a bit, but most of the bunch were having fun with this challenge. A lot of the balls to choose from were similar in color, so naturally, there were similarly colored looks being created, multi-colored rainbow and gold for example. So who would win those individual duos and who would just plain win out for the week! To help judge, this week’s guest judge was country singer Kacey Musgraves.

For those safe with the week, I felt there was a reason for this. There was some good and some bad aspects within a given look as a whole, so overall, just the need for a bit more of a push from certain designers. Having seen the next week’s episode already, I know Ken landed in the top, but I would have rather seen him on top this week because I did really like his look a lot! It was super sexy and I loved the color!

Shout-outs — Intermix on the killer heels

But onto the judges’ top 3, we have Stanley, Fabio, and Kimberly. I actually think the judges were not all in agreement with Kimberly’s look. It read a little “barbie princess” to me, more junior than modern ball gown. So certainly for the win, it had to have been Fabio or Stanley.

Shout-outs — Intermix, Rodial, & Umberto

I didn’t love Stanley’s look, and certainly not enough for a win. I got this candy-esque vibe from it, but as always, he did do some high quality work. For me, the winner was Fabio. I have been much more impressed with Fabio this go-round than on his original season. And this look was just another check mark in the book for me with him (picture above, Stanley below)!

Shout-outs — Umberto for Hair!!

In the bottom 3, we had Amanda, Helen, and Candice. I am not sure how Helen landed in the bottom. Her look was a basic silhouette, but it was so well-made, great color palette, this just made 0 sense! There were some other options that could have taken her bottom 3 placement.

Amanda and Candice were also in the bottom. Amanda, granted her look had fit issues, it was a little costume-y, but there was an interesting quality to it that I appreciated. It was so different than the rest and really stayed true to Amanda as a designer.

I think from this bunch, it was obvious Candice would be out. The bottom part was just so bad. It sucks to say, but it felt like a let-down. I know Candice is better than this, and it was just one where the challenge won out. I’m very excited to see Candice very soon with NYFW!

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PR All-Stars Double Up

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Project Runway All-Stars this week went for a pairs challenge. In the first episode, Alyssa said that would be the only team challenge of the season, but I guess pairs’ work is still a possibility! We also later found out that this runway would be a double elimination, sending the bottom 2 team, both designers, going home.

The designers met Alyssa at fine dining restaurant in NYC, Daniel. Joining her was the establishment’s head chef Jean Francois Bruel and Head Sommelier Raj Vaidya. The designers appeared to have randomly sat with a companion of their choosing, but it was soon discovered their dining companion was also their challenge pair. The challenge would be for each pair to receive a food and wine pairing. From that, this food/wine would serve as an inspiration to create 2 looks, fine dining for elegant creations. The winning pair would be invited back to Daniel for a full 5 star dining experience.

The designers were off to Mood, $400 budget, ready to get started on this 1-day challenge. Versus being in LA, the designers were in NY, so working at NYFW home Skylight Clarkson Square. During Anne’s check-ins, she noted being thrilled about how well the partnerships were working, but pushed for more creativity, and of course, a bold reminder of the pending double elimination.

This week’s guest judge was actress Whoopi Goldberg.Overall, I thought this was another great runway. I found in most pairings that one look really stood out over the other. I loved Joshua’s sexy black number, a perfect result with an inspiration from the black sea bass. His partner, Amanda, her look was very safe, but I thought it complimented Joshua’s look well, given a more RTW pairing to that of a more upscale piece. Edmond and Helen were paired, but I wasn’t seeing a clear inspiration from their Minted pea soup & Chenin Blanc pairing.Helen’s look was nonetheless stunning. Even though Char’s look seemed relatively safe too, I thought her and Stanley did well, receiving inspiration from their Lobster & Rose of Pinot Noir pairing. Stanley’s look was also amazing, a real stand-out. I believe they should have been in the top!

The judges’ top 2 teams were Kimberly & Anthony, as well as Fabio & Ken. I didn’t fully dislike the winning pair of Fabio & Ken. I wasn’t the biggest Fabio fan during his season, but I have been surprised at liking some of his work so far. I will remain optimistic. And this week, his look was very modern thinking, fashion forward. I also liked Ken’s gown, but did think that the mid-area made the look too boxy.

I would have gone hands down with Kimberly & Anthony. Anthony was the stronger of the 2, but his Jackson Pollack inspired work looked phenomenal. I am not sure how either pair really worked with the food/wine pairing of Lamb Chops and Syrah, but loved the color palette here and the work made.

This season is full of some strong contenders, so almost any given week, whomever goes home will be a shock. As much as I really thought Merlinne & Candice should have been sent home, I hated that Candice would be going. Her first 2 looks were knock-outs, and even though the judges failed to note this, I am at least happy we get to see her again. Merlinne on the other hand as received undue accolades the first 2 weeks and this look was just such a travesty. Her skills are nowhere near the all-star level and I will be highly disappointed if undue judges’ praise continues.

Shoutouts — Umberto for Hair, Rodial on Glam, Intermix on heels!

I guess given the safe designers’ group, finding another bottom 2 pairing was not the easiest. Candice and Merlinne were a given, but joining them was Melissa & Ari. This was such a surprise given how strong Ari had started out. Compared to the mess of Merlinne & Candice, I don’t see much justification of how Melissa and Ari were ultimately axed. And really, shouldn’t some consideration been given for Ari’s 1st two strong weeks! Melissa really steered off course, but I think Ari’s biggest misfortune here was beading placement. With a bit more time, this look could have been such a knockout!

Shoutouts — Umberto for Hair, Rodial on Glam!!

Sad to see both go because this was not the right decision in my book! Hoping for better results from the judges in future episodes!

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Kia Von Vega — Latest Collection

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT — Eugene DeVillamil

When I first started Fashion Nexus, back in 2014, I had the greatest pleasure of being introduced to bombshell designer Kia Von Vega. So amazing to now see more work from this unique designer voice, and what a great way for her to ride out 2017, and ring in 2018 with a bang — debuting her latest collection!

Kia Von Vega showcased her Clear Boutique Pre-Fall collection at the False Alarm Warehouse in Williamsburg on December 10, 2017. On top of signature Kia sexiness with her looks, we saw a lot of bold color and graphic prints.

“The collection inspiration was glamour and style for the intellectual woman” says Kia Von Vega. “The pieces have raw strength. The collection is for confident women who are not afraid to be”.

I enjoyed that Kia stayed true to her voice with this collection, but still offered such a variety and something new for her clients with this presentation.

Beautiful styling for the looks was created by Chloe Lynn, Deanna Wilklow, Monty Bee, Taylor Vincenti, Babette Douglas, Jen Elyse Feldman, Haley Conroy & Lauren Moscato.

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