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Project Runway S13.Ep9 RECAP

Posted by Amy Steele in TV on September 28, 2014

Challenge: Muse on the street. Randomly makeover someone found on the street.

Tim tells Alexander his design is hideous, “butt ugly” and “it’s gotta be fixed.”

“I’m just glad all of you found somebody. We’re looking for the transformation of your client.” –Heidi Klum

Guest judges: Michelle Monaghan and Asha Leo

SAFE

Sean

design by Sean

HIGH SCORES

Korina

design by Korina

“I really like this. The movement of the bottom half of the dress is applicable for what Shelby does for a living.” –Nina Garcia
“I love this jacket.” –Asha Leo

Emily

design by Emily

“It’s like an origami flamenco. This is probably the best work you’ve done technically.” –Nina Garcia
“I like when costume and fashion mix.” –Zac Posen

Kini

design by Kini

“Your pieces look perfectly polished.” –Zac Posen
“I love this look. For me it was the favorite on the runway.” –Heidi Klum

LOW SCORES

Amanda

design by Amanda

“The look Amanda was going for is right on but the execution isn’t there.” –Nina Garcia
“It really feels like an outlet mall.” –Zac Posen
“The proportions are off.” –Michelle Monaghan

Charketa

design by Charketa

“The only thing I like about this look is the color. It’s not sophisticated. It’s not classy.” –Heidi Klum
“It feels a little like a tap dance outfit.” –Zac Posen

Alexander

design by Alexander

“I’m not loving this at all.” –Heidi
“Where you’ve cut the top is unflattering.” –Asha

KORINA is the WINNER.

ALEXANDER is OUT.

designer Alexander, designer Amanda, designer Charketa, designer Kini, designer Korina, designer Sean, Heidi Klum, Michelle Monaghan, Nina Garcia, Project Runway S13, Tom Gunn, Zac Posen

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another disappointing Lifetime series: Prison Wives Club

Posted by Amy Steele in TV on September 25, 2014

Oh Lifetime. The network for women. Women who are victimized (nearly EVERY Lifetime movie). Women who have issues with un-supportive and philandering men (True Tori). Women who need help (Girlfriends’ Intervention). The stereotypically bitchy, difficult women (Dance Moms). Women who are less than. Women who aren’t role models. [Exception for Amanda deCadenet and her Undone show and prior to that her Conversations]. Why can’t there be an Entrepreneurial Women Club.

Instead there’s going to be Prison Wives Club. Women putting their lives on hold for incarcerated men. Women who have the hots for men on death row perhaps. I’m not sure the premise or attraction. Here’s what the press release tells me.

the women are:

Kate
–she had a penchant for bad boys, and after her husband’s incarceration she was abandoned by some of her closest friends.

Jhemini
–tries to be the perfect prison wife, though she has yet to reveal her husband’s situation to her conservative family and struggles with the double life she leads.

Ana
–met her husband through a website and secretly wed him, believing he was in prison for life. With parole a suddenly new possibility, Ana must finally tell her family the truth and face the consequences of her decision.

LaQuisha
–has yet to consummate her marriage to her convict husband and is raising a young daughter as a single parent.

Prison Wives Club is produced by CORE Media Group. Jennifer O’Connell (The Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny Ever After) and Paulina Williams (Eric & Jessie: Game On!, Love in the City) serve as executive producers, and Jenny Ramirez, Tim Sullivan, Glenn Stickley and Rajan Shandil serve as co-executive producers. Eli Lehrer, Mary Donahue and Colleen Conway Grogan serve as executive producers for Lifetime. Eight episodes have been ordered for this season.

prison, prison wives, Prison Wives Club

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Project Runway All-Stars Returns in October with host Alyssa Milano

Posted by Amy Steele in TV, Visual/ Performance Art on September 23, 2014

Project Runway All-Stars Season 4 premieres Thursday, October 30 at 9pm on Lifetime.

Hosted by Alyssa Milano
Judges: Georgina Chapman and Isaac Mizrahi
Mentor: Zanna Roberts Rassi

Designers for Project Runway All Stars Season 4 include:

designer Samantha

Samantha Black (Brooklyn, NY) – Season 11, 7th place – Samantha has been working on her line Sammy B Designs and taking business classes at Macy’s Business Program. Samantha was recently named “designer to watch” by both Essence and Ebony magazine.

designer Helen

Helen Castillo (Union City, NJ) – Season 12, 5th place – Helen has been struggling to make a name for herself, although she has had some success and celebrity interest. She designed a Grammy® dress for Mary Lambert and mainly makes custom dresses for the everyday woman.

designer Fabio

Fabio Costa (New York, NY) – Season 10, Runner-up – Fabio narrowly missed his chance to win his season but was so inspired that he and his design partner went straight to work creating their own androgynous and minimalist line called NotEqual. He is ready to come back to the runway and this time isn’t walking away without the win.

designer Gunnar

Gunnar Deatherage (Louisville, KY) – Season 10, 8th place – Recently the creative director of NFocus Magazine, Gunnar spends his days styling, overseeing photo shoots and working on his designs at night for his line, Deatherage Designs.

designer Justin

Justin LeBlanc (Raleigh, NC) – Season 12, 3rd place – Justin returned to being a full-time professor after Season 12 and recently completed his spring/summer collection, which will debut at the end of August at the Contemporary Art Museum. And on top of all of that, he is also working on a Fall/Winter 2014/2015 collection with a theme based on his definition of love without boundaries.

designer Michelle

Michelle Lesniak (Portland, OR) – Season 11, Winner – Michelle returned to Portland after her successful run on Runway and is currently in the process of opening her own boutique. Dedicated to local manufacturing and ethical business practices, she is undoubtedly playing a key role in shaping and growing the Portland fashion industry.

designer Benjamin

Benjamin Mach (New York, NY/Sydney Australia) – Season 11, 11th place – His made-to-order Benjamin Mach label, merging luxurious fabrics with label launched February 2014, merging luxurious fabrics with a modern design.

designer Chris

Chris March (New York, NY) – Season 4, 4th place – Chris continues to build his business, Chris March Designs, designing for stars like Madonna, Prince and Lady Gaga. He recently formed an exclusive partnership with Target to design costumes and wigs for Halloween season.

designer Patricia

Patricia Michaels (Albuquerque, NM) – Season 11, Runner-up – Patricia returned to Albuquerque where she has been building a new studio and working on a ready-to-wear collection. On the side, she booked back-to-back fashion shows all over the country and is working on a short film with her son.

designer Kate

Kate Pankoke (Chicago, IL) – Season 11, 9th Place/Season 12, 6th place – Third time’s a charm for Kate, who will stop at nothing to be the next big designer. She now has her own bridal line and a new collection launching in October. Her fascination with princesses has led her to design wedding dresses that enable every woman to feel like royalty on their special day.

designer Jay

Jay Sario (New York, NY) – Season 7, 4th place – After his original season, Jay moved from Hawaii to New York, where he currently works as a full-time visual merchandiser for Calvin Klein North America and freelances on the side. His recent passion is bridal wear.

designer Dmitry

Dmitry Sholokhov (New York, NY) – Season 10, Winner – After winning Season 10 of Runway, Dmitry created his own brand, Dmitry Sholokhov, and showed his collection in Moscow. He has an exclusive collection for Lord & Taylor. He believes that the greatest thing he took away from Runway was all of the accolades and critiques he received from the panel of expert judges.

designer Alexandria

Alexandria von Bromssen (San Mateo, CA) – Season 12, Runner-up – Last year, Alexandria returned to San Mateo, where she manages her own clothing line, owns a designer boutique and runs a sewing camp for kids called Camp Couture. She is most proud of designing a modern and edgy wedding dress made from recycled fabrics and vintage lace.

designer Sonjia

Sonjia Williams (Woodside, NY) – Season 10, 5th place – Project Runway really helped Sonjia understand more about the fashion business and what it takes to succeed. She currently has a collection with Anabelle NY, and her clothes are available in Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. She is also working on her own solo line, Something by Sonjia.

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Alyssa Milano, Isaac Mizrahi, Project Runway All-Stars, Project Runway All-Stars S4

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Project Runway S13.Ep8 RECAP

Posted by Amy Steele in TV, Visual/ Performance Art on September 20, 2014

Tim with Heather Northrop of American Girls explain the challenge

Challenge: American Girl dolls challenge. Designers paired with Be Forever character to design childrens clothing inspired by the doll and the doll’s story.

Working with children intimidates a few people. Emily has a children’s clothing line.

“I’m never around children I don’t have children so I’m not great with communicating with them.” –Korina

“I have no reference. Kids are weird . . . shape.” –Sean

Sandhya’s struggling with her unpopularity and other designers questioning her design aesthetic and abilities. At one point at Mood, she interrupts Korina who is being helped with fabric cutting. Korina says Sandhya doesn’t care about anyone else. But they only have 30 minutes in Mood so who knows the best approach. If you aren’t aggressive you fall behind on the show but if you’re too aggressive as a woman you’re viewing poorly.

“I have a super thick skin and it’ll take a lot to break me.” –Sandhya

Later back at the dorms, Sandhya cries. She tells Emily: “All of us have worked really hard to be here. To be who we are and I just expect a little respect for who I am.”

Last week Fade had a meltdown and was out. This week it’s Sandhya.

SAFE

Amanda
–I like this a lot. super cute. great fabrics.

design by Amanda

Alexander

design by Alexander

HIGH SCORES

Korina
–this a favorite for me.

design by Korina

“Great update and really fun.” –Zac Posen
“I love the whole thing. So cute.” –Elisabeth Moss
“I love this outfit. I like the graphic element.” –Nina Garcia

Kini

design by Kini

“I’m in love with this. I think it’s fantastic. What a stunning dress.” –Heidi Klum
“I thought it was sensational. It was a great translation.” –Zac Posen
“It’s a party dress. It’s fun but it’s also super modern and cool.” –guest judge, Mad Men and Top of the Lake star Elisabeth Moss

Charketa

design by Charketa

“So cute. I think it’s fantastic.” –Elisabeth Moss
“I think this is one of the most updated looks.” –Nina Garcia
“You’ve made it contemporary and it worked well.” –Zac Posen

LOW SCORES

Sean

design by Sean

“It aint groovy baby. It could’ve been a bit funkier.” –Zac Posen
“I don’t mind the vest. But the 70s there is an explosion of fashion and so much to do.” –Nina Garcia
“It is so safe. Safe doesn’t cut it anymore. This is super snoozy.” –Heidi Klum
There would’ve been so many places you could’ve gone.” –guest judge and American Girls executive Heather Northrop.

Sandhya

design by Sandhya

“For a one-year-old this would be great but for 8-12-year-old, not great. It looks like a onesie for a baby.” –Heidi Klum
“You could’ve made something classic and age-appropriate.” –Nina Garcia
“It’s just not cool enough or modern enough.” –Elisabeth Moss

Emily
–I really liked this and didn’t find it too dark.

“I’m a little torn. I’m on the fence.” –Heidi Klum
“For a child there is no joy in the outfit. The color is dark and she looks sad.” –Nina Garcia

KINI is the WINNER.
SANDHYA is OUT.

“People didn’t like me. And found a reason to put me in a bad light. They didn’t understand why I was so happy and positive.” –Sandhya
I’m sorry to see Sandhya go. She’s genuine. She really hung tough with all the negativity around her.

designer Alexander, designer Amanda, designer Charketa, designer Emily, designer Kini, designer Korina, designer Sandhya, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Project Runway S13, Project Runway S13.Ep8 RECAP, Tim Gunn, Zac Posen

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TV news: A&E new nonfiction series Dead Again premieres October 2

Posted by Amy Steele in TV on September 19, 2014

Dead Again –an hour-long nonfiction/reality series– follows a top team of detectives who will re-examine controversial murder cases in which unresolved questions still linger long after the verdict was determined.

The investigative team includes Detective Michelle Wood, a homicide officer from Chicago with 13 years on the force; Detective Joe Schillaci, a 30-year veteran of the Miami PD with a background in homicide and undercover work, and fan-favorite from The First 48; and Kevin “Spider” Gannon, a retired NYPD detective and supervisor.

Cases are all over the country. In Georgia, the team re-investigates the vicious double-homicide of a father and son attacked in their home. In Ohio detectives re-open the horrific case of a young mother whose throat was slashed while her children slept nearby and soon learn that she had been leading a double-life. In Texas the investigators re-examine the brutal murder of a young art student whose case takes an unexpected turn that reveals a sinister plot for revenge.

Dead Again is produced by Wolf Reality and Left/Right for A&E Network. Executive producers for Wolf Reality are Dick Wolf and Tom Thayer. Executive producers for Left/Right are Ken Druckerman and Banks Tarver. Executive producers for A&E Network are Shelly Tatro, Drew Tappon, Laura Fleury and Brad Holcman.

Dead Again premieres Thursday, October 2 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on A&E.

A&E, Dead Again, fall TV

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Project Runway S13.Ep7 RECAP

Posted by Amy Steele in TV, Visual/ Performance Art on September 14, 2014

Challenge: SAMSUNG avant-garde challenge inspired by the curved television

For a Project Runway first there was a rainway—rain on the Runway—and the designers used waterproof materials.

KIni working away

Kini notes that after three times being in the top “It’s time to win.”

Tim discuss Sandhya’s design

Tim is dubious [a favorite Tim Gunn word] about Sandhya’s multi-color striped jumpsuit. “You need some counterpoint to this very colorful jumpsuit,” Tim tells her.

Fade breaks down. Having a very difficult time getting motivated for the challenge. Foreboding here when he tells his partner he’d be home “soon.”

judges including guest judge Caitlin Fitzgerald

SAFE

Amanda

design by Amanda

Alexander

design by Alexander

Charketa

design by Charketa

gorgeous and talented Caitlin Fitzgerald [Masters of Sex]

HIGH SCORES

Kini

design by Kini

“I like the dominatrix-esque look.” –Caitlin Fitzgerald
“I thought this was sublime. I was very dramatic.” –Nina Garcia
“You did a wonderful job. You’re so talented. You have great technique.” –Zac Posen

Sandhya

design by Sandhya

“Your look made me feel very happy. It has your handwriting on it.” –Heidi Klum
“You have such a strong signature, it comes through.” –Zac Posen
“I like this however it’s at the surface of looking circusy and child-like.” –Nina Garcia
“The dangly bits I could do without.” –Caitlin Fitzgerald

Sean

design by Sean

“I love how this dress came alive in the rain. It’s a special moment you created.” –Heidi Klum
“When it’s effective like this it’s exceptional.” –Zac Posen
“This took my breath away on so many levels.” –Nina Garcia

LOW SCORES

Korina

design by Korina

“I was not very impressed with this look.” –Heidi Klum
“Looks like something I’d make for a Halloween costume.” –guest judge and Masters of Sex star Caitlin Fitzgerald
“It looks lackluster.” –Zac Posen

Fade

design by Fade

“Putting a play button on your dress doesn’t make it look modern or techie, it just makes it look gimmicky.” –Nina Garcia
“I like the graphic nature and the elements you had working with it.” –Caitlin Fitgerald

Emily

design by Emily

“I felt like a cliché of a fashion show. The shapes aren’t strong enough. It feels flimsy.” –Zac Posen
“It wasn’t cohesive.” –Caitlin Fitzgerald
“It’s so cliché that it’s too predictable.” –Nina Garcia

After the judges’ critiques the designers compare notes backstage and note that Alexander McQueen got referenced a lot. Sandhya says that she never gets compared to any designers. Amanda interviewed: “I don’t know what why you’d say that it feels so insensitive.”

SEAN and KINI are dual WINNERS.
FADE is OUT.

Caitlin Fitzgerald, designer Alexander, designer Amanda, designer Kini, designer Sandhya, designer Sean, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Project Runway avant-garde challenge, Project Runway S13, Project Runway S13.Ep7, Tim Gunn, Zac Powen

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Project Runway S13.Ep7 [quick and late] RECAP

Posted by Amy Steele in TV, Visual/ Performance Art on September 12, 2014

CHALLENGE: create standout evening wear look suitable for a gala or an extra special evening event based around jewelry

designer Emily works on her garment

there wasn’t anything really exciting going on in this challenge except that Samantha and Sean both chose the same color fabric. I’m going to just post the
TOP and BOTTOM.

“You were all really really good today.” –Heidi Klum

HIGH SCORES

Amanda

design by Amanda

“I think she looks great. I think you step outside the box.” –Heidi Klum

“I’m happy to see that you challenge us. I really like it.” –Nina Garcia

“The ladies thought it was amazing. I thought it would get you on the worst dressed list.” –Zac Posen

Korina

design by Korina

“I really love this look. It made me dream of being somewhere else.” –Nina Garcia

“Adored it. Your best work so far.” –Zac Posen

Sean

design by Sean

“She looks stunning. I like this choice of color. She looks very elegant.” –Nina Garcia

“I like the design of the dress. It fits like a glove.” –Heidi Klum

cutie-pie designer Zac Posen

LOW SCORES

Samantha

design by Samantha

“This is drab. there’s not much to this to talk about.” –Zac Posen

“This is a design competition and there’s not very much design going on here.” –Heidi Klum

“This is like the white t-shirt of long dresses.” –Nina Garcia

Alexander

design by Alexander

“She looks like Princess Grace got stuck in the spin cycle of the washing machine.” –Nina Garcia

“You can almost not see her figure anymore.” –Zac Posen

Kini

design by Kini

“I love the shear over the structure. The skirt could’ve been a little shorter.” –Heidi Klum

“The boob darts are rather unfortunate.” –Zac Posen

KORINA is the WINNER.

SAMANTHA is OUT.

designer Alexander, designer Amanda, designer Kini, designer Sean, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Project Runway S13, Project Runway S13 recap, Zac Posen

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Choice Quote: Being Mary Jane

Posted by Amy Steele in TV on September 7, 2014

“I don’t even know if I want to get married. Maybe marriage is something I say I want because I’m trained to say it.”

Being Mary Jane, Gabrielle Union, tv quote

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Choice Quotes: The Normal Heart

Posted by Amy Steele in DVD, TV on September 3, 2014

“I see him. He doesn’t see me.” — Ned Weeks [Mark Ruffalo]

“You don’t look gay so I guess we could both pass for white people.” –Ned Weeks

HIV/AIDS, Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart

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Project Runway S13.Ep6 RECAP

Posted by Amy Steele in TV, Visual/ Performance Art on September 2, 2014

Tim Gunn and Dita Von Teese present the challenge

Challenge: create alternative wedding and reception dress looks

Amanda working on her design.

The designers must work in teams of two. The teams: Emily and Fade; Kini and Sean; Charketa and Sandhya; Alexander and Stephanie and Korina and Amanda. Even though they seemed to like each other early on and are roommates, Korina and Amanda now possess a tense relationship. Korina and Charketa don’t like that Amanda got brought back to compete this season and both told her so. Charketa even said that Amanda’s “taking away spots from other designers” with her wins. Ouch. Amanda, who I really like—great style and attitude—breaks down briefly and heads to the designer’s lounge. She runs in to Fade who offers her support.

Sean shops Mood.

Emily and Fade go for a Goth-style wedding. I actually like it but not sure if the two pieces work well together. Emily: “I feel my design in relation to the others a lot darker.”

Kini and Sean decide to design for a gay couple. Kini creates a gorgeous black dress with tuxedo-ish top and flouncy bottom. If he’s chosen a dark purple or burgundy it would’ve been much better. Sean, who designs menswear, made some lovely high-waisted tuxedo pants but that’s all he had time to complete. So of course Kini designed the top (which the judges ended up loving). It’s a flowy white blouse with a low cut V-neck front.

Charketa and Sandhya work okay together but chose bright bright yellow. Oh no! Everyone knows that’s an unforgiving and difficult color to work with on any skin tone. They don’t fare well. Alexander and Stephanie also choose an unfortunate fabric. Well, it’s a pretty lacy burgundy but what they do with it is awful. Amanda decides not to make waves working with Korina and they design black and white pieces. Amanda does a pretty A-line black and white dress. Korina does a pants suit with pants that are way too tight.

The judging