Archive for category Visual/ Performance Art
Project Runway S13 Finale Part 2 RECAP
Posted by Amy Steele in TV, Visual/ Performance Art on October 25, 2014
Sean Kelly wins Project Runway S13
It’s probably not that surprising that a young designer won Project Runway as editing either makes it really obvious who’s out or obvious who’s in. Sean won a few, lost a few, struggled at the beginning, won when it counted and is young and cute. I’d hoped that Amanda Valentine would win if only to outshine her Maroon 5 brother for once but I guess she’ll always be the less popular sibling. Also she really had the best reason for wanting to win Project Runway. She said she wanted to be a brand. a big brand.
Sean, the 25-year-old designer from New Zealand, beat out 15 fellow designers. Currently residing in Brooklyn, Sean garnered attention this season with a dress chosen by Emmy Award-winning host Heidi Klum to wear at this year’s Creative Arts Emmys. Sean impressed judges Klum, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and finale guest judge Emmy Rossum (Shameless) with his 10 piece winning collection inspired by the “Betrayal of Caesar” at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at New York City’s Lincoln Center this Fall.
Sean wins:
–$100,000 from Red Robin to launch his business and the opportunity to design a fashion accessory for their servers
–complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother International Corporation
–premiere entertainment center, courtesy of Samsung [so he can watch future episodes of Project Runway, Project Runway: All Stars and Project Runway: Threads]
— fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine
— car from Lexus
–entire year’s worth of Mary Kay beauty products for his fashion shows and professional makeup artist services for his debut show
–shoe and accessory collection from ALDO to help enhance his upcoming runway shows
— Best Western International will also provide Kelly with travel and hotel accommodations to fashion capitals and inspiring locations around the world
— Kelly’s winning model, Alisar Ailabouni will also appear in the winner’s fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine
Runner-up Amanda Valentine
Third place Kini Zamora
Fourth place Charketa Glover
Charketa
design by Charketa
design by Charketa
design by Charketa
“You showed some really beautifully cut clothing . . . like a cool Solange Knowles. Now you’ll have to bring up the fashion game a little bit.” –Zac Posen
“One of my favorites is the balck and white two-piece. I definitely saw your vibe.” –Heidi Klum
“It was exciting to see someone who was a Tim Gunn save make ti to fashion week.” Emmy Rossum
Amanda
design by Amanda
design by Amanda
design by Amanda
“The problem is you’re trying too hard to be something you’re not.” –Heidi Klum
“I think our jewelry is ready to go. This was the most original collection on the runway.” –Zac Posen
“I thought you were really true to yourself.” –Emmy Rossum
Sean
design by Sean
design by Sean
design by Sean
design by Sean
design by Sean
This is probably the most editorial of the collections. It’s very polished.” –Nina Garcia
“It’s all very sophisticated which I like.” –Heidi Klum
“The clothing was chic, sexy and edgy and I don’t know anybody who doesn’t want to feel that way.” –Zac Posen
Kini
design by Kini
design by Kini
design by Kini
“You’re clearly gifted.” –Emmy Rossum
“There’s something about the fact that you use denim in such a sophisticated way.” –Nina Garcia
Share this:
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.
enjoy my posts about Lifetime TV programs? please consider donating so I can keep doing what I’m doing. Every dollar helps. Make a Donation button at right on my site.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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]](https://entertainmentrealm.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/caitlin-fitzgerald.jpg)
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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
Amanda and Korina are safe.
design by Amanda
design by Korina
HIGH SCORES
Sean and Kini
design by kini
design by Sean
“You did and incredible job. This is the best of the best on the runway.” –Zac Posen
“It is a very good play on masculine and feminine.” –Nina Garcia
“The clothes look impeccable.” –Heidi Klum
Emily and Fade
design by Emily
design by Fade
“I don’t think Elvira would even wear this.” –Zac Posen
“It is Goth and out there but I like both fabrics and how you mixed it.” –Heidi Klum
“The sleeves are overpowering her. It’s either the sleeve or the hood. “—Nina Garcia
LOW SCORES
Charketa and Sandhya
design by Sandhya
design by Charketa
“This is a shocker. To me it is an epic fail.” –Heidi Klum
“It’s a like a toilet paper accident.” –Zac Posen
“I don’t mind the yellow color but I think both dresses are messed up.” –guest judge, fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni
Alexander and Stephanie
design by Alexander
design by Stephanie
“It’s overwhelming. It feels very old vs. old-fashioned.” –Nina Garcia
“The jarring part to me is you tried to create an organic texture but then there’s a seam. It feels like a chain mall.” –Zac Posen
“I would never think of white and burgundy going together.” –guest judge Dita Von Teese
SEAN is the WINNER.
CHARKETA is eliminated.
Share this:
Project Runway S13:Ep5 RECAP
Posted by Amy Steele in TV, Visual/ Performance Art on August 23, 2014
Challenge: Design a red carpet gown for Heidi Klum to wear to the Creative Emmys Red Carpet
Tim and Heidi come in to meet with the designers. Heidi’s wearing Zac Posen.
Heidi and Tim come in to consult with the designers. Heidi gives honest feedback and doesn’t like many of the designs. She then returns to tell that designers who are struggling can return to Mood with $100 to get more fabric. If people weren’t returning they could give their money to other designers. Sandhya went around and asked designers for their money. She ended up with $400 to spend and purchased an expensive fabric.
design by Sandhya
The chance to return to Mood made some designers annoyed. Emily thought that it gave many designers an unfair advantage and a chance at a do-over that they should be able to pick proper fabrics the first time out. I agree. Emily designed a really skimpy dress that showed way too much skin. Yes Heidi likes to show skin but I don’t think she’d dress like that for an Emmys event.
design by Emily
Korina had designed a green dress that Heidi said reminded her of something German hunters would wear. Then Karina went and bought another green fabric just in more of a jewel tone (per Tim’s comment). Mitchell freaked out. “I don’t think it’s magical. I don’t think it’s gorgeous.” He’s designing a red gown. Most of the designers that went back to Mood ending up struggling instead of just “making it work.”
“Some of you did really well but a lot of you missed the mark.”—Heidi Klum
HIGH SCORES
Kini
design by Kini
“You did a fantastic job. You gave it some drama too.” –Heidi Klum
“It’s hard to make dresses with an open back that still give it the curve in the waist.” –Lindsey Vonn
“You had my highest score today. It’s impeccable. Your lines are in the right places. You were very smart with your fabrication.” –Zac Posen
Amanda
design by Amanda
“It’s different. I think it’s beautiful”. – Heidi Klum
“It felt like a beaded curtain. But it fit nicely.” – Zac Posen
“It is refreshing to see you do something that is not so predictable and cliché.” –Nina Garcia
Sean
design by Sean
“It’s different. it’s beautiful. I love what you did with the bottom.” –Lindsey Vonn
“I love what you did with the ombre. It makes it more modern.” –Zac Posen
guest judge Lindsey Vonn
LOW SCORES
Kristine
design by Kristine
“It’s like a boob canyon.” – Zac Posen
“I like the paneling. It looks modern. Had you done this properly it would have looked well. But it was badly executed.” – Heidi Klum
Mitchell
design by Mitchell
“I think a lot of things went wrong. It is way too short.” –Heidi Klum
“I think you just tried a little too hard.” –Lindsey Vonn
“Great evening clothing takes a lot of time and a lot of skill. I feel like you were out of your element here and it shows.” – Zac Posen
Korina
design by Korina
“Why the cliché ideas. Why not make this into a jumpsuit. Instead we make this train. It’s so old lady.” –Nina Garcia
“The back is a disaster. I didn’t know what was intentional and what was not.” –Zac Posen
the judges including Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn
SEAN is the WINNER.
MITCHELL and KRISTINE are OUT.
Heidi shared this on her Instagram about five days ago (without a spoiler alert!) said how proud she was of S13 designer Sean:
Share this:
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the Visual/ Performance Art category.
About Me
covering mostly music and books. focus on alternative/indie and women in music, literature and the arts. feminist. vegan. mostly alternative, a bit bohemian. Masters in journalism from Boston University. BA from Simmons College.
Entertainment Realm by Amy Steele is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at entertainmentrealm.comCopyright © 2009. All writing, unless otherwise noted, by Amy Steele.
