Reality on Bravo

I know, I know. It’s not OK to be a superfan of a show then, midseason, just abandon it. But, there’s something about Season 5 of Project Runway that’s just, well, yawn. A little yawn, at least.

The celebrity guest judges this season have been confusing, to say the least. While I love Sandra Bernhard as an actress, comedian, etc., I don’t like her as a judge on Project Runway. And Brooke Shields? I don’t know what to say about that. I’m not even sure why I think she’s a bad choice for a guest judge.

Then there are the contestants. I don’t really have a contestant I’m pulling for more than the others. They kind of blend together for some reason.

This doesn’t mean I’m going to stop watching the show. I’m still hopeful it’s going to get more interesting.

Plus, there’s the whole Tim Gunn “Holla at your boy!” campaign. Seriously? Is that really happening? Whatever, Tim. Make it work.

In it’s last season on Bravo, Project Runway returned with a classic challenge — a trip to the store. The everyday items, including groceries, disposable table dressings and any other random things you may find in Aisle 9 were the inspiration.

With a new crop of — how should I say this? — extremely colorful contestants, the show returned to one of the best challenges in the history of the series. It even brought back favored contestant Austin Scarlett to judge the newcomers. In the end, it was a few bleached vacuum cleaner bags and some burned coffee filters that took home top honors.

Certainly one of the most well-crafted projects of the night, I have to say the reason Kelli’s garment won was the details, including hook and eyes made from the spiral of a notebook.

Other personal favorites:

Sure the tablecloth is a little too fabric-like to pose a real challenge, but this garment actually looks wearable. I think Keith may be on to something.

Daniel designed this from blue, plastic cups, people. Need I say more?

And the loser …
Jerry, who from reading the bios alone seemed like a promising frontrunner, certainly didn’t do well with this challenge. His garment — it was supposed to be a raincoat, right? — was so sloppy and lacked shape. And none of the judges were forgiving in the slightest. Sorry, buddy.

Jerry’s Week 1 design, which was his first and last on Season 5.

Project Runway

Heidi Klum will, once again, host Project Runway, adding her own little flare and phrases to the competition.

It’s coming back so soon, but Wednesday can’t get here fast enough. Or am I the only one excited about Season 5 of Project Runway? Of course I’m not.

It seems this season the folks at Bravo have been keeping the contestants a little bit more of a secret than usual. There aren’t big flashy commercials showing us just a little inside scoop. Instead, the network has opted for some typecasting that reminds us of some of the past seasons. My personal favorite is the criers — “You can cry and you can cut, but you better cry and cut.” That’s, perhaps, my favorite quotable line from any season or contestant.

Each season seems to get more and more intense and exciting, I’m just not sure what they can do to keep things interesting this summer. I’m not sure where you go from a season filled with guest judges like Sarah Jessica Parker and Posh Spice.

Project Runway

In case you missed last night’s episode of Ugly Betty, Christian Siriano — the reigning Ms. Project Runway — worked it out like he owned the set. His over-the-top campy performance is one to be remembered, for sure. You could tell he was having a great time, and it really worked. The show even featured a cameo appearance by Nina Garcia, which also was quite a hoot.

Project Runway, Christian Siriano, Nina Garcia

Project Runway is one of 35 winners of the Peabody Awards, which were announced today. The ceremony is planned for June 16.

In a first for a reality series, Project Runway was announced today as one of the winners of the much-respected Peabody Awards.

Presented by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, 35 awards will be given out as part of the 67th Annual Peabody Awards. Aside from Runway, other winners include 30 Rock, Mad Men and Dexter. The presentation of awards, hosted by Brian Williams, will be June 16.

The awards are decided on by the 16-member Peabody Board, which includes TV critics, industry executives and arts experts. UGA students, faculty and staff also are part of the process, serving on special screening committees prior to the selection.

The Peabody Awards are the oldest honor in electronic media, and they honor TV shows, documentaries and individuals without placing restrictions on categories or by pre-determining a certain number of awards for specific areas of focus.

Project Runway, Peabody Awards

Chloe Dao’s Lot 8 is at 6127 Kirby Drive in Houston, Texas.

If you haven’t been to Houston lately — and you probably haven’t — you may not know what Project Runway Season 2 winner Chloe Dao is doing.

During a recent trip to the city, I took a trip by Dao’s boutique, Lot 8, which is in the midst of one of the city’s many shopping districts. The shop was buzzing with women trying on the latest designs from Dao’s multiple collections, which include a variety of purples and whites for the current seasons.

Dao wasn’t at the store when I was there, but at least one of her sisters was running around helping get customers in fitting rooms to try on their finds. Lot 8 opened in 2000, and it continues to be a favorite spot for Dao fans and those just looking for something to wear to some of Houston’s hottest nightspots.

After winning Runway, Dao continued to grow her fashion collections, and she even recently sold some styles as a special collection on QVC. But buying something online can’t compare to walking into the Houston boutique and salon — after all, there were a few talking Tim Gunn dolls for sale behind the counter. And Runway-related magazine clippings are framed and decorate the walls. It’s clear Dao hasn’t forgotten what really got her career moving.

Project Runway, Lot 8, Chloe Dao

If you’re a fan of Project Runway, you’ve seen the finalists’ collections by now. Buy you maybe haven’t seen this fun picture of this season’s winner, Christian Siriano.

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, you already know the always fierce Christian Siriano won this season of Project Runway. If you ask me, there’s no question the designer will be able to turn his talent — and personality — into a successful career.

We could argue for weeks — and we probably will — about whether Christian should have won the show. The truth of the matter is this: He was amazing. His collection was incredible, and there’s no doubt he’s held his own and made a name for himself throughout the season. And he’s 21. So, what did you expect?

But enough about that week-old news. Today Bravo released the winner of the “It’s Sew Not Over” contest, where fans of the show could vote on special collections to help determine a $10,000 winner. And that winner was not Christian, who also took home the fan favorite prize a few weeks ago.

This time around, though, the fans voted on Jillian’s collection, earning her the cash prize. You can check out Jillian’s special collection at the Bravo Web site.

The Project Runway finalists gather with Tim Gunn to strike a pose at a finale party for the show.

Project Runway, Christian Siriano, Jillian Lewis

Rami Kashou won the final challenge on Project Runway to guarantee his spot at New York Fashion Week.

Chris March used human hair — as in human hair — in his wacky design collection to compete for his chance at a spot on the Project Runway catwalks at New York Fashion Week. Rami Kashou used a little draping — as in a little — to win the third spot up against Christian Siriano and Jillian Lewis.

The judges seemed a little creeped out by the use of human hair as a new kind of “fur” for Christian’s goth-inspired designs. I, too, have to admit it was a little strange. But the innovative idea really did look pretty incredible, especially considering it was hair. You know, the stuff from your head. Sorry, I can’t get over it.

One of the skirts Chris showed on the runway for his fashion-off against Rami also was made from safety pins, another unusual material. As a collection, it turned out a lot better than I think much of his earlier work from the season. While I think Chris has a lot of talent, I also believe a couple of other contestants were let go a little too early this season.

As far as Rami’s collection, the three-piece preview shown to the judges seemed to be a lot more expansive than the drape dress after drape dress he created throughout the season. Clearly, the judges saw something in Rami I did not see from my couch. The blue coat he put together as part of his final collection seemed a little too crazy — and not in a good way. The thing had poofy sleeves and extra fabric at just about every turn. The cuffs, the collar, you name it.

So, for those of you who haven’t been checking out the pictures online, what are your thoughts on how things are going to turn out? Will Christian, the fan favorite, have the best collection? Or Jillian? Maybe Rami? Someone else who maybe doesn’t get mentioned in this post?

I’m excited to see how it all plays out next week when Victoria Beckham sits with the judges to help critic the final shows. It’s going to be “maja,” as she would say.

Project Runway, Christian Siriano, Jillian Lewis, Rami Kashou, Chris March, Victoria Beckham

Daniel Vosovic poses for a photo in BonfireMagazine.com. (Photo courtesy of NBC)

Project Runway alumni Daniel Vosovic has been one of the show’s favorite contestants. And why wouldn’t he be?

The up-and-coming designer is featured with some of his latest work in a feature as part of the online magazine BonfireMagazine.com. If you’re a fan of Lipstick Jungle, the new hit NBC series, you know the magazine is part of the show’s developing plotline. One of the characters, Nico Reilly, works at Bonfire on the show.

The current issue of Bonfire features some 1980s-inspired designs as part of the cover story, which is where Daniel V. comes into the picture. Check out the magazine to read the complete fashion scoop.

Project Runway, Daniel Vosovic, Lipstick Jungle

Project Runway contestant Jack Mackenroth attends a fashion show in New York.

After this week’s reunion show on Project Runway, I’m convinced Jack Mackenroth will be back next season.

Jack, who was open about his HIV-positive status on the show, chose to leave the show earlier this season, after he got an infection. He felt it was best if he left, sought out treatment and took care of himself. It turned out to be the best decision, he said at the reunion show. It turned out he spent a week in the hospital before recovering from the infection.

Before Runway, Jack had a successful career. He attended Parsons School of Design after earning a dual degree from University of California at Berkeley. He then opened his own shop, Jack, in New York and later worked for Tommy Hilfiger and designed for Slates, a division of Levis.

When the question came up about Jack returning in a future season, he didn’t give a definite answer. But, being a favorite earlier on this season — some even said he was one of the obvious top designers and a possible winner — he definitely has some fan support. Not as much as that wacky Christian, though. That kid has more attitude than anyone I’ve seen in a long time.

Project Runway, Jack Mackenroth

In case you’ve been a reader of this blog before, let me catch you up on a few things:
1. I’m new to realityonbravo.com. But I’m old to watchingamericanidol.com.
2. I know far too much about reality TV, because I watch far too much reality TV. This should be my claim to shame.
3. At this site, you can expect to read all kinds of things about all kinds of reality shows that appear on Bravo. I guess that’s pretty obvious, considering the title of the blog.

Anyway, I have plenty to say about Project Runway, Make Me a Supermodel and Real Housewives of NYC. Plus, I’ll be sure to say a few things about the other shows on Bravo, too. It’s all coming soon, I promise. So, stay tuned.

Oh, I also have a really good story or three about my failed attempts to interview that crazy Kathy Griffin. She’s amazing, and so not D-list. Otherwise, I would have interviewed her. That’s my theory, anyway.

Bravo, Project Runway, Make Me a Supermodel, Real Housewives of NYC

Let’s dish on Project Runway a bit for a moment, shall we? This week, the contestants were asked to make complete outfits in one day from items they gathered in five minutes from a Hershey’s Chocolate store.

Really? I mean…REALLY?

I know the Project Runway is a challenge…but this episode grated on my nerves a bit. What, exactly, did this tell us about the designers? I felt like it was, in part, a challenge about luck and fast-thinking, two traits that, frankly, you don’t need to be a great designer. I was uninspired.

Plus, my main concern is that few of the outfits created were wearable in an everyday setting. Sure, designing fanciful outfits is sometimes needed, but overall, I always want to know what their designs mean to me. How will the winning designer contribute to the fashion world? How will he or she influence what I buy? I need more than a point of view. I need a real understand of the business world, even if that world is crazed by fashion.

This brings me back to the genius that was Chloe Dao. Other contestants *cough*Santino*cough* called her a pattern maker, but what she understood was that HIGH fashion isn’t the only kind of fashion in the world. The rest of us don’t want weird fabric choices and strange colors. We want to look good.

And you can’t look good wearing candy. You just can’t. Not a single one of those models was wearing something that actually will be mass-produced so that someone like me can buy it.

In the end, Rami was the winner…and I called that after watching the first few moments of the show. his construction was flawless, and even I have to admit that good construction is commendable. Our dear Elisa bit the dust….and oh, Bravo, I wish you’d lay up on the foreshadowing a bit.

We all know that TV stars - even reality show TV stars - have some money to throw around. Do I? Nope. So, I’m bringing your Friday’s Fashion Finds! I’ll take a picture of a favorite Bravo star and show you where to find similar fashion for an affordable price. See an outfit you’d love replicate? Email me today, and I’ll feature you on an upcoming week!

Today’s Fashion Inspiration: Heidi Klum, the host of Bravo’s Project Runway

Who doesn’t want to look like Heidi Klum. Sure, she may be a bit bigger than “size 0″ these days, but give a girl a break. She’s been playing mommy after all! Anyone who can have kids and still participate in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show as one of their lead angels has GOT to have a kick-ass body.

I mean, really…Anyone who doesn’t think that Heidi looks fabulous can immediately leave this blog. She’s stunning.

But not all of us have a supermodel pocketbook…or Seal footing bills for that matter!

No, the rest of us need more affordable options. Don’t worry! You can still pull off that hot as hell Heidi Klum look. Here’s how to affordable get a recent Runway look for a fraction of the cost!

The Shirt
Notice in this picture Heidi Klum is simply wearing a basic black top. Nothing fancy - but she (or her wardrobe people) did put thought into it. Notice how the scoop neck shows off her long, lean model-y neck? Notice how the sleeve length plays up her toned arms beautifully? And open neck and fitted arms will do the same for you, even if you don’t have model-esque features. The shirt pictured to the right is from Eddie Bauer, and it will run you just $34.50…even less if you shop Eddie Bauer during sales days, like I do!

The Skirt
This skirt is what really makes the outfit interesting. She’s wearing black and white, so the visual interest has to come from neat patterns. Don’t forget to add visual interest to your outfit, either using a color or a pattern. The skirt pictured to the right is from Sears, and although it isn’t like the one Heidi is wearing in the picture, it uses the same principles - a sleek, structured cut, with visual interest created by the red color and the pattern. If you look for it, finding the black and white version of Heidi’s skirt should be fairly easy. The red one from Sears will set you back under $20.

Finish off your look with a great belt and some pumps and people will be mistaking you for Heidi Klum! Ok, maybe not…but you will look fierce!

Don’t forget to check out some past Friday Fashion Finds!

On this week’s episode of Project Runway, the designers had one of the best challenges I think we’ve seen in a long, long time - create an outfit for a woman who’s lost a significant amount of weight, using her favorite outfit from BEFORE losing the weight as inspiration for the new outfit.

But that wasn’t the big news of the night. This was the episode we had been warned was coming, way back in October. Contestant Jack Mackenroth left the show. Yes, the rumors were true. Well, some of them.

True:

• Jack is HIV positive. (He never made this a secret, and was often shown taking medications and talking about his health.)
• Jack left the show.
• Jack left due to a staff infection he developed during Week Five.
• The staff infection got pretty nasty, causing his face to swell up.

FALSE: Bravo kicked the designer off of the show.

Now, I know you guys didn’t believe that, did you? Staff is gross and contagious and really f’ing dangerous. So yet, it is good that he left for his own health and the health of the other contestants. But that was Jack’s decision. I’m not saying that the producers didn’t encourage it. Wouldn’t you? If someone has a potentially deadly skin infection, wouldn’t you tell them to screw a silly contest and seek medical help? No one held a gun to his head, though. Unless they did some REALLY creative editing and Jack is being totally cool everything.

Everyone, including myself and other PR fans, was sad to see someone go due to a medical problem. But you know what that means, don’t you?

“I’m baaaaaaaaaaaack…*insert insane giggle here*”

I lurve Chris. Even if he does create wacky designers…I just think he’s the bee’s knees. Lol.

(To see pictures of outfits, click on the links below, after the break)

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The gang got together for an awesome Project Runway event, featuring designers and judges from all three seasons. Check out the pictures below (more after the break):

Andrea Gonzalo, Kara Saun, Heidi Klum, and Santino Rice

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