Kimberley... I LOVE those pants.

The title is a play off of an old Nina put down from many seasons ago. Back when they had design challenges for the INC line at Macy's. It was a team challenge with Bonny in the lead and she made turd brown old lady pants and a pink mock turtleneck top. It was beyond hideous. Nina started right off during the judging with: "Bonny... I HATE those pants." I loved that moment because it represents a lot of what I like about Nina Garcia. She is passionate about clothes, has impeccable style and taste, and is honest to the contestants without every being mean on a personal level (unlike the orange-tinged guy to her left usually). I thought it was a fitting way to begin my post. On to the outfits.

This was a fantastic episode I thought. Everyone was so scared of Nina that I was actually nervous for all of them, empathy pains essentially. That shirt Nina wore during the sketch pitches was an unusual misstep though - I kind of hated the salmon puffy sleeves. But as TLo has mentioned on their blog, it does seem to be an intentional throw off by Nina. It may have worked.



In terms of the winning design I have to admit that when it came down the runway, I shared Becky's earlier in the episode critique of the shiny gold fabric. But as I looked at it more, I began to see that it is definitely something Nina would wear. And the girl does make a nice pair of pants. The top looked a little tight on Nina (and the model frankly) but otherwise it was well done. I also loved the way Kimberley handled herself with the win and when she went to Elle. She had the right levels of excitement, deference, and style. She looked cute in that dress.

But here is where I disagree with judges. I understand the coat dress was poorly executed but I thought Julie had an interesting idea. I actually didn't mind the colors either. She was going for something and clearly ran out of time. Cecilia's sad dress was the worst in my opinion and she should have went home. I also thought her sketch was not that pretty - especially in the color choices.


I mean this looks really sad and definitely boring. The twist also looks on the cheap side.

I know Viktor and others weren't happy about the girls helping each other out, but this show is more than about winning it if you ask me. People/viewers are going to judge you and may even have a need for your skills after the show is over - if you come across as an icy or cold or even mean person (cough, cough Victoria I am looking at you) then nobody is going to want to work with you or support you. Just my two cents, so Bert and Viktor I hope the editing isn't as bad as reality with you guys, but I have a feeling it may be.

And who is Kerry Washington again? I apparently do not read enough pop culture magazines or go see enough movies. Frankly she was not needed at all. Especially with the Miranda-type dominating the middle in the short blond hair cut. Yikes, I don't ever want to work for her.

Eh.

So overall this design challenge wasn't that interesting to me. I haven't quite decided if that's because the stilts are just plain weird or the designs themselves just didn't do anything for me. Regardless, the more interesting part of the show this week was the team interactions. The Burt/Viktor mess was truly painful to watch and even more painful to hear them try to explain to the judges what was happening. I don't know why here but I felt bad for Viktor, Burt came across as arrogant and insecure, which is a terrible combination. It's unusual for this show that someone who wins the first challenge doesn't make it to at least the final four - but I am starting to think that doesn't happen. Then again, the editing of this show is so heavy handed so who knows what is happening.

Anyways, the clothes were both boring and strange so let's talk about the more interesting item from the week. Seeing/meeting Joshua at a bar in Chelsea. Well, technically I did not meet him my partner did, but I was all prepared for this guy to be judgmental and awkward. In fact, he was completely the opposite. Pleasant, well-spoken, and fun. It was only for a few minutes, but I got the impression that he is a more complex guy than has been visible on the show so far. Not a huge surprise since they try and edit people into corners on reality TV, but I hope he is able to make something I really like and get far in the show. Oh, and he was rocking the same lime/black striped tank top as the last episode. Must be a favorite in his wardrobe. :)

I have huge hopes for the next episode since it involves making something for Nina. Can't wait.

Wait, What?

As I watched last night's episode I found myself getting really excited for this season. I don't know if it's because it's summer and most television, even cable television, sucks; or if I just love this show so much that it just feels comforting to know it's still going strong. I have to say that overall I feel they cast an interesting mix of people this time. I have high hopes not only for cool clothes but some interesting fallouts/gossip/meltdowns. We shall see.

But the one thing I wanted to write about today is that I am scared that as I see more of the show, the more I tend to agree with Heidi and the less I agree with Nina when they don't see eye to eye - as was the case last night. It was also the case at the end of the last season when it came down to Michael/Nina for Gretchen and Heidi/Jessica for Mondo. I will say that history, in my opinion, has proven Heidi (and me) right. Gretchen is one of the most unsatisfying winners of this show ever. In fact, I think Jeffrey (my least favorite winner previously) has way more talent than her. I just don't see her making much of a splash in terms of innovation or style in the world.

So let's tie that in with last night's episode. I have to say I think the bird seed dress by Anthony Ryan was actually quite cool. He did a really great job not only in picking a shape but also in the way he transitioned the dark bird seeds into the lighter ones. He was much more successful at achieving a blending than the "ombre" that Olivier tried to accomplish. Truth be told, I actually thought Olivier's dress was overhyped. It not only contained a "fabric" like material for the top, it made the model look wide and generally bland.

The hamster stuff on her eyebrows was ghastly as well. It felt like Nina was basing this on something she thinks could be cool, but in reality was not cool at all. If it were up to me, I would have definitely picked Anthony here. And don't even get me started on that wacky crap that came in third!!! I actually thought either Laura or Viktor should have been in the top 3 as well - the purple rouched dress was quite nice. But then again I don't edit a fashion magazine so I may not understand what could be good, as opposed to what actually is good.