project runway: finale [spoiler alert]
wow. well, i'm practically teary about the tonight's finale. and now i see that top chef is on. i think i'm going to burst with happiness. despite his being an ass for most of the show, i'm so happy that jeffrey won- i think he has a unique point of view and i'm thrilled to see where he goes with it. let's hope he learns to check the 'tude in the future. alright, dish away!
[ps: betsy sent this over- they've given the go ahead to a project runway/top chef spinoff for interior design called top designer. elle decor's margaret russell will judge and todd oldham will stand in as heidi. here's hoping it's a heck of a lot better than design star]
posted by design*sponge @ 18.10.06
39 Comments:
Laura was my favorite.
i am extremely disappointed that uli did not win. she without a doubt had the best collection and was the most desired designer after the show. i agreed with the judges that michael may not be ready yet and laura's look was just not it... i guess i don't get this fashion thing at all... there wasn't one thing in his collection that i would buy in a store and i am a true shopaholic... oh well...
Well, I think who won deserved to. So thats good. But, D*S, I still don't understand why everyone needs to be all sunshine and sugar. The "'tude" is part of the creative process - and yes, it's part of being rock and roll. There needs to be people who agitate society - its an important role that is essential to culture. Why should he be "nice?" I don't get it at all. Anyway, I don't understand why people think he was such a jerk - when Laura was the one who was truly underhanded and conniving - with a smile of course. Jeffery is coarse, Laura is actually of questionable character.
I think every designer took a step up, except for Michael, who took a step down. Truly horrendous - I was shocked. Laura's clothes look like a high end department store line (thats not a compliment), Uli's clothes were pleasant. I don't get judging fashion by what you yourself would wear. There is a lot of disturbing visual art that I personally wouldn't want hanging on my wall all day - but that has nothing to do with the genius of the work.
Carry on.
Almost in Jeffrey's line looked like he has no idea how to clothe a woman's body. I was stunned...my mouth fell open when he won over Uli. Sure, she did a lot of the same over the season, but she was darn good at it and became even better at the end. I watched her line come down the runway 3 times, and ther stuff was delicious. Jeff's stuff looked no better than Angela's. All artsy-craftsy.
Besides, if we were seeing the true Uli & Jeffrey - it figures that the rotten type personality WINS AGAIN. I don't get it. :(
sorry j, I disagree~ :( I love Jeffrey's collection! the green dress with the zippers is my all time favorite! and the babydoll dress... love it!!! he's got style, Uli's first half was nice but last few dress were abit too Santa Fe like for my taste.. I'm SO happy that Jeffrey won! :)))
oh my god i am so excited about top designer.
I'm sooo happy that Jeff won. I worked at a record store in Silver Lake yeaaaars ago with him. He was a very sweet guy with many personal issues. He seems to have overcome and I couldn't be more thrilled for him...and his little family. BRAVO Jeffrey!
First of all, none of the final 4 impressed me that much but it seemed like Michael Kors was pushing for Jeffrey while the other judges clearly preferred Uli and he got the person he wanted. I would have voted for Uli as well, not because I think Jeffrey is an immature a-hole but for someone who literally wears "rock and roll" on his sleeve and time and time again emphasizes that his style rock and roll and it's dangerous and edgy....then we see his collection and it's nothing but full of boring, conservative baby-doll style outfits, saw some really aweful baby pink, girly cheesy stuff, nothing dangerous, edgy or roll and roll....anyone with me on this at all? I was so disappointed with Michael's collection...what happened?
This was the worst Project Runway season ever, but the BEST Fashion Week showing yet... in my opinion. I think Michael has a bright career ahead of him -- he's going to OWN the hip hop space, but he was definitely the weakest of the four.
As I was watching the finale I just was completely blown away by how fabulous Uli, Jeffrey and Laura's clothes were! Wow... if any three of them would have won I would be happy... but personally, I think I'd wear Jeffrey's clothes. I LOVED the vest and coat with the unzipped hem... oh, that was genius.
And now I can't wait for Top Chef...
Although I rooted for Michael the whole season, I was disappointed in his collection and felt that he needed the boundaries which the various challenges had provided to really do well. He needs some seasoning. For me it was between Uli and Laura, with Laura coming out ahead because of the beautiful work she did on each piece. I wouldn't buy a single thing Jeffrey made.
I am beyond pleased jeffrey won. there are more than enough dissenters who will disagree with his deserving win. But his collection was the best combination of innovation, cohesiveness, and over all greatness. He deserved everything, and I would even go as far as to say he was never a jerk, and was just honest and blunt. Love you jeffrey congrats!
I am still trying to figure out a dress of Jeffrey's. Part of it looked like it was being held up at the neck in the middle by a big long strap.
I have to admit that everyone's collection looked better on tv moving down the runway, than the stills that were on the internet.
I thought Laura's colletion was gorgeous. With embellishments toned down, many pieces would be wearable for every day.
I think they chose Jeffrey more because of who he was, not his collection. Think his son got him some sympathy votes.
I would have been happy with any of them winning except for Laura (because of her backstabbing tendencies and because I find her designs well-made but a little staid). I loved Michael the whole time, but he went a little too Baby Phat in the collection. I liked Uli's collection the best, which surprised me, because while I like her aesthetic, I felt she was a little too one-note during the course of the show. However, all four were indisputably talented, so I'm sure they will all do well. I'm happy about Jeffrey, too, and hope that he learned something about getting along with people.
i totally agree! i hated jeff for most of the season, but he really grew on me...and he definitely had the best collection.
I beleive that Uli was ROBBED! Her collection was solid and diverse as well as cohesive. I thought that Jeffrey had a few good pieces but the majority had a stench of Euro-trash. It also saddens me because he has the most out of all the designers and needs this the least and I am more than certain that he is not going to be appreciative!
Oh well I guess it is only a show, a show I watch as if it were the superbowl.
About a half an hour into the show I felt it was clearly between Uli and Jeffery. I thought both Uli and Laura had some beautiful dresses, especially Uli, but her clothes were more ready to wear and better suited to the stores. I agree that Jeffery's clothes had a better point of view and he definitely took more risks and I really enjoyed some of his pieces. As for Michael: he's still adorable but his collection was way off in the taste area.
As someone pointed out earlier, Michael is totally hip hop and will rise to the top of that world, no question. His collection was very poor, but he knows his audience.
Michael Koors is definitely not my favorite person in the world. He is way off base a majority of the time. I love how Fern kept putting him in his place by totally disagreeing with him. He may be in this business, but who buys his clothes? That's right, old women. And have you seen what HE wears? And Nina Garcia... I think she is just on for publicity. It is almost as if she doesn't want to be there. Come on producers, lets get better judges in next time!
Uli deserved the gold. How could the judges not see the risks she took and how far she has come? And did you notice how she handled second place? With charm and grace. It is an attitude like that with the talent and drive to succeed that should have won her first place. The judges are blind.
I have mixed feelings. It would be easier for me to feel strongly about who I thought should win if I even remotely understood how the judging works. How much of who is chosen is based on their performance in challenges throughout the entire program? How much of who wins is determined by their Fashion Week showing? This felt a bit like a college course I took in which 85% of the grade was based on the final exam - when I had to ask myself if the 15 weeks of classes before the final test were rubbish as well as a waste of my time?
Uli - she surprised me. I always liked her clothes throughout the show but agreed with judges that she might be a one-note with her tropical-climate dresses. I think she proved everybody wrong, turning out a collection where at least 60% of the pieces exuded an urban sophistication.
Laura - I actually liked her straightforwardness but this isn't about personality (my judging, at least). The evening collection she turned out was stunning, but it was still close to everything else she had done and wasn't different enough from other designs out there. However, I do hope she stays in the fashion world because I think if she breaks out of her shell she has a good eye and I love her always-look-and-feel-your-best-attitude. All of us could use a dose.
Jeffrey - I loved a couple of his final show pieces, especially that striped dress and the bathing suit. Most of the collection felt a little messy to me though - like a judge said - lots of ideas. I think his ideas were better than the execution. Throughout the actual challenges on the show he failed to impress me though. If you are truly "rock and roll", as he says he is, then you don't need to say it.
Michael disappointed me the most, because I think he had the most potential out of the final four. I liked a couple of his pieces, the rest was too hip-hop video. I think with some time his point of view will mature and he could have a real future in fashion too.
Anything would be better than DesignStar.
I don't really care for fashion but I thought it was exciting te see the show care about innovation over reality show antics.
Ben
I am so glad Jeffrey won. I had been rooting for him through the whole show. I did love Uli's collection though, she really surprised me. I never liked Michael, I always thought his clothes were too hoochie and only one step away from Kayne in the taste arena. Laura was just desperate, conniving and boring.
I'm so glad Jeffrey won too. He and his aging rockabilly girlfriend will need that money to pay for their son's much-needed therapy in a few years.
While Jeffrey had a couple of good pieces, I thought his collection smacked of 1980s Betsy Johnson. In fact, I thought his designs always reeked of cheap rip-off. If you're going to bite from Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, don't make it so obvious.
Uli's collection was stunning. It brought to mind 1970s rich Riviera, but modern and understated. I'm looking forward to seeing her work in the future.
What's all this about Michael's collection and taste? His clothes were fab. I think a lot of viewers and judges had a hard time warming up to his collection because when they saw it they saw little kim and puff daddy. His clothes had a urban, black appeal and most found that to be offensive and illegitimate (as one of the judges said "too tight and too sexy"). But mind you, jeffery's collection also had a very specific look as well but because it was the less offensive "creative rock star look" it was okay. Michael's collection was very innovative and I truly loved his collection (although I thought Laura's was by far the best). Michael will have a hard time getting off of his feet especially if he continues to design the way he did at fashion week. There was nothing wrong with his collection. It was very well made and very well executed. It is too offensive for neiman marcus or even saks shoppers, it's too ethnic, it's too ghetto. Trust me, the last thing these major department stores will want to carry is a line of clothing that appeals to the urban crownd regardless of how well made or gorgeous the clothes are.
It was not until this project runway that I saw how close minded these judges are. Michael's and Jeffery's collections equally represented a distinct look, jeffery's happened to be more acceptable.
nato:
what's wrong with that world? I, being a black woman, could very well have made that same comment about jeffery's collection. There was nothing wrong with michael's collection. What is this maturity everyone keep talking about? Is it the fact that he needs to wake up and realize that as long as he designs clothing for a market that includes a lot of black and hispanic women he will be viewd as hip hop video? Do his designs need to appeal to white audiences to be legitimate? Does he have to design clothing like Kara Saun, Rachel Roy, or Tracey Reese to be taken seriously?
When you compare the collections of Jeffery and Michael you will see that they both represent the same idea--distinct markets, one just happens to appeal to a more acceptable market.
Let me be honest here. Michael's collection was not the best, but it was very legitimate and made a strong statement. He made clothes that appealed to a diverse audience. Trust me, when I go to neiman marcus or barney's, none of those designs were made with me in mind. Michael did and that does not make it hip hop or other worldly.
Jeffery's collection was not a winning collection but it was okay. I loved the green striped jacket/leather jean combo. It was to die for. Although the judeges did not like his dresses, I thought the floral one was great!
Uli was uli. The judges were right, she will make clothing that women will buy. Nothing special just marketable.
Laura was my favorite. Her clothing was amazing.
I wasn't a fan of Jeffrey throughout the shows but came to appreciate his style more and more after the couture dress.
As far as his personanlity goes, he got a bad wrap because of Angela's mom and I don't think that was fair. She was an oddball character, just like her daughter.
His collection was the most inovative as far as I'm concerned and I would love t wear some of his clothes despite the fact that I could probably be his mother.
Loved Laura's clothes and their sophistication. Michael's were not up to his talent, I thought. Almost as if he was swayed being at home. Uli's collection was boring to me. Too much like ready wear. Although I did like pieces in it. I missed some wilder prints.
Jeffrey was a good choice to win in my opinion.
Here's my finale recap with pictures of all the looks and pics from the finale party if you're interested! I was rooting for Laura but I'm glad NeckTat had such a good showing, and I'm ok with him winning. Good for you Jeffrey!
I detested Jeffery the entire season, but found myself pulling for him. I think he deserved it. Uli's was ok, but she could avoid the prints, and still have some color. It looked like disco wear to me. I thought MIchaels was fine, except for the sequin pockets, and his white pants were ill-fitted across the front. Laura is just so full of herself. Yes, she make pretty dresses, but nothing special or unique. ANd I thought she liked to stir the pot just a little too much.
Overall I am happy with the end, and I look forward to the intereior design show. I love that stuff!
I loved Michael throughout the entire season, but the show is should not be about who is a more "likable" person. Who is the better designer? I'm glad Jeffrey won. Uli's collection was without a doubt fantastic, but it was predictable. Jeffrey was able to push boundaries, have a story behind his design, and maintain his own personality in his pieces. And execute them so well that they thought he cheated! He worked hard to earn the winning title.
"And execute them so well that they thought he cheated!"
He did cheat, but the producers made some adjustments so he could still show.
He didn't cheat, he went over budget. And it probs WAS the wigs (custom styled wigs are not cheap), not the clothing.
if labels like heatherette and betsey johnson are supposed to be so great, then michael is certainly in good shape.
to call michael's clothes "too hip hop" and leave it at that is a lazy and uninformed generalization. some of michael's (and jeffrey's)pieces were just plain BAD (as in not good), nothing "hip hop" or "rock and roll" about it--just tacky. i could have done without michael's lace-front pieces and the sequin pockets (ugh)--i think those things in particular did him in-- but some of his dresses fit beautifully. on the same note, i could have done without all the straps on some of jeffrey's clothes, and one of his dresses looked like a rag.
i've lived in both ATL and NY and i think michael probably just needs to live in NY or elsewhere for a while to give him some perspective. he's got wonderful southern flavor. immersing himself in the fashion of another major city can help him refine some things without sacrificing his personal style.
i don't think it's an insult to say michael is still growing and maturing as a designer. i think uli grew, if only for the moment, by not making all of her final collection in wild prints. laura didn't grow much (clothes are still beautiful, though), which is partly why she lost.
Please don't put Heatherrette in the same category as Betsy Johnson. Learn some history. Her current work is OK, but that bitch has a great body of work that has been incredibly influential in American fashion. Werq.
Ralph is back, watch out! He's gonna school us all in fashion history!
Heather
Still don't get why everyone thinks Jeffrey's clothes are innovative. They do look like rip offs of Betsey Johnson or Anna Sui except they are a lot more boring, not edgy enough. He played it safe but won.
What was wrong with design star?????
for me, there was nothing modern about the design on that show. i had such a knee jerk reaction when one of the "best" rooms was all about chocolate and brown. everything about it felt a little 5 years ago, a little trading spaces but less interesting...
i hope we'll see a show soon where designers who are truly gifted get a place to shine. someone with a modern aesthetic who can do clean design with something unique to say. that zen room just reminded me of vern yip on trading spaces 5 years ago...
d*s
I wish Laura had won.
Someone above said she was desperate and conniving, but I still remember the day in architecture school when two students didn't have their drawings one day, and a complete set the next day: they had "hired" someone to finish their drawings in 12 hours. Of course, they failed to mention this to anyone during their review, although everyone was graded on their drawings, not just their "ideas".
It's also true that Laura had information from another source: her mother, who became friends with Jeffrey's mom. This wasn't the case of someone who has no talent trying a cheap ploy to knock someone out. He admitted to getting help on two pieces, while Laura did all her own work. That is part of the competition, to finish all the pieces oneself, no? If not, then it isn't cheating.
Everyone keeps talking about Jeffrey's innovation, but I don't see it. I rooted for him with the paper dress, only to learn later than he glued the paper to store-bought canvas. Laura, on the other hand, actually used the structure of the peanut wrapper to shape her dress.
It's the same feeling I get about Chloe Sevigny: she's a fashion icon. I don't see it. I think most of the time she walks on the red carpet appearing too coked up to know what she is putting on.
Another case in point: The yellow plaid bedspread that Jeffrey made in Paris. It was a dead ringer for the one Alexander McQueen made for Sarah Jessica Parker for the Costume Institute Party of the Year, although McQueen's was red. Still, it had "Prince of Chintz" written all over it.
Maybe people should get out more instead of just reading InStyle and realize that all of Jeffrey's "deconstructions" are 20 years too late.
I laughed out loud when they had the segment on how his son had matured him and made him sensitive to other people. This was the same guy who said about Laura, "I hope she has a heart attack." How sensitive!
Laura is a professional, a craftsperson, an artisan, in short, a designer.
The judges clearly see something in Jeffrey that others didn't.
yeah perhaps the other judges were smoking the same Meth that Jeffery was! I agree with everything you have said 100%
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