Nick Verreos Season 8 Project Runway MyLifetime.com Blog/Recap: Finale-Part 1!!!

Lacroix 2.0, Pattaya Bay, Whole Foods Sales Girls and Mommy-Daddy Therapy...Yep, It's Project Runway, the Almost-last Episode!

Is the Camera On: Andy South consoles Michael Costello during "Finale Part 1", Project Runway Season 8

Oh Dear! Yes, those were basically the only two words I could muster after watching Thursday night's "Finale Part 1" of Project Runway Season 8. The episode began cute enough and pretty typical in terms of previous "Road to NY Fashion Week" Project Runway Episodes...

The remaining 4 Designers get their "Congratulations" from Heidi and Tim and then are sent off to their respective home bases to make their Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week Collections. Tim jets off to Hawaii, Denver, Palm Springs and Portland. After 6 weeks, they return to NY for their last Challenge that will narrow down the Top Three Finalists who will show at NY Fashion Week. The Runway Show at Parsons occurs and then it all heads south from there, concluding in what could have been an advertisement for Mommy-Daddy Therapy sessions.

Highlight: Mondo's Circus

For me, there was one Winner and that's it. When Mondo Guerra's 3-piece mini collection came out, it was like "Done and Done". The judges gave him both positives and negatives, saying he had to somehow learn how to tame the "Print Beast" inside him. Well, he can't do much, because the collection is done kiddies! And I like it , circus prints and all.

It all reminded me of Christian Lacroix (Spring 2009 Haute Couture above), well, the H&M version. After Mondo, in my opinion, any of the other three could have been out. Yes, I might have chosen Andy or Gretchen instead of Michael C. but I KNEW Gretchen wasn't going--she's the "Wendy Pepper" of the Season, so you know they were keeping her!

Lowlights: Andy's Warrior Divas go to Pattaya Bay

What happened to Andy South? I was so looking forward to a whole army of Andy Warrior Goddesses ready for battle in almost all black, fierce, well-fitted dresses. He went from this FIERCE look above...to this below...

Is this what happens when Project Runway Finalists go home. They do great in the pressure cooker of the show's surreal competition environment but then they return home and lose their style? Wassup Andy?

Instead of Warrior Divas, his 3-piece Laos/Buddha-inspired mini-collection was a cross between something Imelda Marcos would wear (Hello Silk Shantung!!??) and...

Something you'd see on the Pattaya Bay Girls in Thailand. Now, mind you those two inspirations sound HOT, but I don't think that's what he had in mind.

Lowlights: Gretchen's Vegetarian Girls Who Don't Want to Get Laid

Her designs were so not exciting, so not NY Fashion Week and so something you might see at some Granola-Crunchy store, as Michael Kors kept alluding to. All that was missing was some Birkenstocks and some incense. Take a look at this lovely example:

Muffin Top Alert: This poor girl is a size 2 or size 4 MAX...AND somehow, Gretchen still gave her a Muffin Top! Seriously.

Lowlights: Housewives of New Jersey Meets Liza Minelli

I really liked (and so did the judges), the one copper silk charmeuse gown he made but the other two choices were not my faves, especially that fringed top (Miss Heidi LOOOVED it!) and lace embroidered pants look: On top, she's a cast member in "Chicago" and on the bottom, she's Liza Minelli!

It looked a little too "Real Housewives of New Jersey" on a night out on the town. Michael Costello was Auf'ed and proceeded to have THE "I'm a Failure To My Parents" meltdown. After he dried his tears, Michael C. actually did get to show at Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week--along with like 44 of the other contestants (yes, I'm exaggerating!). I know it's not the same, but still. In case you missed Michael C.'s NYC Fashion Week Finale Collection...you can click HERE to see it. I liked most of the looks but I wasn't a fan of...

Nipple Alert: This multi, multi, MULTI-layered ruffled gown with a see-through bustier seen on Season 1 Models of The Runway Model Lisa Blades. I love Miss Lisa, she's my friend, muse, and of course, has modeled LOTS of my gowns and dresses. But I, as a designer, would probably have NEVER put her in this. But what a trooper Miss Lisa! So, there you go. I'm betting on Miss Mondo to win. Anyway, to read what I REALLY thought of this last episode:

Here's the Beginning of my MyLifetime.com Blog/Recap for this "Finale Part 1" Episode:

Road To Therapy (I Mean New York Fashion Week!)

I cannot believe it's almost OVER! We are in the last lap of this season's "Project Runway" and it's been a KRAZEE marathon! This episode left me shaken. To be honest, immediately after watching, all I could focus on was that I may need to re-think my recap and instead write an open letter to all parents entitled "How Not to Mess Up Your Children's Lives." But then I wouldn't be able to discuss this last DRAMATIC (and oh-so-fashion-boring) penultimate episode. So here we go…

Click HERE to read my Entire Recap and make sure to leave your "two cents".

Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 8 Recaps on MyLifetime.com: Episode 12: The Big Apple!

The "Dress To A Chic NY Funeral Challenge"?

The Funeral Brigade: Designs by (L-R) Mondo Guerra, Gretchen Jones, Andy South, Michael Costello, and April Johnston

This past Thursday was the 12Th (!) Episode of Season 8 of Project Runway...and the Theme was "The Big Apple". They had 2 days and $500...and all they came up with was a sea of BLACK!

Yes, New York City was the remaining designers' muse and they were "allowed" by the Honorable Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Distinguished Tim Gunn to use specific Landmarks: The Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and the Lower East Side as their inspiration.

Instead of a celebration of NYC and all its Landmarks, it became a FUNERAL. A very Chic one at that! (I never would have imagined I would have used BOTH a coffin AND a funeral reference when writing about Project Runway). If you had tuned in mid-way through, you probably would have thought that yes, in fact, the Challenge for this week was "Create a Look for a Very Chic Funeral". The designs the contestants created reminded me a lot of...

These looks that very chic and famous women (L-R: Supermodel Naomi Campbell, French actress Ariel Dombasle, Heiress Fashionista Daphne Guinness, and designer Stella McCartney) wore at recent high-profile funerals of Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent. Actually, I like these outfits BETTER than the ones I saw on Thursday night!

Here are some suggestions of what I would have rather seen--as creations inspired by some of those NYC Landmarks:

Central Park:

Andy South did an all BLACK (yep, no surprise) mini dress that was supposed to have been inspired by Central Park. There was NOTHING in it that said Central Park. I would have loved to have seen something with COLOR! Those gorgeous greens, something with texture. How about something along the lines of...

This Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture hand-woven dress from his "Mexico" Collection. I know, maybe take out the leaves on the hair but at least, it's A) Creative, B) Looks like it cost money and took a lot of work, and C) It has COLOR. Or maybe something like...

This colorful printed dress from Diane Von Furstenberg's Spring 2010 Collection. It may not be Andy's "aesthetic" but hey, it might be nice to see the more "softer/feminine" side of him.

Lower East Side:

Not-so-nice "Miss Critique Corner" designer Gretchen Jones picked the Lower East Side and created my LEAST favorite look of the night. It was a mess, looked off-the-rack, and didn't even go together. She was still safe, of course. Reality TV loves a villain, kids...But I wished I would have seen something more along the lines of...

This Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière denim-blue skinny pant and hoodie jacket ensemble with colored tank from his Spring 2010. Hot, edgy, and oh so "fashion girl living in the Lower East Side". But oh well, no such luck.

Statue of Liberty:

Michael Costello chose the fabulous Statue of Liberty and made a BLACK halter gown with a VERY HIGH side-front slit and VERY LOW back. There's a rule in design when it comes to these details: One but NOT both! Unless it's the Miss Universe Pageant! I would have been happier seeing a gown like...

This one above from Stephane Rolland Fall 2010 Haute Couture. It's got the one shoulder silhouette, the draping and even a bit of detail at the hem to suggest a bit of weight the you attribute to such a grand statue. Well, irregardless, Michael C. still won with this design leaving lots of people thinking "Say What??". Speaking of What the H***? , when asked what fabric was his dress, he didn't know. HE DIDN'T KNOW!!! It's not even cute.

Michael, I love ya, but I may have to give you an extensive course on Textiles in my Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM classroom, but first you have to register and enroll!

In the end, it was April Johnston who got the boot this week, with her almost-all BLACK asymmetrical dress with zippered corseted bustier. In my blog for MyLifetime.com, I admitted I kinda liked.
It reminded me of something along the lines of a Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci , dark, Gothic, yet still feminine. However, the judges--and especially Michael Kors--thought it looked more like this:

Yep, a Witch! A pregnant one at that. Oh well, with that, April got on a broom and left the Parsons Workroom, sad but privately happy knowing that she still would show at NY Fashion Week--along with like 22 other "Auf'ed" designers...

Here's a Sneak Peak of my MyLifetime.com Recap of this Episode:

Witchy Vs. Bitchy
Gretchen should have been OUT. There, I said it. But she wasn't. I knew she was going to be in the "Final Four" since … well, since she uttered her first "I think EVERYONE ELSE'S designs SUCK!" critique. PLEASE, I'm too jaded. But still … What the heck did I just witness last night?: An uninspiring, off-the-rack outfit got put through by the judges, on "Project Runway." Do I sound frustrated? Yes. That's because I am. Last night's episode — and challenge — had such potential, yet I was — to quote Michael Kors — underwhelmed (by all the black) and unusually mad! What were the judges thinking? Well, let's find out …

Click HERE to read the ENTIRE Recap!!! And make sure to leave your Thoughts! I love reading them!

Nick Verreos Season 8 Project Runway MyLifetime.com Recaps: Episode 11

80's Biker Shorts, The Lion King Zebras, Thanksgiving Turkeys, Wendy Pepper 2.0 and Topstick...Yep, It's Project Runwaaaaaaayyyyyyy!!!!

Let's Get Physical: Olivia Newton John and Sue Sylvester on "Glee"...and some sexy 80s Bicycle Short-clad boys

Helloooooooo ! (say it with the Heidi Klum accent!)--Yes, Season 8 Project Runway is just about in it's last episodes before it is decided Who. Will. Be. America's Next...Top Fashion Designer! Last Thursday's Episode and Challenge revolved around "Active Wear". Specifically, designing looks for...

Heidi Klum's new line for New Balance to be sold exclusively at Amazon.com. This was supposed to be the centerpiece of the episode. However, as things sometimes turn out on Project Runway, that was just an excuse to get the "Mean Girls" back and get the Drama simmerin' again...since of course we (and in "we" I don't mean ME!) love the DRAMA!

The Lowlights and Highlights:

--Ivy Equals Wendy Pepper 2.0

Ivy Higa returns as the Leader of Season 8's "Mean Girls" (along with 3/4 of the cast), accusing Michael Costello (of course) of cheating and sabotage...Well, if anyone is sabotaging it's Miss Ivy. She took this entire Episode away from everyone else: I forgot WHAT the Challenge was about and that it had anything to do with Heidi, New Balance OR Amazon.com! So, I think we can make it official: Ivy is the new...

Wendy Pepper. Congrats!

--Thanksgiving Day Turkey Work Out Gear?

During this episode, the bitter "Mean Girls" Designers who were brought back to "help" kept making fun of what Michael Costello was creating for Heidi and her new line, saying it reminded them of something from a "Thanksgiving Day Turkey Parade". I actually thought they were cute...Just to remind people THIS...

Is what a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Design actually looks like! Thank you very much :)

--Topstick/Toupee Tape/Double-stick Tape was the new Season 8 Cast Member

Continuing on the "Mean Girls" and accusations...Miss Ivy accused Michael C. of using double stick tape on his dress for the "Jackie Kennedy Challenge". I didn't realize that using Topstick was against the rules. Why is Topstick against the rules but using glue, glue stick and staples NOT? Read my MyLifetime.com Blog to see what I think of all that.

--Bicycle Shorts Are BAAACK Y'all!

Yep, Gretchen had a pair of bicycle shorts in her "Heidi Klum for New Balance" looks-they were asymmetrical and black and none of the judges thought they were cute. I would have liked them if they looked more like the ones above--thong and all! At least, I would have given her credit for being kitschy and campy!

--The Best & Not So Good

I actually liked Mondo's group-he stuck to the color story for Heidi's New Balance line, it looked wearable as well as directional; very Alexander Wang Barney's CoOp. And of course, those geometric headbands were oh-so-editorial! Even though he was being kind of a you-know-what to Heidi, he should have won...again!

I wasn't a fan of Andy's active wear looks though. Michael Kors and Heidi K just LOOOOVED it! I didn't get it. Nina Garcia did say they looked "a bit" Halloween-y. On closer inspection, they also reminded me of this:

The "Lion King" Zebra costumes! There's an inspiration: The Zebras from Lion King-Inspired Active Wear by Andy South! Love it!

But it was "Cutie Christopher" who was sent home--when I saw those weird proportions, twisting inseams, crazy styling (Wedge heels??Really???) and even crazier slits placed in the most WRONG places, I knew it was going to be his time. Michael Kors was right, they did look rather "Retirement Home Pajama Party". Christopher's girls were on their way to play Mahjong and then meet their girlfriends for some Bloody Mary's...as opposed to go to their next Bikram Yoga appointment.

Even this lovely lady looks more fashionable than any of Christopher's models...

Oh well, with that, we (and when I say "we", I mean "I") give you a smooch on the cheek for being CUTE and for designing for the "Older Clientele"...they are sometimes forgotten on Project Runway.

Here's a Sneak Peak of my latest Blog Recap of Episode 11 for MyLifetime.com:

Lies, Losers and a Tale of Double-Stick Tape

Oh Lordy: I just knew that after a solemn and genuinely emotional TEARJERKER of an episode — and I would be remiss not to mention HOW TIMELY it was with all these sad gay suicides occurring in our country — that it would be followed by DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA! I'm not talking the good, Joan Crawford, DIVA kind. I'm talking about the silly, bitchy, bitter kind. Yep, it seems that the producers saw the drama fading away as soon as the "mean girls" were eliminated, and thought to themselves, "Hmmm, how can we recapture that Jersey Shore level of fighting again?! I know! Let's bring back the bitter, angry eliminated designers! Yeah! Problem solved!" But I digress … let's start from the top........

To Read The ENTIRE Recap Click HERE

Nick Verreos MyLifetime.com Season 8 Project Runway Recaps: Mundo Mondo!!!

Mondo: You Win In My Book!

Stylin' Mondo

Look at you Mondo! You WIN!!!! You win in my heart and you win in this Episode!!!! Of course, everyone and their Project Runway-loving mom knows that, in this episode, my little Latin Urkel, revealed to the Basic Cable viewing audience--as well as Heidi, Nina, Michael and guest judge, Designer Rachel Roy--that he was HIV+. It was a major moment for Project Runway and you just know that it will be the "For Your Consideration Emmy Voters" DVD that will be sent in the mail. On top of that, I was BALLING!!!! But, there was more: For this, Episode 10 of Season 8 Project Runway, the designers got the fabulous HP TouchSmart Technology Computer Challenge where they had the privilege of designing their own custom fabric along with their look. I'm not a fan of re-hashing old challenges, but I do love this one kiddies!

As a "Twist", Daddy Tim Gunn, had "surprise Guests": The Designer's Moms: Mondo, had some bonding time with his lovely Madre (above) and...

Michael Costello, even got a visit from his "Mini Me" son (he's sooooo adorable!).

Christopher's Mom was nowhere to be seen, but...in her absence was his partner/boyfriend. And Kudos for Lifetime for keeping that kiss! Love that in this photo they are just enjoying some Shrimp Cocktail...Go figure: Skinny buffed Up Gays do eat!

Off The Shoulder Barbara Walters

Now let's get to the Runway: Speaking of Cutie Christopher, he just LOVES creating designs for an older customer, bless his heart. That off-the-shoulder printed top and those slacks are SO very Barbra Walters. Like something she would definitely wear on "The View":

My Least Favorite was Andy South's:

He struggled the entire time, saying that he was in a "Memory Bubble" and was not even trying to hide his disdain for his own design. I wouldn't either: It was a MESS! There was NO DESIGN!

She looked like trashy singer Ke$ha after waaaay too many Long Island Ice Tea's from some late-night Hollywood Blvd D-list nightclub. Yep, I said it.

Miss Guatemala Does Cocktail

But, according to the judges, it was Valerie Moyen's aka "Miss Guatemala's" time to go. It wasn't that bad, but it wasn't good either. I know how it works now, she was on the bottom last time so the show was "setting it up" for you to not be soooo surprised when she was "Auf'ed". But the Winner:

Where Can I get Those Pants?

Was my dear little Mondo. His design was EXQUISITE! When his model came out on the Runway, I was like "WORK!!!!!". Seriously. That mitering of his great print was flawless, and she looked (I just HATE this word, but it applies) FIERCE. Go on Miss Mondo. Take your Project Runway Crown. This IS your Moment. I just have a feeling about who might win this whole thang...Just sayin' (I really don't know!).

Here's a "Sneak Peak Intro: to my MyLifetime.com recap:

Positive Tears Of Fashion

Hello, "Project Runway" kiddies: I am in the midst of finishing up my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection, which — along with my design partner David Paul — we will debut at tonight's fabulous 3rd Annual Style Week Orange County. But even all the alterations, fittings and last-minute craziness couldn't stop me from watching this week's "Project Runway"!

Get the Kleenex Out
Well, hope you had the box of Kleenex out, because this was a MAJAH tearjerker of an episode. Amongst all the usual "Project Runway" shenanigans: a new challenge, surprise guests and more Gretchen "Two Cents" critiques, we had a HUGE revelation from one of the contestants, my little darling Latin Urkel, Mondo Guerra. So shall we just get started?........

To Read the entire Recap, Click HERE!