Three Days Till Runway

Korto misses Jerrel. But not that much.

Leanne says “it’s pretty awesome” that it’s all girls – a PR first, but she will keep fighting until she’s the last person standing on that stage.

Kenley talks about how she hasn’t seen or pretty much spoken with her family in about 2 years, and something about them not being there for her. Or something. Not that I blame them or anything.

Bluefly.com Workroom

Tim comes in and tells them that they are each presenting 10 looks and need to edit 2 looks out of their collections. But drop everything! You’re going to model casting – now!

Korto needs hair because she wants to do big Asian buns. Mmmmm. Dim sum.

Leanne likes the “alienish” look.

Kenley is annoying Leanne by “advising” her on which models to pick. “Ooo. She’s soft. Most of your stuff is soft.” Please.

Hey! That’s Naima, winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 4!

Morgan, a model from Season 1, is auditioning. Kenley says that they all know who she is. “If I get her, she’d better not act up.” As in, she’d better not upstage you?

Workroom

Tim comes in to get a sense of their collections.

He starts with Kenley. She pulls out a “tumor” dress (see Ep. 3). Tim is “perplexed by how this big rope strangles the organic nature” of the piece. He says it looks arbitrary and contrived. Kenley, however, back to her old ways, says that she pretty much could give a rat’s ass what Tim thinks – she likes it and she’s leaving it. “My decisions are final and I’m done with it.” So much for appreciating Tim’s input. Tim moves on to asking her about her signature piece. She says that she’s putting Topacio in the wedding dress. Tim reminds her that it will be in front of the judges again. She tells him that the judges loved it, so she’s not worried. “Really? Is that your interpretation from yesterday?” “Isn’t it yours?” “Well, no.” “What was it, then?” “I know that they marveled at your execution, but…” “But what? They called me a knockoff? They’ve done that four times to me, already, and I’m sick of it. It’s insulting.” “Alright, just take responsibility for the decision.” Oh my god! Tim just rolled his eyes as he walked away from her! He is going to be delighted to see the back of Kenley, finally… as will I, dear friends.

Tim moves on to Korto. Korto recalls that Heidi said she wouldn’t be caught dead in the bridesmaid’s dress – or the wedding dress, for that matter, and asks Tim if he thinks she should chuck it. “I wouldn’t dream of telling you that.” “I’m going to have to stand by my collection and love it.”

On to Leanne. She’s thinking of editing out a blue top that goes with white pants, but it’s her only pants. Tim encourages her to include the pants, but they’re not finished. Leanne interviews that she’s got a lot of work to do, but it has to be perfect.

As Tim is about to leave, Kenley calls him over and says that she’s had a change of heart (relatively speaking) and won’t put Topacio in the wedding dress after all.

Korto has decided to chuck the wedding dress and to take another dress out, as well. She doesn’t want to have that conversation with Nina again about “overdesigning.” She’s going to make two new looks. Wow.

Two Days Till Runway

Our girls are going to meet with Collier Strong to consult about the makeup.

Korto’s inspiration is nature. Kenley wants cherry-red lips, almost pink. She wants the models to look like porcelain dolls. Leanne’s inspiration is the ocean. She wants something really modern. Because that’s how she rolls.

Back to the workroom to fit their models. Oh, look – there’s Amanda!

Leanne is fitting…. oh shoot! What is that model’s name? The African girl from the first 2 seasons of The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency. I’m really impressed… who knew any of these girls would actually work – outside of reality television shows, anyway. Oh, wait.

Korto’s beginning to panic, because she’s still not quite done with her first “new” look, and she hasn’t even started on the second. “I’m not leaving without a fight.”

One Day Till Runway

Tresemme hair consultation. Playing with hair. Korto wants 2 buns – one large, one small. Pork and shrimp?

More fittings and alterations.

Tia brings her tiny dog who promptly poops on the floor. Leanne says: “Okay, now go poop on Kenley’s and Korto’s collections.” We hear Kenley: “You’d better keep that [fucking] dog away from my …” While wearing the evening gown, Tia cleans up the dog poop and Leanne tells her to just not get any on the gown. Yeeesh!

It’s nearly 11:00 pm, and Tim comes in and asks them to “gather round, because this will be our last ‘gather round.’” He tells them the order of the show will be Kenley first, Korto second, and Leanne third. He’s just “so incredibly proud.”

Day of the Final Runway Show

It’s half-past dark outside and the girls are all getting ready to go. Kenley interviews about how last year she sneaked into one of the tents and promptly got kicked out. Hee!

They all interview in their own ways about how excited they are to be showing at Bryant Park and they want it, they deserve it, etc., etc.

Korto welcomes her helpers (design students) and thanks them for their assistance. See? Class.

Kenley tells her helpers that she doesn’t need anything right now, but she’ll let them know. She interviews that no one touches her stuff but her – they don’t know how to iron painted fabric – she’s the only one who does that. She’s ironing and straightening and fussing and dropping stuff on the floor, and we see her helpers in the background just standing around with their arms crossed. No class.

One Hour Till Runway

Leanne was going to put Tia in an off-the-shoulder outfit, but it has magically grown overnight and has become huge and floppy on her. She decides to put Tia in the blue gown.

It’s showtime, people!

Everyone interviews in their own ways about how beautiful their models are, how tired they are, how much they’ve accomplished, and how they’re going to win this.

The Runway

Okay, I am not putting up 30 pictures, people.

Anyway, Heidi welcomes the crowd. Introducing the judges, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, and an empty chair. Jennifer Lopez was going to be the guest judge, but supposedly injured her foot and canceled at the last minute. What? Like you can’t sit on a chair with an injured foot, JLo? No class.

Heidi announces that the fill-in guest judge is: Tim Gunn!

Cut to the faces of the designers backstage. Kenley says – out loud – “Are you kidding? Okaaay, maybe I should have improved my attitude.” Ya think? Manipulative bitch.

First out is Kenley, who says that she was inspired by painting and fantasy and Alice In Wonderland (which is like, one of my all-time favorite stories and, considering the source, I’m taking it as a slam), that this is her fantasy wardrobe, and that she loves her family and thanks them for their support (wait a minute… see above. Huh?) Her father looks bewildered. Jeez! Her sister looks just like her. Bet she’s a royal pain in the ass, too.

Next is Korto, who talks about how all this is for her daughter. “Enjoy it! Don’t I look hot?”

She put Amanda in one of the new dresses that she just whipped up, and we can read Nina’s lips: “That’s fabulous. I like that.”

Two more ANTM alumni! Damn! That’s Dani (Danielle), the winner of Cycle 8(?) in the second green mini, and wasn’t that Bianca in the first green dress? Okay, I admit that I first thought it was Bree (granola bar girl).

Last – but certainly not least – is Leanne. “I love my collection… I suffered and slaved, yada yada yada.” Honestly, girl! Ditch the big black-rimmed glasses and style yourself, for a change!

>Sigh!< Show’s over. You know, I love the runway shows most of all. And it’s over so quickly. Ah, well.

Fern Mallis is complimenting Kenley! Arrrgggh! Oompa-loompa-licious is back and restored to his bright orange vigor! Leanne: “Buy my clothes so I can make my mortgage payment!”

Congratulations, Korto! You’re the Fan Favorite and win $10,000!

Judging

Lots of discussion between the 4 judges about this being “the year of the women”, “clear, palpable points of view,” etc.

Kenley: The judges heap heaps of praise on her for her painting, impeccable fitting, and on and on, and leave it to Nina to bring up that the floral painted dress looked like it was from a Balenciaga collection. Hah! MK and Nina tell Kenley that it is necessary to know what’s out there. Kenley responds, rather snottily, “You guys have told me that before, so yeah, I guess I’m going to have to do some research.” Benefit of the doubt, eh?

Korto: They love the way she incorporates her heritage and culture without the clothes coming off as costumes. The long green finale dress with the asymmetrical halter top is their favorite. They do criticize her for overdecoration and overdesigning. What do you want, people?

Leanne: Divine workmanship; appreciate the variety of looks; it all worked together and showed things they’d never seen before, such as the petals. But, there were a lot of them. MK is afraid she’s going to become known as “Petals Marshall.” Sounds like a stripper. Oops! He agrees with me. >Snort!< Is she a one-note?

For the umpteenth time, Heidi asks them each why she should be the winner. Kenley has passion, Korto has more inside her, Leanne is modern, new, and over half of her collection was made with “sustainable materials.” What? Like cork? That would be interesting, wouldn’t it? A Cork Collection… I’m thinking Moet.

Judges

Kenley: Cohesion, almost couture-like. Evocative of other designers. She needs to take a fashion history class, Tim generously suggests.

Leanne: Complicated but simple-looking. Loved that she used sustainable fabrics and it wasn’t “granola-looking.” Concerned about the concentration on “petal architecture.”

Korto: Impressed with her silhouettes and the overall look of the collection. Deceptively simple. Can dress many sizes. That’s a gift. I would take one.

Verdict

Each of them put on a great show, but only one of them can be the winner. Kenley is auf’ed – bright future, etc. Ever gracious in defeat, she’s really sad and crushed. She’s a true artist. Bleah.

Congratulations Leanne!

Heidi tells Korto that she’s very talented and has the ability to dress everyone. Korto interviews: “Am I sad? Yes. Disappointed? Yes. This is definitely not the last of Korto, but at this moment, my heart is bleeding.” Oh, Korto…doesn’t the ten grand ease the pain a little?

“A hundred thousand dollars, drinks are on this brother.” Leanne? White girl? You in there?

And oh yeah. Tia, you’re a winner, too.

As Leanne turns to leave the runway, Nina says: “We’ll see you again soon.” “Can’t wait!”

And so, my friends – and you are my friends, even though I’m betting there’s not a “Joe the Plumber” among you – we come to the end of another season. I’m sad. Kinda. Sorta. I’ll miss you – stop by now and again and say Hi!

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Blogging Project Runway, to whom I think I can safely say, I owe you my PageRank!

See you next Season – whenever, wherever!

Wait! Don’t go……..

Keep in mind here that I am writing this on no food, no water, and no coffee. In fact, I will probably be struck by lightening at some point. Fair warning.

We open on Kenley, Leanne, Korto, and Jerell at the runway. Heidi comes out and tells them that they will each put together a collection of ten looks for New York Fashion Week. They will each get $8,000 and will have 2 months.

She reminds them that only three of them will actually compete – when they return to NY, one of them will be out. She continues that the evening gown was a misstep for them as designers, but with more time and money, they think they will shine.

So, she’s sending them home with one more challenge – They are each to design a wedding dress that represents them as designers and as a reflection of their line.

Korto is annoyed because she thought they were finally going to be free.

I’m annoyed because I’m a quart low.

Tim comes out from behind the scrim and says that he will be checking in on them in the next month. So do it! Heidi: Yes, amaze us! “Come on, Tim. Let’s walk into the sunset.”

The Atlas lobby

Kenley: “Last runway show I was completely sabotaged by all of the other designers, and it sucked. But, bring it on, I’m going to win this thing.” She walks right by Jerell without a word, out the door, and down the street.

Jerell gets up to greet Korto and Leanne. They mockingly look around for Kenley – “There’s someone else.” “I don’t see anyone!” Korto interviews: “Typical Kenley. Rude as hell. I’m glad the judges called her on it. I don’t think it’s going to change her – she’s still going to have that stanky attitude…”

Jerell interviews that he doesn’t know what the girls are going to be doing at home with their $8,000, but he’ll be constructing pure magic.

Leanne interviews that this is her lifetime opportunity and there’s no way she’s going to procrastinate on this.

I really need a cup of coffee.

4 weeks till Fashion Week

Tim is in Little Rock, Arkansas (shout out to my friend, Kelli!) to check on Korto. “Who is it?” Air kisses at the door. “What is this place?” It’s called Park On River and belongs to the City of Maumelle (just NW of Little Rock, for you sticklers out there). The building has some spaces for artists, etc. Korto said she needed a place where she could concentrate, and though she loves her family, she doesn’t think that they fully grok the pressure she’s under right now.

Korto tells Tim that she was scared by his visit. He says: “Oh, don’t be scared. I’m friend, not foe… You know me.” Korto says that the inspiration for her collection is culture and nature and ethnic. She wanted it to be ethnic without being too ethnic. Her own original beadwork is incorporated.

The green is her favorite. Tim looks at it and says that the shape of it bothers him – it seems a little sexual. Kind of a snatch shot. Tim!

They move on to her wedding dress. She says it’s not traditional and is the color of her wedding dress when she got married (kind of a beige-y taupe-y color). It’s got a lot of tucks and ripples in the detailing. She says that she’s not going to have a headpiece or a train, and Tim says that it needs something that says wedding, not red carpet, but that it’s sensational and just stunning. Korto tells him that it’s been giving her nightmares.

Korto takes Tim home to meet her (very!) adorable husband and (very!) adorable little girl, and some friends. She wants to give him a little bit of Arkansas and a little bit of Africa. Her friends are introducing themselves, and one woman’s name is Star. Tim: “Star! There’s only one star in this household!” as he puts his arm around Korto. Awww. That’s sweet.

She then introduces her “drumming partner” and tells Tim that she’s performing for him. Gee, that’s pretty good. Korto voices over that she was born in Liberia in west Africa, and that it’s important to her to maintain a connection with her roots. Her family escaped during their civil war and her father, having been a government official, couldn’t go back or he’d be executed. Listen, Korto. I’ve had conversations with people who’ve been to Liberia recently. I’ve seen pictures. Trust me, Sweetie, you’re not missing anything. They didn’t have anything when they got here. They had to go on welfare and start from scratch. “Just because you’re down on the ground, doesn’t mean you have to stay there.” She wants to show her daughter that whatever she wants to be, she can be it.

As he leaves, Tim gives Korto’s daughter a lesson in air-kissing.

Caffeine deprivation headache setting in. Must. Lie. Down.

Okay, where were we? Oh, yes.

3-1/2 weeks till Fashion Week

Tim is in Portland, Oregon to see Leanne.

Leanne says that she loves her collection, but she’s really nervous about Tim’s reaction. Is he going to love it? Is he going to hate it?

After returning from New York, Leanne went to the waterfront and sketched for a few days and got the idea of doing wave patterns. Tim is concerned with the super white color in the collection. She says that she’ll probably do some dyeing (or was that, dying) to make the collection more cohesive. Tim suggests that her wedding dress doesn’t have the same ease and flow as the other pieces. It looks like a white dress with a bunch of those wave things stuck on it. She says that she’s going to make some changes.

Leanne is taking Tim for a bike ride (“I have to check my medical insurance first.”) It’s a bicycle built for two! How cute is that. She’s taking Tim to a park in the middle of the city.

Leanne wanted to be a designer since she was 12. She was a dancer and began designing her own costumes. “I was always drawing. I had a crayon in my hand from the moment I could pick one up. I was always drawing dresses. And then I thought, hey! I could have a job as a fashion designer when I grow up.” And when you do grow up, Leanne, you might want to think about doing something with your hair. You look like you’re still 12. A little makeup would kill you?

I would kill for a cup of coffee right now.

3 weeks till Fashion Week

Next, Tim goes to LA to visit Jerell. Jerell is very excited to see Tim and to show him the collection.

It’s pretty much an evening collection. There’s lots of embellishment and mixing textures. He shows Tim the wedding dress. Um. This really isn’t very pretty. Jerell wanted to do an “asymmetrical, swooping kind of thing”. There’s this really ugly flap at the top. Tim tells him it looks like something popped out. And it flaps. Tim suggests that he give it some stability, and when he separates it, lo and behold! There’s a dark beaded, almost bustier kind of insert. It’s shiny. Jerell interviews that Tim didn’t think it needed to be quite so asymmetrical at the top, “… and I think it speaks to who I am as a designer.” Uh, oh. Have you learned nothing, Jerell?

Tim checks out the rest of Jerell’s collection. “That’s a lot of look.” Tim thinks Jerell should start thinking about editing. Jerell appears a little disappointed. Tim asks if he can still meet Jerell’s family and friends.

Jerell grew up in South Central LA. His mother said she always knew he would have something to do with creativity. Jerell relates that when he was 4, he cut the bottom off of a tube sock, and “oh, there’s a dress with a train.” I’m thinking he needed to get out of South Central LA before the other kids found out. That’s a tough neighborhood. There was a lot of gang violence, the riots started about 2 blocks from where they lived and liquor store next door was burned down. His dad was a truck driver and was on the road all the time during his childhood. Jerell tears up when says that he appreciates his parents’ sacrifices to get him and his sister out of there and give them a better opportunity.

He interviews that being this close to Bryant Park, not making it is not even an option. “I’ve come this far and there’s no turning back.”

2-1/2 weeks till Fashion Week

Tim goes to Brooklyn to visit Kenley. She hopes that he loves her line that she works so hard on. She says that she values Tim’s opinion, even though it doesn’t look like it. Her grandmother was in fashion in the 40’s and “had a ridiculous style.” She was fun-loving and carefree and influenced Kenley’s style. I couldn’t tell. She gets emotional talking about how her grandmother just passed away a couple of months ago. Kenley was inspired by Alice In Wonderland and painting the roses, so she painted her fabrics. The one Tim pulls off the rack is silk. I hate to admit it, but it’s gorgeous. She shows him another piece that she’s trimmed with ropes wound around the neck. “Talk to me about the ropes.” “I’m into ropes!” Tim keeps thinking of people hanging themselves. Perhaps Kenley?

Tim loves her wedding dress – it’s spectacular. It really is. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Maybe it should be the grand finale?” “Well, yeah!” Kenley is very happy and hugs Tim. “Suddenly I think that I have a huge chance of winning.” I am, however, uncomfortably reminded of Bjork, the Icelandic singer/songwriter who wore this to the 2001 Oscars to great fame and derision:I would kill Kenley for a cup of coffee.

6 days till Fashion Week

Ooo, very nice! They put them up in the Presidential suite at the Westin Hotel, Times Square.

Korto is the first to arrive. “It’s too quiet in here – I need some roommates.” She thinks about the last time she saw Kenley and says that someone is going to have to room with her – she just hopes it’s not her.

To Korto’s relief, Leanne arrives next. “I was praying you would be here next.” Leanne takes her stuff into one of the bedrooms: “I’d better go mark my territory.” “Yeah, go pee on it.” Has Korto been watching America’s Next Top Model?

Jerell shows up next. “I’m hoping Korto and Leanne will be the ones joining me at the tents, but I guess we’ll see – I don’t know.” “We’re so sorry.” “Why? What happened?” “Well, let’s just say you go to your room and find out.” Jerell checks out the other bedroom. “Oh, I’m going to be staying with Kenley, Yaay!” “Don’t worry – we’ll come check on you.” “You might be checking on me on the couch.”

Kenley is the last to arrive. “Hi!” Everyone is very tense because they’re not sure what to expect. “Listen I’m sorry about being such a bitch. I just want to be cool with everyone.” She interviews that “It’s not really worth being mad at people I’m never going to see again. I’m not thinking about them at all. I’m thinking about getting to Bryant Park.” I don’t know, Kenley. Are you planning to continue in the fashion industry? Do you not still have some contractual obligations with Bravo? Then you know, you just might see these people again. A lot. For years.

The doorbell rings and it’s room service with champagne and goodies! There’s a note from Tim, telling them to relax and enjoy and he would see them in the morning.

Kenley pops a bottle of bubbly. Mmmm. Moet. My favorite. If any of you chooses to take note.

Right now, some Dunkin Donuts coffee sounds even better. Mmmm…

Jerell interviews that the mood in the room lightened after Kenley’s apology, but there’s still underlying tension.

Next morning

They arrive at their work room and begin unpacking their collections. Jerell tells the girls to finish unpacking and he would be by to critique them.

Tim comes in and asks them to “gather round.” He welcomes them to the Bluefly.com Studio. He reminds them that only three of them will compete at Bryant Park. And to decide which one would be eliminated, there will be one more challenge. “I was pissed – we were all pissed” says Kenley. The challenge will be to design a bridesmaid’s dress to coordinate with the wedding gown they made for what they thought would be their final challenge. I could have told you that.

Tomorrow they will present their wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses to the judges. The budget is $150 and they’re off to Mood. They have until midnight to complete the dress.

Leanne says that she is using the opportunity to show more color.

Korto says that she hopes she doesn’t snap on anyone. Kenley replies that she can go ahead and give it to her, because she already has – at the last runway show. Korto says that was because Kenley called her boring. Kenley says that at least she didn’t say that she didn’t deserve to go on because of her personality. Well!

Korto interviews that Kenley is good in her book until she pisses her off again. Which could be at any time.

Jerell – bridesmaids’ dresses are butt-ugly.

Korto – It’s alright for your bridesmaids to be cute, ladies.

Tim’s Walkabout

Kenley: Fun and upbeat.

Jerell – looks sloppy – puckering. Don’t fight mother nature – or Nina Garcia.

Leanne – it will be cuter [if it were] shorter.

Korto – He sees 2 wedding dresses. “At this point, I see them in competition.”

Tim: “It is critically important that you can stand by your creations… Don’t make any decisions that you’re not confident about.” He’s so proud and begins tearing up. “I really care about you.”

Korto is starting to freak out because she has a lot to do and there are only 4 hours left till midnight.

I’m freaking out because, well…

4 days till Fashion Week

This is it – the elimination.

Korto shortened her bridesmaid dress. “I’m going to use my time very wisely.”

Tim is sending in the models.

Kenley thought she was the only one making a short bridesmaid dress. She’s really pissed off that Korto and Leanne did, too.

Leanne loves seeing her wedding dress on Tia.

Korto – Somebody’s dream is going to be ruined.

Runway

Heidi: “These 2 looks will determine which 3 of you will compete at Bryant Park.” Heidi, Michael and Nina are the only judges.

Jerell:

Korto:


Leanne:


Kenley:

Judging

Leanne: MK – this is so chic, beautifully crafted. Fabric is interesting, modern, dreamy, you. Love the bridesmaid dress. Fantastic job.

Jerell: MK likes the wedding dress from the empire waist down. Looks a bit messy. The bridesmaid dress is “mumsy”(?).

Kenley – The wedding dress is a little Alexander McQueen. But done beautifully. The bridesmaid dress is cute. Heidi thinks it’s crazy good.

Korto – Heidi wouldn’t want to be the bride in that dress. The bride is overworked and bridesmaid is underworked.

Judges

Leanne – loves all that architectural work. Able to do the modern with the romantic.

Kenley – would be a fun wedding. Kooky and meticulous at the same time. The wedding dress would be an awesome finale dress.

Korto – overkill. Bridesmaid was boring.

Jerell: overwrought by 20,000. All he does is embellish things.

Verdict

Leanne and Kenley will compete at Fashion Week.

Korto – the dresses did not relate to each other.

Jerell – look was garish and too much

Korto – is in. Jerell is auf’ed!

“Tear it up, Girls. If you want a basic white tee, get it from Michael Kors. (Ouch! Just a tad bitter, are we, Jerell?) I see when I’m 80 years old being invited to the Met for a retrospective of my work.”

Discussion

I’ve noticed that there has been some heated debate on the interwebs on the subject of Kenley’s wedding dress. Some people feel that she stole the idea from Alexander McQueen, especially since MK noted that he saw something quite similar in Alexander McQueen’s show at Fall Fashion Week. I don’t know where they got their photo, but I borrowed this from LaLateNews to show you the side-by-side.

I’m not sure. Would Kenley be that ballsy? She has been called on being derivative before. So what do you think? And again, let’s compare:

Could we not just as easily say that Alexander McQueen stole his idea from Marjan Pejoski?

Next week: The Final Finale! Which they scheduled directly opposite the third and last presidential debate. Nice timing! So, I think it’s safe to say that next week’s recap will be late, too. Apologies in advance.

Now, where’s my damn coffee!?!

Nature Calls

Open on our kids making their beds and getting ready for a brand new day. The last day for one of them. (Cue evil laugh).

Korto is brushing her teeth in the kitchen sink. Eww. She interviews that she’s 33 and the oldest in group. She’s got a husband and child and is grateful for a second chance to make her life what she wants it to be.

Leanne says to Kenley that she’s so glad that they’re finally down to the top 4. Kenley is ignoring her. Leanne interviews that, “Honestly, Kenley should have been eliminated awhile ago. She’s been disrespectful to all of us – she’s been downright rude.”

Kenley’s not speaking to Leanne. She thinks Leanne sabotaged her at runway, last week, and made her outfit look foolish. Personally, I don’t think she needed any help in that respect. “I’m not interested in even trying to pretend that I like her.” Why have I not noticed before that Kenley is wearing one of those feather – what does Miz Shoes call them? – “fascinators” things in her hair with a ponytail and tee-shirt?

Jerrell is the only guy left and has no one to talk to. He’s sitting on the floor with a Tim Gunn bobblehead, a syrup bottle an apple and a grapefruit, bidding farewell to Joe and Suede. As he walks out the door: “Later Joe… Later Suede… Don’t rot on the counter…”

Parson’s

Heidi appears on the runway for model elimination. Really – what’s the point? Korto, as last week’s winner, stays with Katerina. Sefara is out.

Tim is waiting in lobby to take them on a field trip.

Kenley whines that she had a hard time in the last challenge, so she’s hoping that this time it’s something that she actually does.

In the van, Tim asks the designers what they think the challenge will be. Korto says she thinks it will be “evening / wedding – something in that arena.” Jerell says that the twist will be that their client will be Hedda Lettuce.

New York Botanical Garden

They seem overwhelmed by the experience of actual fresh air and sunshine.

Leanne says: “Oh no, we’re going to have to make a dress out of flowers.” You know, I really loved that challenge from Season 2. That was creative!

But no, their challenge is to create an evening gown using nature as their muse. Yes, I guess it’s too late in the day to ask for anything actually fun. For us, I mean. This will be the traditional “Oh My God This Is The Last Cut So I’ll Disappoint The Judges With A Safe And Boring Long Dress That Has Nothing To Do With My Actual Personal Style Challenge”.

Kenley says that the place is huge and they’re surrounded by all these crazy, bright, vibrant colors all around, and that they all feel like they’re in The Wizard of Oz. We now know that fresh air and sunshine work like LSD on Kenley.

They see Collier Strong – consulting makeup artist of L’Oreal Paris. Tim says “Don’t be afraid.” Collier is there to officially announce that this is the “Oh My God This Is The Last Cut So I’ll Disappoint The Judges With A Safe And Boring Long Dress That Has Nothing To Do With My Actual Personal Style Challenge” – inspired by nature.

They each get a camera and they have an hour to wander around to find their inspiration.

Jerell takes inspiration from everything in life. He finds some old-fashioned roses in hues of pinks and reds and plums.

Leanne plays tag with the bees. They’re like her favorite credit card – everywhere she wants to be (be / bee – get it? Fine.) She finally runs across some lavender-colored flower that inspires her with its structure and layers.

Korto finds a “flamenco” flower. This area reminds her of her mother’s garden in Africa. “I’m gonna win this one for my mama.”

Kenley is in her element, surrounded by all the florals she could ever hope for. “This challenge is perfect for me.”

Back to Parsons

They have 30 minutes to choose one photo to be their inspiration and will get $250 to spend at Mood for this L’Oreal Paris Challenge.

Miss “I’ve got to throw some ugly-ass floral print into everything I make” Kenley chooses a purple coleus. A leaf. Go figure.

Mood

Kenley finds a fuschia snakeskin textured fabric to mimic the texture in the coleus leaf.

Tim asks Jerell pointedly about some horrible lemon/lime dayglow sequin-y fabric he had chosen. Jerell re-examines his choice. “There’s such a fine line between elegant and low-class.” Um, I don’t think the line is quite that fine, Jerell, and that shit’s fugly.

There’s a pile of black tulle on the counter with a ticket on it. Korto looks at it and asks no one in particular “Is this somebody’s stuff?” And then they all leave.

Back at Parsons – 6:00 p.m.

They will have until midnight tonight & all day tomorrow to work.

They all talk about their fabrics, their designs, their flowers, yada yada yada…

It’s now 11:10 on the old clock on the wall

Kenley – “Did I have another Mood bag?”

Jerell – “I think you only had one.”

“I’m missing my tulle. I’m going to kill myself.” Well, please be quick about it so we can just move along to the finals. Okay? And don’t make a mess in the workroom while you’re at it. The custodial staff gets very upset about that sort of thing.

“Well, I’ve got to move on, so I’m using drafting paper. I’m freaking out right now.” Everyone smiles at her discomfiture. So am I.

Jerell : “I do have tulle that I’m not going to use, but Kenley’s a one-trick pony and I’m not assisting her in any way. She threw her eyes on that tulle sitting on my table and it’s not gonna happen like that.”

Korto: “I’m probably not using mine, either. I can’t feel bad for Kenley. She’s rude to Heidi, she’s rude to Tim. When you have an ugly attitude it just makes you ugly, and it makes everything you make ugly. I don’t feel sorry for her.”

Jerell : “I can’t wait to see how this all pans out – I’m going to stay tuned.”

Hee.

Day Two

Jerell goes to the girls’ apartment and asks Korto if she’ll do his makeup, too. Kenley’s not in the mood to talk to any of the other designers. Nobody gives a shit.

Parsons

Kenley’s angry at herself and asks if Jerell’s tulle is for sale. He says no, his tulle’s not for sale – he thinks he’s going to use it to fill out his taffeta. Liar, liar, pants on fire! Korto shoots him a look and rolls her eyes.

Tim comes in and asks how they’re doing. Kenley tells Tim that she left her tulle at Mood and he tells her that if it’s on her receipt, he doesn’t want her to be handicapped and she can go back and get it later.

Tim sends in the models for fittings.

Collier Strong comes in to consult on makeup.

The cool kids are on one side of the room, chatting, and Kenley: “It’s just me on one side of the room and the other three designers on the other side… It’s been like that my whole life. I don’t know why.” Because you’re a loud, rude, obnoxious bitch. That’s why. Oh, was that a rhetorical question?

Kenley’s off to Mood to retrieve her tulle. She interviews that she was taught to be tough. Her father was a tugboat captain and she spent half her childhood on water, far away from land, where she could be as loud and obnoxious as she wanted to be (her words), and that it probably had some bearing on who she is today. Yeah. A loud, rude, obnoxious bitch. Have we not yet made the association?

“I’m not worried about people understanding me. I yam who I yam (said Popeye), and I want to go to Bryant Park. I deserve to be there… ‘cause my line will be the best.” Snickering.

Tim does his walkabout

Korto – “You have got to talk to me about that lace. It’s really sleek and 2008 in the front and Catherine the Great in the back.”

Kenley: “…looking more like fish scales than floral.” “Really? Cool. That’s what I’m going for. I’m feeling really great about this. I love it.” She was completely complimented when Tim says that it looks like fish scales.

Jerell – responds positively to the layers but it’s looking unfinished, but has the potential to blow everyone’s socks off.

Leanne – Looking very Hello Dolly.

“I’m so proud of all of you, so work, work, work.”

Morning of Runway Show

Everyone is stressed out and on more than the verge of tears. It’s all coming to an end and they’re starting to crack under the pressure.

Korto: “I just wish everyone the best from the bottom of my heart.”

Leanne: “I know. I wish everyone the best, too.”

Lying bitches.

Parsons

Tim: This is the last runway show… I’m sending in the models and you have one hour, etc.

Jerrel: “That suit is cut great, Tim.” “Thank you.” Suck-up.

What a surprise – Kenley doesn’t like anything that anyone else did. Stop the presses!

Ten minutes – “They’re still sewing and ironing in there…”

Leanne: “This is not going to be my best work.” Um, may I point out that this would be the wrong time to not bring out your best, people?

The Bravo Question

Would you have given Kenley your extra fabric?

A. Why? She’s a pain
B. Sure, it’s good karma

Guess which one wins.

Runway

Jerell’s roses:

Kenley’s coleus:
Korto’s flamenco flower:
Leanne’s lavender:

Judging

There are 4 left, but only 3 will earn the right to go to fashion week. The guest judge is Georgina Chapman, co-founder & designer of Marchesa. Oooo. Score!

Korto – flamenco flower. The shape is very flattering, well-made. MK thought it was pageant. Questioning the fabric choice. Doesn’t come off as sophisticated. Threw too much in there and went too far to impress us.

Leanne – inspired by lavender plant – wanted to recreate the structure of the lavender plant. Nina pleasantly surprised to see her working with something soft. Bustle was a problem.

Jerell – Heidi wanted to yank the top up. True – even his model is holding her arms very close to her sides to keep the top up. A little messy. MK – “It’s off in a way that intrigues me.”

Kenley – Doesn’t look very organic. Looks scaly and creepy. Doesn’t look young, cool, hip at all. MK said he wrote cliché. The petals don’t look elegant. “I wasn’t going for elegant, Heidi.” Heidi starts in on Kenley getting all defensive anytime she’s criticized, which of course, Kenley argues – defensively. Nina tells her that it’s true – when she gets all flippant and smug, they wonder “does she really give a damn?” MK: “You wouldn’t be standing here if we didn’t love what you do. We’re fans, we want it to be fabulous.”

Heidi then asks each of the designers why they should move up and which two of the remaining three should go with them.

Jerell: “This is my dream… I have a lot more to show… blah, blah, tears, choke, choke.” He then goes on to say that while Kenley is “an amazing designer”, the 50’s thing’s been done and he’s seen it all before. Kenley starts arguing with him and he tells her to shut the fuck up and wait her turn. Go Jerell! He continues that Korto, Leanne and he, Jerell, should advance to the tents in Bryant Park.

Leanne: “I’m not going to do a boring show.” Jerell and Korto are on the same level as her and should advance with her.

Korto: “I’m the oldest one here and I still have my dream.” Leanne and Jerell should go with her because of who they are as people.

Kenley: “Well now that I’ve been trashed – I take the most risks here.” “I feel like I’ve been fighting my way through life, so it’s force of habit.” She picks Leanne and Jerell. “I don’t think classic puts on a show and people want to see a show at Bryant park.” Did she just pick her nose on the runway?

Korto calls out Kenley in the waiting room: “I’ve got to say, Kenley, everytime you have to defend yourself, you’ve got to ‘dog out’ what I do.” “They forced me to.” “Nobody forced you to do nothing.” “Okay, I’m sorry!” “No you’re not. You’re not sorry. I didn’t ‘dog’ you out.” “Oh, really?” “No, I didn’t. I didn’t say one word about you.” “Look, I just went through what you went through times ten, okay? So don’t.” “Don’t what? I’m going to say what I have to say and I’m going to speak my mind.” Silence.

Judges

[The designers] are all scared so close to the end.

Leanne – softer Leanne. Really helped her. Definitely has a signature. MK thought the ruching and structure was sad and somber.

Jerell – most intriguing. Need to see polished show at Bryant Park, not a mess.

Korto – pageant and bridal. But she’s not afraid of color; it was every cliché of an evening dress.

Kenley – total loss of taste. Didn’t see the flirty florals. Aside from her designs, Kenley’s attitude is an issue – “…with an attitude like that, what is she going to do when a buyer says they don’t like that sleeve? Take out a knife and kill them?” Would it surprise you? Heidi says that she’s made interesting and outrageous things in the past, and she’s interested to see what she would show.

MK: “They’re all so distinct, and isn’t the most exciting fashion show for the finale, one that shows different points of view?”

The Verdict

“This was the closest runway show we’ve ever had to judge.”

Leanne and Jerell had the highest scores. Kenley and Korto the lowest. Jerell is the winner – just barely.(!)

Of course, the judges couldn’t decide on a loser so all 4 will create collections for Bryant Park, BUT still, only 3 of them will compete for the win. When they return to New York, one of them will be out – including possibly Jerell (!)

Tim: “Group hug, everybody.” Kenley sits there. “Kenley, let bygones by bygones.” Kenley sits there. She interviews: “I’m really happy that we’re getting a second chance to compete. But it’s a little annoying that the other 3 designers hate me. It just makes me want to win even more and beat these other designers to the ground.” Kenley, you have a call – it’s the U.N. on line 2.

Next week: Tim does looksees, everyone’s back in NY, and the final elimination! Whew! Don’t the producers know it’s Erev Yom Kippur?

****

As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So while I have your attention, I’d like you to click on this graphic. The link will take you to The Breast Cancer Site, where by clicking on the pink button, you will help donate free mammograms for women in need. This is totally for real. It doesn’t cost you a penny. This is how it works: The Breast Cancer Site is sponsored by a number of different companies who donate free mammograms to indigent women based on the number of clicks on that little pink button. The sponsors gain exposure because you see their logos and might be interested enough to check them out. But you don’t have to. All you have to do is click and then go on your way.

During the month of October, if they get enough clicks to earn 500 mammograms, their premier sponsor, Bare Necessities, will donate an additional 200 mammograms. But it takes 45,000 clicks to earn one mammogram, people. So everyone’s help is needed. Your click will be counted only once a day, so please click every day. To help you out, there’s a link in my blogroll over there to the right, titled “Daily Click”. That link will take you to The Breast Cancer Site. While you’re there, you’ll notice other tabs at the top of the page where you can click to benefit childhood literacy, rainforest preservation, shelter animals, fight hunger, and more. All at no cost to you. You can click through every tab on the site in under 60 seconds. That’s all it takes. Unless you decide to shop. But that’s another post. Please click and help save lives. And tell your friends. Thank you.

Okay, I’m getting off my soapbox… for now.

Rock ‘n Runway

Open on everyone pasting themselves together for another day. Now that it’s closer, Korto can smell Bryant Park. Guess they haven’t cleared out the trash, yet. Or maybe it’s Kenley’s attitude?

Leanne: “It would be really cool to have it be all girls, but Jerell is really talented, so he’ll just have to wear a wig. Maybe.”

Parsons.

Heidi tells the designers that they are going to “re-pick” their models. There are now 8 models and 5 designers, so 3 will have to go. Jerell, having won last week, has first pick and stays with Nicole.

Kenley chooses Topacio, Joe’s previous model. Leanne steals Tia. She loves Caroline but felt Tia is a real asset and that she gave Suede an advantage. This is a far more shrewd move than even Leanne knows, as we shall see soon enough.

“Suede is going to have to kill Leanne.” Kenley tells Leanne that she’s a heartbreaker. More like a ballbreaker. Oh, this is way more like it, people! Model theft! Finally, a little drama!

Suede takes Sefara, and Korto takes Katerina.

Workroom.

Tim: “I can count you all on one hand!”

In this challenge, they will be designing for each other. Oh, great! So after all the model drama, they don’t even get to use the freaking models! I’d like to know how this is a competition for the models, if they don’t even get to walk for most of the season.

Suede will design for Jerell. “Suede’s okay with this. I’m going to win and Suede’s getting Tia back!” Dreamer.

Kenley is designing for Leanne; Korto is designing for Suede; Jerell for Kenley; Leanne for Korto.

And there’s more! – they must each create for their “client” an outfit inspired by a specific musical genre and explore the relationship music has to fashion. This should be cool.

And the musical genre is assigned by button bag!

Kenley is Pop. She thinks pop is cheesy. So do I, but I’m liking it more and more at the moment.

Suede is Punk. Korto interviews that her fear was to make menswear.

Korto is Country. She rolls her eyes: “Just gets better and better and better.”

Leanne is Hip Hop and Jerell gets Rock ’n Roll.

They have one hour to meet. The budget is $150 and they have till 1:00 am to finish.

Korto consults with Suede on his rock look: “If you have anything along the way that you have problems with, I would prefer that you tell me to my face before Tim comes in, ‘cause I don’t want to have to snap on you in front of Tim.” Yes, ma’m.

Kenley asks Leanne what she would want to wear for hip hop, and Leanne says “Gangster.” Kenley: “I don’t want to make gangster.”

Leanne goes into a little rap – “If she’s designing an outfit for me, she better not make it look like 1950.” Don’t quit your day job. Oh, that’s right. You don’t really have one. Go ahead, smack me now.

Kenley says that “everyone is wearing high-waisted jeans right now and they’re awesome.” You know, I realize I’m kind of out of touch with much of today’s culture, but I am out in the world just about everyday, and I can’t think of any of the hip hop looks I see in the street that even come close to high-waisted jeans. I’m just sayin’. Yeah, some of the “stars” are wearing them, but you know, if pants aren’t your thing to start with, and you can go a different direction (like a mini-skirt with treatment, for instance), why would you go there?

Jerell tells Suede that he wants a big-ass high collar and a big cape. I think he’s kidding. Suede is worried that if he comes out with something 1980’s that Kiss would wear…well…

Jerell tells Kenley that he’s going to turn her into “Kenley Spears.” Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Leanne: “Korto is definitely not country.” Korto: “Can I have some cleavage?” “Sure.” Kenley, being her rude little self, barges over waving a pair of shoes, and interrupts Leanne and Korto, “Can you try these on?” Korto: “Your 30 minutes were up 30 minutes ago. “Come on, you can’t try these on?” “No. I’m gonna hip hop on you in a minute.”

Mood.

Tim: as the designers race by, “…and they’re off!”

Jerell: “I’m going to make Kenley into a little pop diva. Everything is going to be stretchy and netty and sparkly.” Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy!

Kenley has a bolt of some huge ugly-ass floral. Tim: “This is hip hop?” “Sure, it looks like graffiti.” “I don’t get the hip hop factor in the print.” “You’ll see it when it’s done.” “Um, okay.”

Workroom.

They have 12 hours.

Leanne says she wants Korto to look like she’s accepting an award at the Country Music Awards.

Kenley says that it’s her first time making pants on Project Runway. She makes dresses.

Korto: “We all know that floral blouse Kenley’s making ain’t hip hop – it’s damn near country. We’re not going to tell her – we’re just going to let her believe it’s hip hop.” Kenley: “It’ll probably look cute cropped, right?” Oh, please.

Jerell: “Kenley’s in a little bit of trouble. I don’t think there’s anything hip hop in Kenley’s little bag of dresses.”

Jerell is putting his little name sign on the mannequin wearing his winning design of last week and says: “Can I just get a ‘hip – hip – Jerell?’” Korto: “Really, Jerell, how much further do you want to drag this out?”

Jerell interviews that he would really love to win this challenge. Nobody has ever won 3 in a row. For good reason, judging by the size of your head, right about now.

Jerell is making a fishnet mini dress with diamond cups for Kenley. It is “super sexy and not 1954.” Kenley is aghast.

Well, here’s a surprise! “Suede is a classically trained cellist and pianist and definitely not punk rock.” Seriously, I never would have guessed! Maybe it’s the blue pointy hair?!? Suede asks Korto if she wants him to try anything, and she says she’s going to make it out of muslin first – “I’m no fool.” She interviews that she can not even think about going home. “If I have to claim it in the name of Jesus – I’m going to Bryant Park. I can’t think about anything else, I’m sorry.” I swear, if she starts throwing chicken bones and chanting Santeria shit, I’d be very very skerred.

Korto tries on the boots that go with Leanne’s design and suddenly, she’s Dolly Parton.

Jerell is having Kenley try on the dress he made her. “We’re going to see a whole new side of Kenley!” Kenley opines that this shows a lot more parts of her than she would want shown.

Tim does his walkabout.

Jerell – It’s a beautiful silhouette.

Leanne: Is it too subtle?

Korto: Are you doing enough? Looks very basic. Not punk enough.

Suede: Not ramped up enough. You can get away with nearly anything with rock. Suede is afraid of going too far.

Kenley: She sees a lot of hip hop artists are wearing leather jackets and high-waisted jeans. (Again, I ask: Who? Where?) Tim: “Isn’t hip hop oversized?” No, that’s 80’s hip hop!” (As opposed to what? 50’s hip hop? Hmmm. Black leather jacket, tank top, tight jeans… yup. Definitely 50’s hip hop. Or, as they called it back then, “greaser.”) “Okay.” “I know what you think. I’m not going to make her look stupid.” “Kenley, you need to listen. It will benefit you tremendously as a designer… It would help if you removed the sarcasm… you just think I’m being snarky.” Korto interviews: “Kenley comes off as being rude and she’s rude to Tim, and there’s a line you don’t cross. He’s to be respected.” Amen, Sista.

Kenley: “I can’t really listen to Tim at this point, and what does Tim know about hip hop, anyway? (I’m thinking, way more than you do.) Tim thought I was being sarcastic, but I don’t think he really understands me, and I don’t understand him. I definitely know more about hip hop than Tim does.” Hip hop – greaser – it’s all the same to Kenley.

It’s midnight.

Leanne is trying on the pants that Kenley made for her and there’s a “bunching” problem at the crotch. “You’re grabbing my crotch, Kenley,” as Kenley tries to get the fabric to smooth out by sheer force of will. “I don’t think it’s bad enough that they’ll notice.” Leanne: “If our outfit gets called out on the runway, I’m definitely not going to stick up for it. Especially not for someone like Kenley.” Yes, the claws are coming out!

Korto interviews, voice dripping with sarcasm, “Kenley is a hip hop designer… yep. I can – not – wait until tomorrow…” So say we all!

Korto: The denim for the outfit she’s making for Suede is too new, so she goes into the bathroom with a bottle of bleach and the denim pants and the shoes and starts dabbing it all over. Bleach fumes waft through the air. Leanne wonders if Korto is trying to sabotage them by making them inhale the bleach.

Suede: “Something in my gut says the judges are either going to hate this a lot or they’re really going to like it.” Something in my gut is heaving.

Jerell interviews that it has crossed his mind to sabotage Suede – it is a competition.

Kenley feels confident and really loves her outfit. She’s not changing anything about her design based on what Tim said. She thinks it really looks hip hop. “I really do.” I think it’s missing a pack of cigarettes in the sleeve. “I think I nailed it!” No, you didn’t. Will someone please take that fantasy hammer away from her, already?

Morning of the Runway.

Everyone is working away. They have an hour for their own hair and makeup.

Jerell: “Kenley is trying to stuff Leanne into this child-sized ‘hip hop’ outfit…. Oh, yeah, it’s great!” Kenley holds up some earrings: “Hip hop, Jerell?” “Oh, yeah – hip hop.” Korto rolls her eyes.

Jerell: “I’ll let Kenley destroy herself.” I need some evil laughter here. It would also help if Jerell had a moustache to twirl. Props!

Kenley: “Do I look like Britney Spears? The good years?”

Tim: “This will be the most unique show ever on Project Runway.” Meh. They ain’t no drag queens.

Runway:

LL Cool J is the guest judge. Oh, Kenley is in deep shit!

Kenley: “Oh, shit! I got hip hop, and there’s the king of hip hop!”

LL thinks Korto’s Punk look for Suede has a lot of energy.True to his word, Jerell (a former model, let’s not forget!) schlumps down the runway in the “Rock ‘n Roll” look Suede made for him. Suede said he wanted to make something that would be comfortable on stage then transition to the party afterward. Suddenly he’s the Prince of Day-To-Evening. MK: the pants are “expected.” Needed more drama. Heidi: “Do you know who Jerell looks like? Jerell!” At least he’s not wearing a bunch of eucalyptus leaves on his head. Jerell’s Pop look for Kenley: You know, out of everything Jerell has made this season, this is actually my favorite – Jerell says he was going for a Britney Spears/Pussycat Dolls look. Nina thinks she looks like Britney as a brunette. Looks sexy but not vulgar. See, Kenley, this is what “nailed it” looks like.Kenley – She believes that she has designed Hip Hop for Leanne in a “classy and expensive sort of way.” Heidi – Those are really unflattering pants. Does this read “hip hop” to LL? No. Kenley is exasperated. “I could make something luxurious in a few days not one day.” Nina tells her that “everybody’s was hard.” I say, Shut up and quit sassing your betters, bitch!Judges.

So, how do we think they did? Mixed – The hair and makeup helped, but the designs were a little spotty.

Leanne – Needed more “country”. Too subtle. MK: “… a little too much like a woman going out to eat ribs.” A little thoughtless stereotyping there, MK? I think you probably could have come up with a slightly less insensitive analogy, no?
Jerrell – Everyone knew it was pop right away. Love.

Korto – Very cool punk style, jeans fit very well. She nailed that outfit. (See, Kenley? Another example of what “nailed it” looks like. Pay attention.) Suede – Looks like rock ‘n roll going to the grocery store. Too safe. Needed to be “explosive”.

Kenley – Looked like something you’d buy in a mall. Really unattractive jeans. LL thinks they look like “Mom” jeans. The judges think that Kenley was freaked out by this challenge – they were “taking her out of her 50’s prom dress.”

The decision.

The Winner: Korto – finally! She’s so happy – not only did she do a punk outfit, but she did menswear! I am not unhappy. But I still think Jerell should have taken this one – again, I’m betting they just don’t want anyone to win 3 in a row.

However, Jerell is in. Leanne is in. Now, it’s down to Suede and Kenley.

Suede – played it safe. Could have turned up the volume but gave them silence.

Kenley – no glamour, no bravado, missed the attitude of hip hop completely.

Kenley is in (dammit!) – Suede is auf’d!

“I made it to the Top 5 . I can’t be disappointed when I gave it my all… Madonna, I’m ready to dress you up in Suede!” Barf.

Next week: Everyone has a simultaneous nervous breakdown – Looks like fun!