S20.E09: Below Decked Out

[BloggerAloud]

The casts of the two shows getting tipsy together was delightful in the way that harkened back to the far more freewheeling early years of Project Runway. Wasn't there even a whole story point in the first season about the model Morgana getting too drunk and messing up her outfit before the runway?

[chitowngirl]

2 hours ago, GiandujaPie said:

Below Deck is the one reality show that my husband has watched that I haven't (he watches it at the gym) and after seeing this episode of PR, I'm thinking I'm going to have to start watching it! 

 

3 hours ago, Thumper said:

I stopped watching Below Deck ages ago, but that captain is pretty cute — might have to check out BD Down Under!  ☺️

 

I believe that was Bravo’s goal! 😆

[sempervivum]

12 hours ago, Fukui San said:

Anna’s design was in fact fit for a captain as you could envision it on Captain Kirk

This comment amused me, because all of the women's looks (Rami, Bishme and Korto designs specifically) reminded me of the insanely short, tight, impractical 'uniforms' the females on the original Star Trek wore.

Also, I don't/won't watch Below Decks, but was curious why there are 2 captains on this small ship?

[roctavia]

I didn't realize until halfway through the episode that the below decks thing was another reality show... but I get to distracted by other not TV things when the episodes start, so sometimes I miss some of the direction/instructions. 

I like the uniform re-design stuff, though something like the post office challenge would have probably been more fun than reality TV drama. 

I did mostly agree with the judges tonight, which was surprising. 

Bishme's look was great, but I agree with the breathable neoprene comments... though he did put that mesh panel in the back, so it probably is better than just neoprene. It would have the upside of not getting damaged/deformed/see through when wet, so that's good. 

I loved Rami's look and would have probably chosen it for the winner, but either way it looked nice and was functional for what she needed.

Brittany's romper was the only one that made sense, the rest looked ill fitting and not practical. 

I think Anna's kimono inspired look could have worked if it fit better/ the pants maybe were more fitted instead of a romper- like a kimono top with well fit pants etc, but I'm not sad she is gone. Her looks have not been great, so she was destined to leave soon. 

Karasauns look was way too much.. it looked hot and uncomfortable for on a boat in addition to costumy.

Korto's made me think of flight attendant and while the vest was interesting, the dress didn't seem that interesting or professional. 

I didn't mind the other captain look- yes it was a little frilly, but I thought tying in the captain stripes over the shoulder into the pattern was kind of cool. The peplum was unnecessary and like many of the looks this week the pants/bottom half seemed like an afterthought. 

 

 

[TexasGal]

18 minutes ago, sempervivum said:

 

Also, I don't/won't watch Below Decks, but was curious why there are 2 captains on this small ship?

There are 5 different versions of Below Deck, each with one captain, different ships and crews.  Some crew crossover, now that I think about it.  

[WaltersHair]

2 hours ago, BloggerAloud said:

The casts of the two shows getting tipsy together was delightful in the way that harkened back to the far more freewheeling early years of Project Runway. Wasn't there even a whole story point in the first season about the model Morgana getting too drunk and messing up her outfit before the runway?

I remember that! It was a jean skirt or some such. They just made up the rules as they went along back then.

[meep.meep]

4 hours ago, candall said:

Boooo.

So other people can use wool, leather and stifling neoprene and incorporate other inappropriate yacht-job features, and get away with it by saying "Oh, it's for after work, when they go out to the bars," but Anna gets sent home because the Jason is dressed too casually to be on duty as the top professional operating the boat.

Capt. Jason looked comfortable and gorgeous and would appear right at home pouring out of that big Hummer limo production hires to haul everyone to dinner.  How is a black leather jacket look different from a black silk kimono look if both men liked their outfits?

It was supposed to be a dress uniform, not an outfit for after hours.  

[MartyQui]

Bishme’s outfit would look as good on the men as it did on Aesha.  It was really good design.  Anna’s was ridiculous, and I’m glad she’s gone.

Did I imagine a caption when she was sitting outside with Gary where she said she had been divorced for two days?

[dleighg]

5 minutes ago, MartyQui said:

Did I imagine a caption when she was sitting outside with Gary where she said she had been divorced for two days?

she said something like "I am divorced for two days" (as in, I'm allowed to play a bit while I'm on this little vacation). I don't think she really crossed any lines, though her husband may differ (mine would, for that matter, but I wouldn't do that to begin with)

[FlyingEgret]

5 minutes ago, MartyQui said:

Bishme’s outfit would look as good on the men as it did on Aesha.  It was really good design.  Anna’s was ridiculous, and I’m glad she’s gone.

Did I imagine a caption when she was sitting outside with Gary where she said she had been divorced for two days?

I heard that too and thought she was trying to imply she was "single" for two days and could hook up with Gary (or whatever)

[bosawks]

“What’s up y’all, come on board!”

I’m not Brandon’s biggest fan but that had me laughing out loud.

[Stats Queen]

3 hours ago, roctavia said:

I like the uniform re-design stuff, though something like the post office challenge would have probably been more fun than reality TV drama. 

They did a Post Office challenge in one of the earlier seasons.

[bosawks]

3 minutes ago, Stats Queen said:

They did a Post Office challenge in one of the earlier seasons.

Jay’s model going MIA & Austen modeling for him!

Sigh, memories…

[Pi237]

I thought Anna was saying she’d been divorcéd for two days, and I was like, Woah! Then, in her talking head said, “I always love my husband.”  She’s so odd to me, nonoffense to her, but she’s an odd one.

[carrps]

Jason looked like he was in cheesy pajamas. I hated the flood water pant length. Made him look like a cheap gigolo. I haven't watched the boat show, so maybe that's the look they were going for?

[gorgy]

There wasn't anything too egregious. Nobody turned out looking like Capt. Crunch, so let me rip them apart.

• Kara Saun's outfit looked much too much. It was like a Michael Jackson epaulet number.
• The minute anyone mentions jumpsuit, I automatically think of how do I go to the bathroom, so I wasn't a fan of Laurence's concept, and I wasn't a fan of her design either.
• Bischme's look was my favorite by a country mile. (I did think the anchor looked stupid, tbh) I will say, I'm not a fan of jackets as part of the look, but I've never been on a yacht, so maybe it's necessary. I'm actually not sure I liked any jacket produced in this challenge. Rami's was a top look, too.
• Britanny's look came out better than I thought. I'm not a fan of top stitching, but it works in this look.
• Korto's was pretty blah and I think was less interesting than Prajje's.
• Anna's was interesting, but failed in fit and function. Silk was what sunk her.

[7-Zark-7]

I think they did Anna dirty twice in this episode. First, by showing her flirting with the Below Deck guy when they didn't have to (it wasn't integral to the episode) and second by sending her home when she didn't have the worst outfit. 

I adore Prajje and think he's a much stronger designer than Anna, but his outfit was truly hideous.

Project Runway is one of the few Bravo shows I watch, because people have a talent and that's the main focus. I'd prefer it if they didn't try to mix it with their drama for drama's sake shows like Housewives, Below Deck, etc.

1 hour ago, gorgy said:

Anna's was interesting, but failed in fit and function. Silk was what sunk her.

Good point. This isn't the first time they've called Anna out for the wrong choice of fabric for the occasion.

Edited August 5, 2023 by 7-Zark-7

[7-Zark-7]

4 hours ago, Stats Queen said:

They did a Post Office challenge in one of the earlier seasons.

As I recall, a Bermuda short won, a cut which only works on people without thigh meat.

Edited August 5, 2023 by 7-Zark-7

[WhiskeyVictor]

This was the first Runway show I have seen (I was there for the Below Deck crew, honestly). Aesha's was, by far, the best outfit: it looked very stylish while also being professional. I so wanted to like Courtney's (Go Team Coco! 😍🥰 ), but it just didn't look up to par. Zi's was too busy with too many different things going on and it honestly looked very stuffy. Captain Jason's "Asian" look resembled bed-wear, and not at all appropriate for a commanding officer -- or a ninja. Gary's look was too plain and casual, and don't get me started on Captain Sandy's dumpster fire of an outfit. Gah! 😝

[swankie]

13 hours ago, roctavia said:

I think Anna's kimono inspired look could have worked if it fit better/ the pants maybe were more fitted instead of a romper- like a kimono top with well fit pants etc, but I'm not sad she is gone. Her looks have not been great, so she was destined to leave soon. 

When they showed Anna getting the boot during a prior season with the same challenge, the real client challenge, it makes me wonder how well she does in real life with real clients.  I wonder if she is really successful in her business or is she just eking by. I know it's a lot different not having the time constraints that the show puts on them, but I really haven't liked anything she's sent down the runway this season.  I really haven't been able to gage what kind of designer she is.

[dleighg]

8 hours ago, gorgy said:

I will say, I'm not a fan of jackets as part of the look, but I've never been on a yacht, so maybe it's necessary.

I do watch the BD shows and I have NEVER seen them wear a jacket while on duty. NEVER. 

[MartyQui]

I’ve seen them wear windbreakers, for purely practical reasons.  I think they had them on this week when it was raining.

[Cheyanne11]

If they made a drinking game where you took a shot every time a designer said "the client is happy and that's what matters" we'd all be telling Gary we'd been divorced two days. 

Bischme's was nice, but I didn't care for the giant anchor on the back.  I thought Rami's was fantastic and was happy the judges took a week off from shitting on him. 

[RoseAllDay]

Last week’s save was justified. 

I had flashbacks to Season 1’s Post Office challenge. Kara Saun = Austin Scarlett; Laurance = Wendy Pepper.

What the hell were Kara Saun and Anna thinking?

Kara Saun — Mzi could barely walk or move his arms in that jacket. Her excuse of it was “meant for a formal event and not deck work” —  she totally missed the point of the challenge. Who had the worst attitude on the runway, “defending” their looks? Kara Saun or Laurance? Both put me off with their explanations, and it looked like Nina was put off as well.

Anna — Jason’s ankles showing like that, WTF? It looked like it shrunk. The whole thing was unprofessional looking, unless he was going to be in a remake of Shogun or The Last Samurai. Ridiculous. 

Praje — Sandy got what she wanted, but without the rhinestones. Another ridiculous look. 

Bishme — Loved it. He proved you can strike a balance between a work uniform and a fashion-forward design. Aiesha looked stunning. My only critique was the anchor on the back of the jacket. Would have done without it, or placed a smaller one on the front of the jacket. Small nit, though.

Brittany — So glad that look worked. I had my doubts when it was on the dress form.

Rami — Another beautiful design that easily goes from welcoming guests onboard to getting lines off the dock. 👍The skort was brilliant.

Gary being a dog…🤢I found his hitting on drunk Anna, then hovering around her workstation a bit gross, but true to type.

Did I hear right that somebody was using wool?

 

[Cotypubby]

Glad crybaby (uh oh I mentioned the baybee!) Anna is finally gone. I really can’t stand her constant “teehee, aren’t I such a precious innocent flower” attitude.

Kara Saun’s was terrible too but Anna should have been aufed a couple weeks ago so not sad to see her go this time instead.

No clue or interest in this other Bravo reality show. I liked the “real clients” challenge more when it was actually regular people and not D-list “celebs” from another show. I guess they didn’t want the designers to offend anyone like they have in past years.

Edited August 5, 2023 by Cotypubby

[rur]

1 hour ago, Cotypubby said:

No clue or interest in this other Bravo reality show. I liked the “real clients” challenge more when it was actually regular people and not D-list “celebs” from another show. I guess they didn’t want the designers to offend anyone like they have in past years.

I don't usually watch this show, but I tuned in for the Below Deck angle. I suspect that the  BD Bravolebrities know exactly which side their bread is buttered on, and were going to say they loved whatever ridiculous outfit they were given, regardless of what they may have been thinking privately. 

[RoseAllDay]

1 hour ago, Cotypubby said:

Glad crybaby (uh oh I mentioned the baybee!) Anna is finally gone. I really can’t stand her constant “teehee, aren’t I such a precious innocent flower” attitude.

Kara Saun’s was terrible too but Anna should have been aufed a couple weeks ago so not sad to see her go this time instead.

No clue or interest in this other Bravo reality show. I liked the “real clients” challenge more when it was actually regular people and not D-list “celebs” from another show. I guess they didn’t want the designers to offend anyone like they have in past years.

Bravo is always gonna do show crossovers/cross-promotions, which is why thrre was probably a weeklong BD daytime marathon. The BD series isn’t as good as it used to be, granted, but you can’t beat the travel porn.

Like to add about Kara Saun: Putting your own spin on a clearly defined challenge rarely works. None of the crews go to “formal” events while on charter, especially deck crews. Just like with Season 1, sometimes her sense of entitlement can be a bit much. If Mzi tried to actually run lines and put toys in the water — IOW, do his job — in that getup, he’d most likely drown. Kara Saun also needs to lose the military references in her designs, but that’s my quibble.

Still glad that Rami proved he deserved that save.

[Passing Strange]

The designer whose client was closest in looks to a conventional model won. This never happens. I'm stunned.

My biggest complaint about the uniforms for the female interior workers on all the Below Deck shows is that they're ridiculously short for a work situation. The women who work on deck or in the kitchen wear shorts that are a functional, professional looking length. The stews wear tiny skorts and the designers apparently thought their outfits needed to be even more tiny. Those very short garments looked tacky with heels, especially since they mostly don't wear shoes on the job. Rami was smart to put his client in flats.

Except for the captain, the men on these shows, including male stews, wear shorts. I hope the long pants were client requests, although, like the comments about the kimono style, I'm afraid it was an unconscious bias. I had a chuckle at Brandon and Nina thinking black was a great color for Colin. He's an engineer, not a mechanic. This season he handled two major engine disasters without a single smudge on his uniform.

As much as I don't want to hear the judges' comments during the runway, I also don't want to hear the designers'. "Yeah, work it" and "Go, girl" aren't that enlightening. The camera leaves the garments and goes to the designers when this happens. I already know what the designers look like.

Ever since some of the other designers piled on Anna because of a decision the judges made I've been on her side. I was surprised that she responded to Gary but I agree that she was letting her hair down and having fun. We didn't see anything to suggest they did more than flirt and if she was comfortable with something her husband eventually would see then so am I. I suspect what Anna projects that people don't like is more culture than personality flaw, plus the fact that English is her second language. It's Brittany and her finger snapping I want to go. Just clap like everybody else. Also, enough with the top stitching.

 

[30 Helens]

Bishme’s was the only design I really liked, so I was glad he won. But I kind of dialed back my love when I learned it was made of neoprene. Neoprene??  Wouldn’t that be really hot?

I also liked Rami’s, but felt it lacked… something. Not sure what. But I’m glad he landed in the top. He deserves to be here.

I thought Brittany’s look was a little busy. Functional, but not that attractive. Like many others, I got Michael Jackson vibes from Kara Saun’s. 

I don’t share the pervasive Anna hate, but the silk kimono was impractical and ridiculous. The boot was deserved.

I loved Laurence in her season, but I am so over her. If you’re too good for the show, then don’t sign up for it.

[Cheyanne11]

2 hours ago, Passing Strange said:

Brittany and her finger snapping

OMG, it's so obnoxious.  The way she does it at a side angle makes her look like she's at the craps table reading to roll the dice.

[HyeChaps]

Anna's own outfit on Day One would have been more appropriate for the Captain--black with a collar, silver zipper, chest pockets.

[BAForever]

On 8/4/2023 at 10:09 PM, 7-Zark-7 said:

As I recall, a Bermuda short won, a cut which only works on people without thigh meat.

S1 Post Office challenge will live forever in my mind. Kara Saun did  amazing draw string pants with pockets and a jacket. Austin did a Doris Day cape. Robert did funky pants that zip to shorts. Wendy should have lost, but she was such a good villain. That's when we all fell in love with Tim Gunn for his "Don't defend the shoe Wendy" comment.

[Lurk]

On 8/5/2023 at 5:01 AM, dleighg said:

I do watch the BD shows and I have NEVER seen them wear a jacket while on duty. NEVER. 

The only time I've seen them wear jackets or anything because of the cold it was on Below Deck Adventure set in Norway, I think. All the others are tropical, or filmed in warm weather season.

[dleighg]

7 hours ago, Lurk said:

Below Deck Adventure

Ah, that must be the fifth flavor I saw someone mention in the franchise. I haven't seen that one. And yes, warm weather and very short skirts go well together for the eye candy this franchise works on. Bishme's outfit was right on brand (except for the jacket, but I could live with that).

Edited August 7, 2023 by dleighg

[RoxiP]

I just want to go on record as saying that the Below Desk "real people" were some of the best natured models I have ever seen on Project Runway and I really enjoyed them.  Even though he's a douche Gary has gorgeous hair - I honestly didn't recognize him when he walked the runway.

I think Anna's Asian-inspired jacket could have worked if she had refined it and made it better fitting to his undeniably great shoulders and chest.  I kept having flashbacks to Shogun...LOL!

[RoseAllDay]

11 hours ago, Lurk said:

The only time I've seen them wear jackets or anything because of the cold it was on Below Deck Adventure set in Norway, I think. All the others are tropical, or filmed in warm weather season.

Yeah…try wearing jackets and anything made of leather in the Carribbean or the Med, while doing strenuous work. Or better yet, try wearing such stuff in Thailand or Tahiti (where BD filmed for a few seasons) where temps were over 100.

Listen to the challenge, designers. Not everything is meant to be on the cover of effing Elle.

[RoseAllDay]

23 hours ago, BAForever said:

S1 Post Office challenge will live forever in my mind. Kara Saun did  amazing draw string pants with pockets and a jacket. Austin did a Doris Day cape. Robert did funky pants that zip to shorts. Wendy should have lost, but she was such a good villain. That's when we all fell in love with Tim Gunn for his "Don't defend the shoe Wendy" comment.

That’s why Kara Saun’s design here was so disappointing. She had experience with this kind of challenge. But I knew as soon as she trotted out the “dress uniform” and “formal event” BS that she was going to do what she wanted to do. She did, and was almost sent packing.

That Season 1 episode is truly one of the best. You had Jay and Robert fooling around while delivering mail and pissing off the mailperson; Austin having to fill in for Jay’s model; Robert’s model struggling to take off the pants over high heels; and Tim and Wendy. (Say what you will about Wendy, at least she was closer to the mark, dowdy shoes or not.)

[Mahfouz]

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, that during a real (ahem, ymmv) client challenge the designer with the most attractive, thin model ended up winning. 

Imagine stepping on an airplane and the captain comes out in some louche flowing kimono. Would you walk right off of that jet? I would. And I made Mrs. Mahfouz promise that if we were ever traveling by boat or plane and there was even a hint of unprofessionalism among the people who are supposed to keep us safe, we bounce. I'm not sure the lack of masculinity was the problem with that outfit but it surely lacked AUTHORITY. 

The male crew members reminded me of professional wrestlers. All in (compared to the general population) really good shape. All with a look. But they all look like they've "been through it". Hard work in the sun, I guess. 

 

[RoseAllDay]

33 minutes ago, Mahfouz said:

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, that during a real (ahem, ymmv) client challenge the designer with the most attractive, thin model ended up winning. 

Imagine stepping on an airplane and the captain comes out in some louche flowing kimono. Would you walk right off of that jet? I would. And I made Mrs. Mahfouz promise that if we were ever traveling by boat or plane and there was even a hint of unprofessionalism among the people who are supposed to keep us safe, we bounce. I'm not sure the lack of masculinity was the problem with that outfit but it surely lacked AUTHORITY. 

The male crew members reminded me of professional wrestlers. All in (compared to the general population) really good shape. All with a look. But they all look like they've "been through it". Hard work in the sun, I guess. 

 

They do extremely hard work, which is why most of the deck crew designs were ridiculous.

The more I chew on it, Laurance maybe should have been the one sent home. While it’s tough to defend loungewear as an authoritative uniform, wool and leather on deck are truly dangerous. Heat stroke, anyone? 🤦‍♀️

EDIT - Oh, not to mention Laurance’s attitude on the runway.

Edited August 7, 2023 by RoseAllDay

[CrazyInAlabama]

I didn't like the peplum on Sandy (I hope I got the name right), it made her look lumpy.     The Asian design by Anna looked ill-fitted.   Why would someone wear Neoprene while working on the ship?  Great way to get heat stroke. 

[meep.meep]

On 8/5/2023 at 10:17 AM, Cotypubby said:

 

No clue or interest in this other Bravo reality show. I liked the “real clients” challenge more when it was actually regular people and not D-list “celebs” from another show. I guess they didn’t want the designers to offend anyone like they have in past years.

The problem with real regular people is that they get too caught up in what's being made.  When you use a cast like this, they know that they are just hangars for whatever the designers come up with and don't have any ego associated with the design.  And usually, they are reasonably fit people so you don't have to handle plus size issues.

I was surprised none of the designers who got male models brought the drama.  Just designed for them.

The design I hated was Kotto's for Daisy.  She made her look wide and short and Daisy has a great body.

[Leeds]

13 hours ago, RoseAllDay said:

Yeah…try wearing jackets and anything made of leather in the Carribbean or the Med, while doing strenuous work. Or better yet, try wearing such stuff in Thailand or Tahiti (where BD filmed for a few seasons) where temps were over 100.

Listen to the challenge, designers. Not everything is meant to be on the cover of effing Elle.

This is the perennial problem with Project Runway though - the judging is wildly uneven and unpredictable.  Laurence is sticking to what she does best and the judges keep her safe; in the episode Rami left, Brandon didn't recognize his style in the dress and he was sent home. 

[Pixilicious]

Why was courtney picked to be one of the Below Deckers? Wasn't she fired during her season and fans were glad to see her go? Definitely not a "fan favorite"

I really thought Rami had the win...so glad he's still around ☺

[Special K]

3 hours ago, Pixilicious said:

Why was courtney picked to be one of the Below Deckers? Wasn't she fired during her season and fans were glad to see her go? Definitely not a "fan favorite"

 

Courtney has been on several seasons of BD and def is a favorite. I think you're thinking of another blonde (there are so many on BD).  Perhaps Camille?

[Pixilicious]

9 hours ago, Special K said:

Courtney has been on several seasons of BD and def is a favorite. I think you're thinking of another blonde (there are so many on BD).  Perhaps Camille?

You're right...i was thinking Camille, but had the name wrong...thanks for fixing that 😊

[Sesquipedalia]

I am only 20 minutes into this episode, so I don't know what goes down, but I really like all the designers. They all seem like cool people, and I am not rooting against anyone. Christian is also really cute this season.

[Lois Sandborne]

On 8/7/2023 at 5:56 AM, RoxiP said:

Even though he's a douche Gary has gorgeous hair - I honestly didn't recognize him when he walked the runway.

Probably because his hair was clean for once.

[Lassus]

On 8/5/2023 at 4:28 AM, swankie said:

it makes me wonder how well she does in real life with real clients.

In fairness, that housewives episode was a full and massive (and production-planned, IMO) trainwreck on the client side.  There's a difference between real person and reality TV person.

 

Full disclosure, I have never gotten the issue that people on the show or the boards have had with Anna.

Also, I thought Gary's hairstyle was abominable and unattractive for a runway, styling-wise it made me ill.

Edited August 9, 2023 by Lassus

[stewedsquash]

The only outfit I liked was Bishme’s, fabric choice got a side eye though. All the others were over blown stupid. I particularly liked his belt (waistband?), which didn’t seem to get mentioned. His whole look was sleek and looked like what you could get from a high end uniform catalogue. 
My top three for finale are Bishme, Anna, Laurance. I really want to see what these three would do on a runway. The judges messed that up for me with Anna. Anna’s really could have worked, with a few adaptations like something under it to cover his chest hair and not rolling up the pants, for an onboard captain’s table dinner. 
 

I totally think Nina had some cosmetic surgery during her two weeks off. She looks noticeably different but I can’t put my finger on what is different.

@BAForever I am working through past seasons over the last year and now I finally understand Wendy Pepper and What about Andre references. You post about the post office challenge reminded me of the don’t defend the shoe scene. No I just need to find Laurance’s (sp) season.

eta I hated Bishme’s anchor!

Edited August 9, 2023 by stewedsquash

[BAForever]

1 hour ago, stewedsquash said:

 

@BAForever I am working through past seasons over the last year and now I finally understand Wendy Pepper and What about Andre references. You post about the post office challenge reminded me of the don’t defend the shoe scene. 

@stewedsquash- Andre was with Santino and Chloe on S2 if I remember correctly. I only watched religiously thru S4- that's why I cheer on Kara Saun- although she's been very uneven this time around. She's lucky she didn't go home with her Michael Jackson-themed outfit. 

At a wedding in Houston recently. Drove by Chloe's store. I squealed.