S17.E07: Elegance Is the New Black

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Quote

The designers are surprised with an invitation to a Brandon Maxwell photo shoot featuring Karlie Kloss; the final 10 designers will have to impress Maxwell with their take on elegance; then they are faced with a flash sale challenge.

Original air date: 4/25/19

[TexasGal]

I’m so glad Brandon Maxwell called all of them (esp Tessa) on the “curvy” model issue.  What a shock, all the thin models went first.  I WAS surprised that Mimi wasn’t the first model picked since they all seem to love her. 

[heyjupiter]

3 minutes ago, TexasGal said:

I’m so glad Brandon Maxwell called all of them (esp Tessa) on the “curvy” model issue.  What a shock, all the thin models went first.  I WAS surprised that Mimi wasn’t the first model picked since they all seem to love her. 

Part of me is surprised they let us see that everyone was avoiding the "curvy" models. Also, there are only two out of ten that are "curvy" doesn't seem fair, there should be more (doesn't help that one of them is not a good walker). There should be Size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14. A gradient. 

Tessa shouldn't be punished for voicing what they are all thinking. This issue is something that could be easily foreseen. They should always be randomly assigned models for every challenge.  Or just do away with it altogether and let them all deal with "curvy" on specific challenges so it's even because they're all doing it. 

[letusprocrastinate]

Hester, who is immune this week, is planning on making a sheer top that will include pasties, said,  "I've been obsessed with making pasties elegant."

Christian is rather dubious.

And in the irony department, there is going to be a photo shoot of the models for a flash sale.

Edit:  I will not mention what happens during the dressing for the runway, but oh dear.

Edited April 26, 2019 by letusprocrastinate

[SemiCharmedLife]

I enjoyed seeing the Karlie Kloss/ Brandon Maxwell photo shoot.  Some really beautiful images!

[SemiCharmedLife]

1 hour ago, TexasGal said:

I’m so glad Brandon Maxwell called all of them (esp Tessa) on the “curvy” model issue.  What a shock, all the thin models went first.  I WAS surprised that Mimi wasn’t the first model picked since they all seem to love her. 

It reminded me of every middle school team selection I've ever witnessed.  As you said, not surprising, though.  Most designers create for smaller-than-average-sized models. 

[Thumper]

When the judges are critiquing the garments up close, with just the models present, can the designers hear these critiques?  

It's unclear to me, based on the editing.

[chitowngirl]

Yes, Hester sent a disaster down the runway, but she did it because she knew she couldn’t be eliminated. It was done knowing it was going to be in the bottom and talked about. It was an attention seeking ploy.

[letusprocrastinate]

2 minutes ago, chitowngirl said:

Yes, Hester sent a disaster down the runway, but she did it because she knew she couldn’t be eliminated. It was done knowing it was going to be in the bottom and talked about. It was an attention seeking ploy.

Yes, and her body language during the critiquing and the elimination part screamed it.

[njbchlover]

2 minutes ago, chitowngirl said:

Yes, Hester sent a disaster down the runway, but she did it because she knew she couldn’t be eliminated. It was done knowing it was going to be in the bottom and talked about. It was an attention seeking ploy.

I feel like everything that Hester designs and wears is an attention seeking ploy.

I didn't even recognize her with her new "look" - how did Hester go from being Rainbow Brite to a goth dominatrix in one week?  

Oh, and I really don't like her (or Tessa).

[rlc]

That was complete and total bs. If you’re questioning a designer’s taste level every single week, why keep them over someone with an impeccable garment that didn’t wow you? Oh wait- they never keep older women around on these shows.

[Jordan Baker]

My favorite outfits were safe. I would have put Sebastian's orchid dress and Garo's silver dress in the top. I think Garo did a great job of creating a beautifully flattering dress for his model.

It's a shame that Hester had immunity. I'd have been happy to see her go.

[Thumper]

I wonder who has to clean up that messy workroom at the end of the day/episode?  lol

[TexasGal]

8 minutes ago, Thumper said:

When the judges are critiquing the garments up close, with just the models present, can the designers hear these critiques?  

It's unclear to me, based on the editing.

I wondered the same earlier in the season.  I think no - it looks like the designers are all just eating and drinking by then.

[letusprocrastinate]

8 minutes ago, Thumper said:

I wonder who has to clean up that messy workroom at the end of the day/episode?  lol

Bring in a leaf blower.

Or perhaps Shop Vac could become a sponsor of the show.

Edited April 26, 2019 by letusprocrastinate

[chitowngirl]

Not spoilering anything-But I giggled with Karlie standing next to Christian in the promo.

[Straycat80]

I didn’t think Tessa should have been punished for making the comment about the curvy models either. If the other designers who were nodding their heads to Brandon’s statement liked the curvy models so much why didn’t they choose them? They didn’t. I wonder if Brandon uses curvy models in his runway shows? 

I wish Hester had not had immunity. That pasty dress was fugly. Poor Sonja, she gets sent home for having a boring dress. I agree with the poster up thread that the judges usually weed out the older designers. Bishme’s was a mess, he should have been out. 

I loved Christian calling Tessa ‘nosey’. And she is. She’s always in everyone’s business. 

[njbchlover]

10 minutes ago, Jordan Baker said:

My favorite outfits were safe. I would have put Sebastian's orchid dress and Garo's silver dress in the top. I think Garo did a great job of creating a beautifully flattering dress for his model.

It's a shame that Hester had immunity. I'd have been happy to see her go.

I agree, but unfortunately, Garo's model (Kate-?) is just not a good runway model.  She has a horrible walk, and an unpleasant look on her face.  I know models are not supposed to express emotion when walking, but she doesn't have a blank look on her face - just an unhappy one.

Sebastian's dress was stunning and very elegant, in my opinion, but I did really like the top looks tonight, so it was a tough call.

[njbchlover]

7 minutes ago, Straycat80 said:

I didn’t think Tessa should have been punished for making the comment about the curvy models either. If the other designers who were nodding their heads to Brandon’s statement liked the curvy models so much why didn’t they choose them? They didn’t. I wonder if Brandon uses curvy models in his runway shows? 

I wish Hester had not had immunity. That pasty dress was fugly. Poor Sonja, she gets sent home for having a boring dress. I agree with the poster up thread that the judges usually weed out the older designers. Bishme’s was a mess, he should have been out. 

I loved Christian calling Tessa ‘nosey’. And she is. She’s always in everyone’s business. 

I thought the judges would definitely point out that Sonja's dress was boring.  She also did the biggest "no-no" on PR - making excuses and talking about what wasn't presented on the runway.  However, even though Sonja's design may have been boring, in a good way, it was very well executed and simply elegant.  I thought that Tessa's was not elegant and boring in a not good way.  I would have put her in the bottom instead of Sonja.

[pinkandsparkly13]

"I know you can't say this on tv" but fuck Hester! With her because I have immunity, I'm gonna make something random that had nothing to do with the challenge. And I can because the judges are stuck on my dick. Lol 

And they just laugh about it because she has immunity. It's BS. And of course Sonia is gone. Like I said before, older women are usually eliminated somewhere in the beginning.  Grrr

[TexasGal]

I hope Hester’s model was able to get that dress off without losing skin to the glue.  

[letusprocrastinate]

2 minutes ago, TexasGal said:

I hope Hester’s model was able to get that dress off without losing skin to the glue.  

I did wonder once or twice if in the history of PR someone has been eliminated even though he/she had immunity.

[SemiCharmedLife]

34 minutes ago, njbchlover said:

I didn't even recognize her with her new "look" - how did Hester go from being Rainbow Brite to a goth dominatrix in one week?  

I didn't recognize her at first...quite a dramatic change!

[njbchlover]

9 minutes ago, pinkandsparkly13 said:

"I know you can't say this on tv" but fuck Hester! With her because I have immunity, I'm gonna make something random that had nothing to do with the challenge. And I can because the judges are stuck on my dick. Lol 

And they just laugh about it because she has immunity. It's BS. And of course Sonia is gone. Like I said before, older women are usually eliminated somewhere in the beginning.  Grrr

I have no idea what the hell they all seem to like about Hester!  From last week, Nina saying how much she enjoys Hester's "kitschy-ness", when she has lambasted designers from previous seasons for being too kitschy to this week, not giving her a talking-to for abusing her immunity.  I remember past seasons where a designer had immunity and sent something really horrible (but not as horrible as that lime green travesty) down the runway and the judges really gave them a stern warning about immunity abuse.

And, for her own sake, it was lucky that Hester had immunity, because I don't think an "elegance" challenge would be her strong point.

[mightysparrow]

If 'boring' is the criteria, then Tessa should have gone home because her outfit was much more boring.  That jacket was dreadful.  Sonia's was gorgeous and beautifully made; the hit of hot pink was lovely.

I was soooooooo PROUD of Jamal.  To watch him emerge from his cocoon and become a beautiful butterfly was lovely.

I have to give Garo props for making Kate look so good.  She's a dreadful model and this is the best she's looked.  Somebody told her to walk like a human being and that helped A LOT.

The fix is in for Hester.  They knew she wouldn't be able to pull off 'elegant' so they give her the win the week before so she has immunity.  She's becoming INSUFFERABLE, even more so than she's been since she showed up.  I'm hoping her arrogance will cause her to shoot herself in her tacky ass.

[NowVoyager]

Hallelujah! Christian Siriano finally told Jamal to stop fussing with the muslin already & work with the fabric & look what happened: He won. That's good mentoring right there! Interesting that Jamal said he changed his whole process & still created something that was very "him." Interesting that the muslin didn't look like the finished dress. I think Jamal has been using muslin to procrastinate; not to actually develop or refine his designs. He needed a push to get out of a rut that wasn't working for him.

I really wish Sonia would have used her unfinished half kimono thingie. Did they even show it in the workroom? I like her but, PR has a history of sending home under-designed vs. over-designed. Her dress was Zzzzzz....

Poor model Kate. She may never work again after this.

Edited April 26, 2019 by NowVoyager

[mightysparrow]

9 minutes ago, letusprocrastinate said:

I did wonder once or twice if in the history of PR someone has been eliminated even though he/she had immunity.

I was praying for that.  Or for the judges to decide that because her outfit was so CLEARLY the worst, they weren't going to send anybody home.

[heyjupiter]

When they are judging, I don't care what the models feel like because they aren't the customer, they're models. They're supposed to sell the look no matter what. 

I would have put Have Sebastian in the top over Lela. I didn't understand Renee's look. Tessa's look wasn't refined enough, it felt like loungewear. Hester wouldn't have sent down the same look without the immunity. She was just showing how "edgy" she is. I was hoping for a fresh, modern Grace Kelly kind of look from one of them.

[Stats Queen]

10 minutes ago, mightysparrow said:

I was praying for that.  Or for the judges to decide that because her outfit was so CLEARLY the worst, they weren't going to send anybody home.

I really wish they had done that also.

i also wish the judges would have said something very directly to Hester that just because she has immunity doesn’t mean she should put crap down the runway.

[Angeleyes]

I seem to remember a season where someone’s immunity was revoked. I was hoping that would happen to Hester. They should have at least questioned her taste level since that’s a phrase Nina likes to throw around. In what alternate universe are pasties ever elegant? The model looked like the Little Mermaid goes to the stripper prom. After watching this past season of All Stars, I’m very worried they are telegraphing a win for Hester this season. I hope I’m wrong. The judges seem to think she can do no wrong even when she tries. 

So glad Bishme was not eliminated. He took a risk and it didn’t work, but at least he tried to push himself. Any other week his dress would be middle of the pack. 

I felt bad for Sonia. The bottom two really should have been Tessa and Hester. 

[SemiCharmedLife]

Karlie says, regarding Bishme's design: "This was supposed to be a simple, well crafted idea,"  and then sends Sonia home for doing just that!  

Edited April 26, 2019 by SemiCharmedLife
spelling of name

[mightysparrow]

17 minutes ago, Angeleyes said:

I seem to remember a season where someone’s immunity was revoked. I was hoping that would happen to Hester. They should have at least questioned her taste level since that’s a phrase Nina likes to throw around. In what alternate universe are pasties ever elegant? The model looked like the Little Mermaid goes to the stripper prom. After watching this past season of All Stars, I’m very worried they are telegraphing a win for Hester this season. I hope I’m wrong. The judges seem to think she can do no wrong even when she tries. 

So glad Bishme was not eliminated. He took a risk and it didn’t work, but at least he tried to push himself. Any other week his dress would be middle of the pack. 

I felt bad for Sonia. The bottom two really should have been Tessa and Hester. 

They didn't even mention that the model didn't feel comfortable.  That's usually a big no-no for them.  Hester is getting away with MURDER.

Edited April 26, 2019 by mightysparrow

[nb360]

1 hour ago, Jordan Baker said:

My favorite outfits were safe. I would have put Sebastian's orchid dress and Garo's silver dress in the top. I think Garo did a great job of creating a beautifully flattering dress for his model.

I also loved these two outfits. They were in the top for me... but I’m glad Jamal got the win!

How funny was it when Christian asked Miss Nosy why she was listening in on Hester’s consult?

Edited April 26, 2019 by nb360

[Angeleyes]

1 hour ago, Straycat80 said:

 I wonder if Brandon uses curvy models in his runway shows? 

He uses curvy models in his show and ad campaigns. In fact, his mom and grandma are always models in his shows as well. Plus, he regularly designs for more curvy celebrities. 

I can’t remember if the show mentioned this, but that was Brandon’s partner photographing Brandon and Karlie at the studio. 

[QuantumMechanic]

I still think any given week should either be all curvy or not at all.

Yes, I know that in real life you're making clothes for all body types.

However, this isn't real life -- it's a timed competition.  And designing for a curvy woman means you have to do more work (for example, having to do support work that designers with "traditional" models don't have to do).  So the designers with a curvy woman literally are suffering a time penalty that the other designers don't have.  And I don't think that's fair.

[njbchlover]

2 minutes ago, nb360 said:

I also loved these two outfits. They were in the top for me... but I’m glad Jamal got the win!

How funny was it when Christian asked Miss Nosy why she was listening in on Hester’s consult?

I love Christian!!  He is not afraid to call someone out on something - he is not quite the gentleman that Tim Gunn is, but I think he's a great mentor.

[milner]

Hester seems to look older every week. This week in her “new” look she looked hunched over like she had a dowagers hump.  Renee has as many changes of headwear as Hester has glasses. 

[leocadia]

27 minutes ago, Angeleyes said:

After watching this past season of All Stars, I’m very worried they are telegraphing a win for Hester this season.

Agreed.  After an awesome start, this season is starting to feel a lot like the travesty that was PR All Stars.  If the judges (and/or producers?) have decided they like someone, it doesn't matter what they send down the runway.  Of course Hester thinks "pasties" when she hears elegant.  She is a fashion rebel!  /sarcasm.  It didn't help that the first few times she said it, I heard "feces" instead of pasties.  "I've been trying to find a way to make feces elegant for a while".  Let's just say I would't have put it past her....

[nb360]

I got a flash of The Mean Girl when Tessa said - snarkily behind Garo at the sewing stations -  “I just love a flash challenge.”

Translation: Which one of us with a curvy girl will win?

[Thumper]

I knew the pasties and sheer top were for attention (Hester), but I really hated the awful "pick-ups" on the bottom of the skirt.  ( I think that's what they are called -- the swoop-y things that "pick up" the hem, like something on a Disney princess dress.). Dislike.

[hula-la]

1 hour ago, Thumper said:

When the judges are critiquing the garments up close, with just the models present, can the designers hear these critiques?  

It's unclear to me, based on the editing.

I seem to remember from the first episode, that the safe designers were surprised to find out that they could watch the general critiques, and then the tv was shut off, so that they couldn’t see/hear the close up critiques. 

As for giving up immunity, I remember an episode of Top Chef where the chef with immunity was asked/encouraged by the judges to give up his immunity (Nicholas Elmi from Season 11). He did not.

Edited April 26, 2019 by hula-la
Elmi. Elmo is the Sesame Street character.

[Nidratime]

1 hour ago, rlc said:

That was complete and total bs. If you’re questioning a designer’s taste level every single week, why keep them over someone with an impeccable garment that didn’t wow you? Oh wait- they never keep older women around on these shows.

Totally agree. Bishme's look was ridiculously ugly, while Sonja's looked elegant ... which is what they asked for. So, my feeling was, they combined Sonja's age with the fact that she  didn't excite them tonight and decided that she never would excite them. If she were younger, I definitely think they would've kept her because, of course, younger people always have the potential to "break out" while older people are stuck in ruts.... Oh! But who was the person stuck in the rut, but was given chance after chance and pushed out of it? Tonight's young winner, of course!

And the ultimate irony was, Brandon (a judge) put Tessa down for being judgmental about a curvy model and not wanting to work with her, while they themselves consistently boot older contestants because of their own ageist views. So, maybe they should take their own advice.

[roctavia]

I'm just glad that the judges didn't fall all over that pasties mess with praise.... It was hideous but I was afraid they were going to love it. I hope we are all wrong and Tessa isn't getting a free pass because she's quirky. 

I liked the winning design accept for the pouch at the front, it just seemed odd how it stuck out. I didn't think Bishme's was that bad, though it was hard to see the details on the skirt that got to be too much. 

I don't really know what the answer is to having different sized models aside from I do think it shouldn't even be an issue... like let the designers think it in their heads if they must but keep it to yourself and do your job. They should be able to design for all sizes and it shouldn't be some handicap to have a "curvy" model. Even complaining in the talking heads is one thing, but to do it in front of the judges and everyone... lame. 

I do remember Christian having issues back when he was a tiny PR baby in having a larger model who also had strong opinions on what she wanted her dress to be like, so I am glad to see that now he has grown from there and embraces dressing women of all sizes. 

[njbchlover]

22 minutes ago, roctavia said:

I'm just glad that the judges didn't fall all over that pasties mess with praise.... It was hideous but I was afraid they were going to love it. I hope we are all wrong and Tessa isn't getting a free pass because she's quirky. 

I liked the winning design accept for the pouch at the front, it just seemed odd how it stuck out. I didn't think Bishme's was that bad, though it was hard to see the details on the skirt that got to be too much. 

I don't really know what the answer is to having different sized models aside from I do think it shouldn't even be an issue... like let the designers think it in their heads if they must but keep it to yourself and do your job. They should be able to design for all sizes and it shouldn't be some handicap to have a "curvy" model. Even complaining in the talking heads is one thing, but to do it in front of the judges and everyone... lame. 

I do remember Christian having issues back when he was a tiny PR baby in having a larger model who also had strong opinions on what she wanted her dress to be like, so I am glad to see that now he has grown from there and embraces dressing women of all sizes. 

I remember that well, as it was the prom dress challenge, and the "models" were girls from a high school near me.  Christian's model was extremely demanding, and he did what she asked for/wanted, even though he knew it wouldn't work.  She complained during the judging, and he did go back at her.  That dress almost sent him home.  I think that challenge was a learning experience for young Christian - in two different ways - one, in learning how to be diplomatic and deal with clients, and two, how to keep true to yourself while still pleasing your client.

Edited April 26, 2019 by njbchlover

[nb360]

Is it just me, or did Karlie’s outfit during the runway show look like Jamal’s “waitress tuxedo” outfit from last week ?

[letusprocrastinate]

1 minute ago, nb360 said:

Is it just me, or did Karlie’s outfit during the runway show look like Jamal’s “waitress tuxedo” outfit from last week ?

I had the same thought, and also thought she was making a veiled statement since one of the questions last week about his outfit was whether a bra had been available.

[Kenz]

Sebastian was robbed. His dress was beautiful and inspired by the orchids in his bag.

I love Venny, but I didn't see what was so special about his dress to land him in the top three. It looked very basic, but maybe it looked great in person.

The black and white dress had those sticking out hip things that I find unattractive on everyone. Why was it in the top three?

Tessa is really an unpleasant person, and her look was drab and uninspired. She should have been one of the bottom choices.

Edited April 26, 2019 by Kenz

[AntAnn]

2 minutes ago, Kenz said:

Sebastian was robbed. The dress was beautiful and inspired by the orchids in his bag.

You are right! He consistently makes such beautiful clothing. I love love love his work. 

... and the judges fawn over Hester the jester... ugh 😑 

[LennieBriscoe]

2 hours ago, letusprocrastinate said:

I did wonder once or twice if in the history of PR someone has been eliminated even though he/she had immunity.

No. There were those who were called "lucky," though. 

I liked the hot pink look the most. 

[letusprocrastinate]

1 hour ago, LennieBriscoe said:

No. There were those who were called "lucky," though. 

I liked the hot pink look the most. 

I did a quick look over ye olde internet earlier and from what I gather this may have only been the 3rd time in PR history an immune designer wound up in the bottom 3 and therefore got critiqued, vs. the usual, "Tut, tut, you're lucky to be safe."

Edited April 26, 2019 by letusprocrastinate