S17.E11: New York City of Dreams

[njbchlover]

28 minutes ago, jacksgirl said:

I was kind of hoping to flashback to Christian's prom challenge when he was a designer... He should have been sent home even though he was/is so talented. Didn't love Sebastian's color, but the dress was lovely. The preview scared me though.

3 minutes ago, oraex said:

I, too, was thinking of Christians season when he made that frumpy prom dress for his high schooler.  

I wonder if Christian was also thinking about that challenge - he really was "in" by the skin of his teeth.  

Imagine how different his life and career may have gone if he had been eliminated at that challenge!!  

[mightysparrow]

Jamal's dress really was the worst and it's not a crime that he was sent home but I think that Tessa's attitude should have been enough to send her packing, since other designers have been penalized for having the 'wrong' attitude. The guest judge pointed out that Jamal was willing to listen and Tessa has NEVER listened to anybody.

[Angeleyes]

I think this challenge was a good wake up call for some of the designers. Hester especially is going to have to figure out how to make her particular style commercially viable. Jamal is also going to have to realize that though this may be his art, someone is going to have to be willing to buy it and ultimately be able to wear it. He’s not sewing statues. It felt like he didn’t like the challenge and just gave up early on. 

Too bad Tessa is still standing. If Jamal’s look hadn’t been so ill- fitting she would have definitely gone home. You can tell the judges are over her unfinished hems and poor attitude. If her dress were a different color and without the scarf belt thing, it could have been a lot nicer. 

All of the top 3 contestants had their ladies looking so confident. I loved Bishme’s dress. It looked like something you would see on a red carpet. Garo’s dress was a similar idea to other things he’s done, but it really flattered his client and her personality. I’m happy that Sebastian got the win this time. My initial reaction to the dress was Belle from Beauty and the Beast, but it was exactly what his client wanted and he was able to put his own stamp on it. 

[little black cloud]

As much as this show hates Tessa: That’s how much I love Brandon. 

[nb360]

I love how Sebastian (unintentionally?) called Tessa out by saying, “ She’s making the same skirt I taught her how to make during the 2nd challenge.”

[Fukui San]

I'm fairly sure that I could make a better dress than Jamal did tonight. That was first one out on week 1 quality level bad. Woof.

I actually liked Bishme's best by a lot. He really did transform his client. The other in the top 3 were fine.

No matter what you think of Hester, she didn't cover her client in buckets of ticky-tack like she usually does. How did they assign clients to designers? They seem almost intentionally mismatched.

I loved Brandon doing the chiffon hemming comparison during the close-ups. Everyone was dunking on Tessa today.

The thing about Christian's prom challenge trip to the bottom 2 in his season is <conspiracy theory>that I think he was actually scored in the top 3 with his fugly dress but because he straightaway badmouthed his client they stuck him in the bottom 2 as a way to scare him straight about his behavior. Why else would they only have 2 top and 4 bottom placements in a challenge in which the designers did generally well?</conspiracy theory>

[Ms Blue Jay]

Very little love for Bishme's dress, why did the judges almost ignore it -- but I thought it was fantastic and he really pulled it off from what seemed to be a dismal beginning.

I feel like they refrained from complimenting Bishme too much because his model looked like an actual model.  Well, that's not his fault!

Garo's model looked, walked, and felt the greatest.  I loved her whole attitude.  Garo ALWAYS treats his models with this much respect and love though, like when he gets the plus-size models that Tessa would spit at.

Sebastien's was too "perfect" or boring or something for me, but okay, fine.  (I know, that's a horrible complaint.)  Obviously it was perfectly made.  Christian also picked the fabric.

Tessa lied 100x this episode and I give so much credit to the editors for showing us every time.  THAT made me really happy.  It was gutsy, since she is clearly SOMEBODY on this show's favourite.

Edited May 24, 2019 by Ms Blue Jay

[Ms Blue Jay]

1 hour ago, Angeleyes said:

All of the top 3 contestants had their ladies looking so confident. I loved Bishme’s dress. It looked like something you would see on a red carpet.

Yes.

1 hour ago, nb360 said:

I love how Sebastian (unintentionally?) called Tessa out by saying, “ She’s making the same skirt I taught her how to make during the 2nd challenge.”

Even better, the editors showing us how.  Tessa was shocking me every 5 minutes this episode, with her absolute gall.

[Kimmykun]

I didn't really like Sebastian's dress (it's a lot), but I'm happy he finally won.

Jamal's dress was just fabric barely hanging on to his client. He deserved to go. 

Tessa is just awful. 

Edited May 24, 2019 by Kimmykun

[hula-la]

When Garo was walking with his client, I had flashbacks to the first season of Project Runway, when the designers created a new uniform for postal workers. If I remember correctly, Jay’s model didn’t show up so fellow contestant Austin Scarlett modelled for him.

[Whodunnit]

They should have done a double elimination. 

This episode convinced me I would never ever buy a dress from Tessa. Because it's unseamed it would fall apart the first time it was washed. I don't think I would even wear one for free because her attitude is so awful.

[Ilovepie]

STFU Tessa! What a self important bitch! She couldn’t even bend an inch to give a lovely woman a nice dress. It’s just a color Tessa. You won’t die because you made a pink dress. Instead of being mortified by the color, how about being mortified about sending a woman down the runway in an unfinished mess?!?

I loved Sebastian’s dress. It was beautiful and exquisitely made. I love that color pink. I’m so glad he won! Elaine can suck it. I think she’s the reason he hasn’t won more, and why Jamall and Hester have. Sebastian isn’t quirky enough for her. I never thought I would say this, but thank God for Nina. The preview for next week is scaring me though.

Garro’s was nice too, but it read mother of the bride to me, and weirdly, it seemed kind of like an identical dress (but with a cape) to last week when he was in the bottom, just a better color. I actually thought Bishme had the second place dress.

I am relieved Jamall is out. He was not ready. That poor girl. Elaine is high - unlimited promise??? Please. I would say his promise is extremely limited considering his sewing and construction skills, his inability to fit anyone over a size zero, and refusal to make anything that isn’t puffer. Can Hester or Tessa be next please?

[Maya S]

Finally, another win for Sebastian!  It's hard to believe he's barely been critiqued and his only other win was in episode 2.  I really hope the preview for next week is just to scare us and he doesn't actually quit because he is clearly the best designer with the best sewing skills.  

I loved the dress Garo made for his client, the color was just so perfect on her and it screamed royal with not only the color but the draping and silhouette.  I wasn't too surprised to see how nice Garo was to his client because he had such a great attitude about working with Kate and made her look amazing.  

I agree that Bishme wasn't given as much credit because his client was already so model-like but it was still a great job.  Bishme, Garo and Sebastian are clearly supposed to be the final three but knowing the judges' obsession with another designer, we're probably going to lose one of these guys before the finale.  

Hester and Tessa both need to go.  While Hester seems to be the more decent person, she's too all over the place and the judges coddle her whenever she's in the bottom instead of giving her the tough love they give to better designers.  If Tessa pulls the same crap again, she's definitely out of there.  I really liked Danielle Brooks as a judge and her comparison of Tessa and Jamall, Tessa doesn't take responsibility and makes passive-aggressive digs at her fellow competitors while Jamall seems to really want to learn and grow from past mistakes.  I think Tessa would definitely be out if Jamall's dress wasn't so poorly executed, Brandon and Nina made their opinions very clear tonight:

[nb360]

15 minutes ago, Maya S said:

  I think Tessa would definitely be out if Jamall's dress wasn't so poorly executed, Brandon and Nina made their opinions very clear tonight:

WOW.

[Arkay]

Project Runway Challenge:  Create a dream dress for a hard-working New York woman.

Tessa's client: I love pink, I'm a girly girl.

Tessa: For your dream DRESS, I am making you black PANTS.

If only Christian didn't block Tessa from sending pants down the runway. I'd love to have heard the judges' comments on that.

Jamal did have to go, but Tessa should've gone as well for lying, for her attitude, for making excuses and for dragging her competitors about the hem tape.

[Delete]

I was underwhelmed  by all the ‘dream’ dresses. If that was considered a dream, I wanna wake up!  However, Sebastian’s dress was the closest to fulfilling the client’s wishes but still had an air of sophistication to it. 

Tessa’s look was so ugly and tortured and to top it off the bish lied! I was hoping for a double elimination. Giving attitude to the judges was unacceptable.

Jamall has a lot of growing up to do if he wants a career as a designer.  Few people are going to want to buy his sleeping bag creations.  I do agree with the guest judge that at least he’s open to critiques. 

It was obvious which designers work with clients in the real world. They were the top three.  The bottom three still hasn’t realized that pleasing the client is vitally important to success. Otherwise it’s merely an expensive hobby.  

[CrinkleCutCat]

Tessa’s ‘dream dress’ was a nightmare!

On what planet would anyone have dreamed they wanted to wear that monstrosity?

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Usually I'm not a huge fan of the real world/non model challenges for multiple reasons (mostly because I hate seeing regular people get their hopes dashed by a cranky stubborn designer), but I loved this one because so many of the designers were at such a loss as to how to work with a client. I know that's petty and mean, but I'm glad that Tessa, Jamall, and Hester had to deal with pleasing someone other than themselves.

I hated how focused Tessa was on herself. As soon as her client said she liked pink, Tessa told her she only works in black and grey. WTF? I understand when designers don't like doing a certain technique, but for a designer to say that they don't use color seems like an extreme failure of imagination.

Then when Tessa's client said she wanted a dress, Tessa said she wanted to make a jumpsuit with a detachable skirt. Seriously? You can't give the client ONE THING that she asks for? And the "skirt" that was made of strips of fabric hanging off of D rings looked like a cheap Stevie Nicks costume.

I kind of wish that Tessa's client had been the teacher because what kind of adult, especially one who sews (and therefore has to use yardsticks/measuring tapes to figure out how much material to use) doesn't know that four feet is 48 inches? Does she not know how many inches are in one foot? Or does she not know simple math? We had to learn the multiplication tables up to 12x12 in elementary school.

She is delusional if she truly believes that she hasn't used black on the runway all season. I totally cracked up when Sebastian listed every challenge where she used black aka all of them. She flat out lied to Christian when she said that her client said that she loves dark colors. No, she said her favorite color was pink.

Jamall was in a similar boat because he only knows how to make puffy shapeless dresses. Please spare me the "I don't care about mainstream fashion" and "this is my art" bull shit. The one thing he did a tiny bit better than Tessa was that at least he made a minimal effort to give his client what she wanted. He didn't execute it well, but he gave her a red dress that was fitted (I mean, yes, he ignored her request to cover her arms, but he still made SOME effort to do what she asked for unlike Tessa who dismissed everything the client wanted).

And what is with Bishme not knowing the difference between sky blue and the bright blue that he chose? Sky blue is much lighter and softer. Why do these designers not know their colors?

Maybe I'm crazy, but if I had a client who said they liked a certain color, I would make sure to ask what shade of that color they like. Pale ballerina pink is different from neon pink. Bright emerald green is different from pale sage green.

I will admit that there have been moments this season when Garo kind of annoyed me, but he knows how to work with a client, how to flatter a woman's body, how to work with their insecurities (aka cover up their arms when they say they aren't comfortable showing their arms, JAMALL), and how to push their clients a little but not so far that they're uncomfortable. The designers really need to listen to him (and Christian) about this kind of stuff.

I rolled my eyes when Hester told her client that she usually makes "crazy sexy punk rocky stuff" because based on what I saw on her website, that's not true. And based on the fact that she said this while wearing rainbow tie dye overalls and then gave us a talking head while wearing a yellow turtleneck and a plaid jumper that looks like one I had in kindergarten, I had to laugh. I know sexy is in the eye of the beholder but oooookay.

Garo did a great job giving his client what she wanted, pushing her a little with the color, and making her feel confident. She obviously felt hot as hell. He listened to her, interacted with her (as opposed to talking AT her or talking down to her), and gave her what she wanted in a flattering way. This makes me understand how he's been in the business so long and has had celebrity clients. He knows how to work with people and create what they are imagining without blathering on about how his art and his aesthetic and his vision are more important than what they client watns.

I was worried about Sebastian's dress when I initially saw it on the dress form, but it looked great and she clearly loved it. He is so lucky that Christian steered him away from the expensive old lady lace he was looking at. The sequined fabric that Christian found was perfect because it added sparkle and twinkle without being over the top. He managed to fulfill her request for a fairy tale dress without looking juvenile. I liked that it was retro and sweet without being costumey. He made a retro dress that still looked modern and without being kitshy.

Hester's dress was so basic. It was not flattering to her client either, which is pretty bad since she didn't have a curvy/plus size girl. That dress was so boring and simple. It looked like something my friend's daughter made when she was 12. Now that I think about it, that dress reminded me of a cheap mall prom dress (think Wet Seal circa 2000). But I will give her credit for listening to her client and trying to incorporate specific things that she asked for or said that she liked.

Tessa's black dress was not great. I think the reason she likes working with black is that it hides a lot of flaws. Aside from the unhemmed chiffon panels, it just looked poorly constructed. If it had been made in a lighter color, you would be able to see every flaw and bad design choice. Hahahaha, I loved when Brandon called attention to the fact that they have told her multiple times she needs to hem and finish her garments.

I totally cracked up when she told him that lots of other designers use fusable hem tape and he said, "And lots of other people finish the hems of their dresses." BURN. I also LOVED that when she listed a bunch of colors that her client didn't like, Nina pointed out, "She said she likes pink." I do not understand how she thought that shitty belt would somehow make her design complex. Little kids make the same kind of skirt by knotting scarves to belts. It's not a complex design feature. Tessa also lied about her client not having any ideas about what she wanted. She specifically asked for a short dress and Tessa shot down that idea.

Jamall does not know how to make anything fitted. He did not know how to create something that fit his client's body. No wonder he usually just wraps a comforter around his model and calls it a day. His poor client looked so uncomfortable and unhappy.

Bishme's client looked very happy with her dress (heh, even though it wasn't sky blue). It looked like it didn't fit in the back though. It did look a little too bridesmaid dress to me, but I agreed with what the judges said about how it was sexy but modest.

The editors were on fire tonight. I loved that they gave us flashbacks to back up the judges' critiques like when they said that Jamall does not have a great track record designing for curvy women and they showed some of the disasters he created earlier in the season and when Tessa said she hasn't designed with black all season and they showed several of her designs on the screen. The editors must like her about as much as I do. 

Awww, I'm so glad that Sebastian finally got a win! There have been other weeks when I thought he should have won so it's nice for him to FINALLY get a win after being consistently great.

Notice how the designers who listened to their clients are the ones who succeeded at this challenge. The ones who were the most resistant to this challenge were the ones in the bottom.

I would have been fine with a double elimination because both Jamall and Tessa did horribly this week. On top of that, they have not had much growth over the season. They just want to do what they want to do regardless of what the challenge actually is.

Brandon and Nina are clearly over Tessa. Nina could barely keep from rolling her eyes when Tessa was talking, and I totally cracked up again when the judges took a closer look at what the models were wearing and then held up the hem of Garo's dress to show what a finished chiffon hem should look like. I really hope she's gone next week.

[Aulty]

It was a nice production choice that they grilled the bottom 3 again after the clients left, so there were no akward accusations in front of those lovely women.

What's the problem with executing the exact same look in a nice rich colour instead of black. And finishing your hems. Looking at you Tessa.

[violet and green]

Tessa rudely shooting down her client's color choice (while wearing a pinkish scarf herself, that she could have brought into the conversation), and wish for a short dress, was one thing - but  lying about it all afterwards, ye gods.

Tessa going up to Sebastian's work on the dressform and critiquing his (soon to be the winning) design as 'not fashion'. Tessa having to be told by Christian it's a dream dress challenge, not a pants challenge. Tessa madly cutting off the nasty chiffon streamers - all in her signature shades of dung, etc - before the runway. Tessa sticking her jaw out arrogantly as she defended her design with more lies...

Not a good episode for Tessa! The editors hate her! And who'd employ her after this display? I predict a richly cranky future in a stuffy room 'designing' for a niche clientele, funded by the bank of mom and dad.

[Fellaway]

1 hour ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Tessa's black dress was not great. I think the reason she likes working with black is that it hides a lot of flaws. Aside from the unhemmed chiffon panels, it just looked poorly constructed. If it had been made in a lighter color, you would be able to see every flaw and bad design choice.

Yeah, at this point, it seems clear Tessa's sewing skills are not up to the standards of this show.  She can try to spin it all she wants, that unfinished hems equal a fashion choice, but the judges aren't buying.

[Ellaria]

3 hours ago, Barbara Please said:

It was obvious which designers work with clients in the real world. They were the top three.  The bottom three still hasn’t realized that pleasing the client is vitally important to success. Otherwise it’s merely an expensive hobby.  

Well said. I never understand why some of these designers have issues with adapting their "look" to a client's desires. They can't make sleeping bag dresses for the entirety of their career.

8 hours ago, Fellaway said:

I think I've finally figured out why I don't like Elaine as a judge.  I've been thinking it just seems that she has such a narrow view of what is fashionable.  When she said Sebastian's design this week was "dated," that just cemented it for me.

I did like the guest judge, especially her comments regarding the differences between Jamall and Tessa, in essence, that Tessa speaks too much and listens too little, but that Jamall is willing to listen and learn...

...Oh, Tessa was a pill this week.  Ignoring what her client wanted, lying about her color preferences to the other designers and the judges, using Sebastian's technique, albeit badly, on the skirt, making an unfinished, poorly put together design, not taking on board what the judges have critiqued her on in the past, and she willfully defends it all, like "What's the problem here?"

And I'd like to know what planet she's living on that she thinks she's never used black in her designs before.  She does know this is being filmed, doesn't she?

I'm not wild about Elaine either. Alternatively, I like Brandon. Maybe because he sees through the BS and excuse-making of the designers. Danielle Brooks was a worthy guest judge.

Tessa's arrogance increases week by week. The judges' criticism that she is playing it safe annoys me because that isn't the problem. She considers herself above critique. She's not willing to listen and learn. She lies to defend her choices. Either she has reached her limit as a designer and can't do anything else OR she simply doesn't want to. 

Edited May 24, 2019 by Ellaria Sand

[jacksgirl]

Watched the Bravo seasons and skipped most of Lifetime. Maybe Jamal went home because they TPTB don't want only men in the finale? Can't remember past S4. Has there ever been only one gender represented at Fashion Week?

[mwell345]

Tessa needs to go. Come on Brandon - we're counting on you to make this happen!!!

On what planet would a client tell any designer "I want a pink dress" and the designer would say "sorry, I don't do pink, you're getting black", which is essentially what Tessa did. 

But...Jamal's dress was just horrible.  The color was great on her, but that was about it.  I think he could have saved it with some type of sleeve, even a capelet would have worked.  There should have been some flow to it - not so body hugging.  And as much as I thought she looked good in red, it was too much red - there should have been another color or some embellisment to break it up.  His client was a beautiful woman - he did her no favors.

Hester has grown on me these last couple of episodes (or maybe that it's just that Tessa is so obnoxious, anyone looks good next to her).   Hester seems focused and serious.  And I have to admit I would not mind seeing a collection from her, even though  her aesthetic is nowhere near anything I would wear.  I think she's headed for the final 3 anyway - the judges like her quirkiness.

Having said that, next week's challenge (based on the previews and the fact that I  don't even understand what it is they are supposed to do) could go in any direction.

[mwell345]

4 minutes ago, jacksgirl said:

Watched the Bravo seasons and skipped most of Lifetime. Maybe Jamal went home because they TPTB don't want only men in the finale? Can't remember past S4. Has there ever been only one gender represented at Fashion Week? 

No, there has always been a mix.  That's one reason I think Hester is headed to the final 3.  It's down to Hester and Tessa now, and unless Hester really messes up, I can't see her being  elminated before Tessa.

[bkathi]

I want Garo and/or Sebastian to design a dress for me.  

[BusyOctober]

19 minutes ago, Ellaria Sand said:

Well said. I never understand why some of these designers have issues with adapting their "look" to a client's desires. They can't make sleeping bad dresses for the entirety of their career.

THIS!  I don't get the airs of superiority these UNKNOWN designers put out there.  Yes, you are an artist with a p.o.v., and you have preferences of color, style, cut, etc.  However, until you are an established designer with a following or the accolades from the industry, who the hell cares that you 'only work with X' or 'only make Y'?  You can showcase your specialty but you need to be flexible!  If a customer likes the baseline of your dress, but wants it to have a cap sleeve, or raise the hem, or wants the exact dress but in a different color....you are going to say "No!, get out of my bedroom closet that I pretend is my atelier!!! I do not do PINK!"  OK, have fun making rent this month, bitch.

Once you hit the big time, then you can push your unimaginative, crappy, unfinished hemmed, 'charcoal and anthracite' (aka - black and more black) pants and jumpsuits.  

Tessa made several comments and facial expressions over this season that tell the world how much she dislikes anything that is not her idea.  She only wants to make minimal black tattered pants and tunics for very thin women.  So... she only wants to design for her doppelganger?

[Fake Jan Brady]

If I wanted a dress, I'd go to Sebastian but if i wanted a hug, I'd make a beeline to Bishme.

[and if I wanted a bee line, I'd go to Garro]

45 minutes ago, jacksgirl said:

Watched the Bravo seasons and skipped most of Lifetime. Maybe Jamal went home because they TPTB don't want only men in the finale? Can't remember past S4. Has there ever been only one gender represented at Fashion Week?

Season 5: Leanne, Korto and Kenley.

[VintageJ]

The top three dresses were all beautifully constructed (from my non-sewing eye) and you could tell their models loved their looks.  I think the blue that Bishme picked was beautiful on his model and may have been a designer choice (like Garo’s choice of the purple for his model).  I think it looked better on his model than pale blue would have looked.  

Garo’s model was great and you could tell she absolutely loved her look.  Garo made his model feel like a queen!  I’ve never had a problem with Garo so I was happy he was in the top.

Sebastian’s dress, though not my style, was a perfect marriage of what the client asked for and his own aesthetic and was made beautifully so I’m glad he won.  

When I saw the bottom three, my first thought was that I would be glad for any of them to go.  That was before they actually talked to them.

Though I’m not a Hester fan, I was fine with her staying this week because the dress was not offensively bad.  At least she tried to give the client what she wanted.  At least she didn’t completely ignore her client’s wants.

Jamal (sigh).  That dress was just ill fitting and not flattering.  Your model was absolutely beautiful and that dress should have skimmed her body enough to show her curves but not too tight.  The guest judge says he was at least willing to listen to criticism (because he was respectful on the runway during the critique) and I thought, “not really.”  He cannot seem to get out of his comfort zone and if the challenge does not allow him to do his thing, it’s like he cannot think beyond his own vision and gets so stuck.  It was clearly his time to go.  But not before Tessa or it could have at least been a double elimination.

Tessa.  The arrogance just astounded me.  I think the poster up thread who says Tessa likes black because it hides the multitude of flaws is right.  She listened to NOTHING her client wanted!  This is a dress challenge, not pants.  She loves and wanted pink, not black. The fact that she 1) did not listen to her client, 2) lied about what the client wanted, and 3) again did not finish her hems should have sent her home.\

This is the first season I’ve watched Project Runway in years!  I think the last season was the season Gretchen won (I was so done!) so I missed the Lifetime version.  I decided to check it out this season and until this episode, was happy I did.  But I can easily go back to not watching if I have to deal with someone like Tessa again and again.  

This to me was clearly producer driven manipulation on who got to stay.  The poster up thread who showed Nina and Brandon’s exchange on Twitter tells me it was producer driven.  If they both thought that Tessa should have gone, then why isn’t she?  I’m sure Elaine does not have that much pull to overrule both Nina and Brandon and the guest judge!  So why is Tessa still there?  Just to f—- with me, obviously.

[mwell345]

59 minutes ago, Ellaria Sand said:

Well said. I never understand why some of these designers have issues with adapting their "look" to a client's desires. They can't make sleeping bag dresses for the entirety of their career. 

Found this exchange between Brandon and Nina. 

[VintageJ]

Forgot to add.  I wish they had a challenge where the judges chose the fabric (NO black).  Or even better, I wish they had a challenge where they picked a partner, went to Mood, got their fabrics and then, in a surprise twist, had to switch fabrics with their partner and instead of them working together, they are actually competing against one another.  In this fantasy, Tessa and Hester are partners.  

Edited May 24, 2019 by VintageJ
Forgot to add “judges” chose the fabric.

[RedbirdNelly]

I'm always a bit torn on these--because there have been designers who listened to their client and then went down in flames because the client wanted some color that looked awful etc. So it can be a tough road. But there is a way to blend what the client wants, pushing the client a bit and staying true to yourself as a designer. If Tess had made a true effort to blend pink with her preference for black, maybe it could have worked--imagine Tess with sewing skills lining a black skirt with pink so it showed but the entire dress was not pink. . . . or something where pink was featured but not head to toe pepto . . .

If Tess's client had said "I'm NOT girly. I really prefer pants" and if Tess was capable of sewing pants like Bishme, she maybe could have made some awesome pants with an overskirt that would have the judges going, "ok; original take on dream dress; dream dress can mean more than a traditional dress" But her client was the opposite of that and she lacks sewing skill.

Tess has never been my favorite designer but I've rooted for her in a way. For some reason, there are characters in movies or contestants on shows where I see their flaws and for some reason I keep hoping they grow from them, it was just a bad day, etc. . . but Tess, oh Tess. So sad for you. Maybe you'll watch the show and have a moment of growth. She is so defensive and lacking in self awareness.

I was very glad Sebastian won. I like retro things so taking something retro but updating it a bit is something I like a lot.

When Jamal was meeting with his client about what she liked, I really wanted him to say: "so, how do you feel about puffer??"

[Pepper Mostly]

10 hours ago, nb360 said:

You could see Tessa cringe when the designers learned it was a “real woman” challenge. How much in self denial is Tessa in if she can’t even admit that she’s used the color black in nearly every other challenge?  Like, really?

Even Brandon seemed to not disguise his frustration with her.

Brandon's been over her for weeks. I've been a Tessa defender but she's been losing ground over the last couple of weeks; and she lost me for good and all this week. She couldn't even contain her eyeroll when her client, who was so happy and excited, said her favorite color was pink! Tessa! Who on planet Earth says "My dream dress is CHARCOAL"!? Who says "My dream dress is PANTS"?? 

I'm willing to concede that in another context she might be bearable. Not everyone thrives in the pressure cooker of a competitive reality show. But her attitude on the runway is so tone deaf. Either defend your garment using positive terms, or accept your critique gracefully.

9 hours ago, njbchlover said:

My mother and grandmother used to make my sisters and me crocheted vests like that back in the early 70's.  I forget what the pattern is called, but it's a series of crocheted squares that are sewn together.  

That stuff was everywhere in the early 70's!

9 hours ago, Nidratime said:

I actually loved Sebastian's dress. It's just my taste and I thought it was beautiful.

Same here. I thought it was was modern but 50's inspired, very youthful and pretty.

I have not been a fan of Garo but he won me over. He knows how to work with clients and he was delightful with his.

Bishme was utterly adorable with his teacher and his emotional reaction to her card was so sweet to see. He's a lovely guy.

[Vanderboom]

Seriously, Tess You're not going to let your client pick the color of her own dream dress? The black/grey thing doesn't make you look edgy or artistic; it makes you look severely limited. So does your inability to process criticism, by the way.

I admit I've never "got" Jamal as a designer, but it says a lot for him that he got such a warm send-off. I especially liked that he called out Tess for her "everybody does it" nonsense.

[njbchlover]

2 hours ago, mwell345 said:

Found this exchange between Brandon and Nina. 

This was an interesting challenge, for many reasons.  One, because the designers that are unused to dealing with clients were forced to step outside of the comfort level (well, except for Tessa) and design something that the client wanted, but still true to themselves.  Even the designers who have worked with clients had a little bit of difficulty with that.

Two, the women were not models.  Some of them had body styles that needed some extra fitting or camouflaging of parts of their bodies that they were uncomfortable with (which is why Jamal went home).  

Three, working with dress styles or colors that may not be THEIR design aesthetic.  

Was it Jamal who said something like he doesn't design for the people - he designs what HE likes and hopes that some people will like it, too?  Well, honey - you're going to get awfully hungry because you have no money for food - not everyone wants their closet to be filled with puffer everything!!  

Fourth, the runway walks told so much about how the client felt in the garment.  It was clearly evident that Bishme's, Garo's and Sebastian's clients loved their outfits, and the bottom three did not.  However, while I'm glad that Sebastian won the challenge, his girl completely and totally owned that runway, due to her former pageant experience.  She just knew what to do, where to turn, how to walk, etc.  (I have actually seen her before on a local news human interest story a few years ago about the pagaent queen who works on a garbage truck.)  Garo's client was a close second with her walk, just because she was having so much fun.  

I hope that the designers who were in the bottom will have some type of growth experience from this.  It is one thing to be a starving artist, and I applaud that for those who have the gumption for it, but making clothes is about making money, too.  

Edited May 24, 2019 by njbchlover

[Wicked]

I guess I need to rewatch, but I thought that Garo's model couldn't walk in her dress, she was taking tiny tiny steps.  But she did look great and seemed very happy with her dress. I hope they have a reunion, do they do one every season?  I want to see Tessa get called out on her bs.

[heyjupiter]

@Maya S thanks for pulling those tweets!

i was pulling for the double elimination.  I would be perfectly fine with seeing tonight’s top three be the final three.  They’ve had all female finales so why not an all male finale, especially when they’ve left us with only Hester and Tessa as the females. 

I hope Sebastian gets over whatever drama from the preview and stays in the competition. If not then it’s Bishme’s to win and I’ll accept no other outcome. 

Also, they had TWO days for this and the bottom was still so poorly done.  Been watching old seasons from lifetime where every challenge was 1 day and they were putting out higher level than the bottom here. And this was the top 6 designers, this should be easy. It seems like a designer should come out of school being able to just whip out a standard evening gown, even if it’s not innovative or groundbreaking. 

[Eulipian 5k]

11 hours ago, mightysparrow said:

Sebastian's dress was very well made but his client looked like she was going to be meeting Troy Donohue at the sock hop.

Elaine said as much, but she didn't like it. I liked the "ice cream" color of the dress; it was a fantasy for the pageant queen! (Brandon had her pegged!)

After seeing Christian's fabulous atelier/store I thought one purpose of the challenge was to make a dress you would show in your atelier. Only Bishme and Sebastian would get out of the basement in that atelier.

The guest judge was very good with her comments.

[joanne3482]

2 hours ago, jacksgirl said:

Watched the Bravo seasons and skipped most of Lifetime. Maybe Jamal went home because they TPTB don't want only men in the finale? Can't remember past S4. Has there ever been only one gender represented at Fashion Week?

It depends on your definition of presenting at Fashion Week. If you mean just the ones who end up on the episode (aka top 3 or 4 depending on the year) than yes.  In Season 5, the top 3 were Leanne, Korto and Kenley.  In Season 6 the top 3 were also all female, Irina, Althea and Carol Hannah.  But those were the only 2 years.  I know they show a lot more than the top 3 or 4 (depending on the season) because they have the decoy shows as well.  If you include those then they've all been mixed.

8 hours ago, hula-la said:

When Garo was walking with his client, I had flashbacks to the first season of Project Runway, when the designers created a new uniform for postal workers. If I remember correctly, Jay’s model didn’t show up so fellow contestant Austin Scarlett modelled for him.

You are right, it was Austin.  That was such a fun episode and Austin really rocked it!

I am torn on this episode.  I really thought Sebastian's dress was the best, but since he had a slimmer model was it easier? Should the judges take into consideration the size of the model they received? I don't know but I do know in years past with real women challenges almost always the larger woman went home and a slimmer woman won which makes these challenges somewhat inequitable. 

Which leads me to the bottom two.  Jamall's was awful and I really was sad that she got him because, to me, he is not a good designer. Despite what his model said, I don't think she liked it at all.  She looked so sad.  I did love that the make-up artist said she slipped the foundation (I think) that she used into the girl's purse.  And then you have Tessa's, which was also awful, but she had the smaller model.  I don't know which was the right one to go home here. I wanted Tessa to go home because she was such a b with the judges, but in reality Jamall's dress was by far the worst. 

[SunnyBeBe]

I  paid attention to how the designer treated the client.  Even if you waiver in your execution, showing professionalism to the client is paramount, imo.  While they all seemed to have trouble getting over their OWN AESTHETIC, a couple were down right contemptuous of the client, imo. Namely, Tessa and Jamal.  Poor clients. I bet they didn't guess that designers at that level wouldn't know how to sew or how to make a sleeve on a garment. NOPE.  

Bishme: Nice to client, but that shade of blue is not tasteful. Side ruffle from the 80's. Bottom too full like a bedspread.  Makes me wonder ?

Hester: Nice to client, but, poor shade of pink for adult woman, terrible fit, like it was cut and sewn wrong, strings held it up and looked like a $14.00 dress.  Why?

Tessa: Seemed annoyed with client, almost seemed to want to sabotage it. Black monstrosity.  I know why. 

Jamal: Seemed annoyed with client, not ready for this, but, his red dress did barely stay up.  Hester's wouldn't have if not for the strings holding hers up, but, the fit seemed about the same as Hester's. 

Garo:  Nice to client, but, poor fabric choice, just looked dated, boring, hem poorly done and those drapes down the back appear silly and impractical.  There is a great way to make an OFF the shoulder.  He just doesn't know how to do that. 

Sebastian: Nice to client.  Dress well constructed, but, so dated.  It gave me visions of a southern picnic after church on Sunday.

[raeb23]

8 hours ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

I feel like they refrained from complimenting Bishme too much because his model looked like an actual model.  Well, that's not his fault!

I thought it was odd that they didn't discuss his design more, but I don't see why his model's appearance should deter them. It didn't stop them from giving the win to Sebastian, whose model was a similar size. Also, Bishme's model seemed petite which presents its own challenges. Details that add volume like peplums & pleats could be overwhelming on a small frame. 

11 hours ago, njbchlover said:

I think Brandon sees right through Tessa.  He is over her and her overinflated ego, underconstructed garments and unfinished hems.  And, WTF with throwing the other designers under the bus with her comment about the others using hem tape?  

Brandon has called out the finishing on Tessa's garments several times now, but the other judges have always given her a pass. I never understood how she won the first challenge. Not only has minimalism in black been done before, she seems to be using it to hide her lack of technical skills.

[nr65000]

I think Tessa is probably the nastiest designer since Wendy Pepper (RIP).  She flat out disregarded what her client wanted and lied to the judges.  I think it would have been pretty fun if before each of the women came down the runway they would have shown a little clip of the conversations they each had with the designers telling them what their dream dress would be.  That way the judges could really decide if the designers interpreted their clients wishes or not.  Isn't that what the challenge was?  In that sense, while Jamal's dress was very poorly constructed, he did try and give the client what she asked for (except sleeves).  Tessa completely disregarded her client's wishes and did whatever the hell she wanted, and then lied about it.  Of course the women are not going to get on stage and argue with their designers.  I don't disagree that it was probably time for Jamal to go home but I think that could have waited until next week and Tessa should have gone home this episode for so clearly ignoring the intent of the challenge.  If it hadn't been for Christian she would have sent a pair of pants down the runway in the "dream dress" challenge.  

Edited May 24, 2019 by nr65000
grammar is your friend...

[Eulipian 5k]

I had only one reaction to the note card from Bishme's client; "I do". What a keeper!

Do people still actually write notes and cards on paper?

[jacksgirl]

11 minutes ago, Eulipian 5k said:

Do people still actually write notes and cards on paper?

She's a teacher, as am I, and I write thank you cards a lot.

[Captain Asshat]

On 5/24/2019 at 7:28 AM, mwell345 said:

Found this exchange between Brandon and Nina. 

I think the difference between the real world and PR is that, in the real world, a client would choose a designer, because that designer fits their aesthetic. In PR world, it's a random assignment...or an assignment created by producers for the most draaaama.

On 5/24/2019 at 9:58 AM, Captain Asshat said:

Edited May 25, 2019 by Captain Asshat
I quoted...myself?

[carrps]

12 hours ago, njbchlover said:

Thank you, both!!  I thought it had something to do with grandmothers or grandmas...we had all kinds of things from that pattern - vests, hats, purses, toaster cover, afghans (even the dreaded toilet paper covers, LOL!!)  They went crazy with it!!  🙂

It's the very first thing I learned to crochet. It's only chain stitch and double crochet. And you can use them as flat building blocks to construct almost anything. My favorite crochet is Irish Crochet which uses a tiny hook and crochet cotton the size of string. It takes freaking forever to make anything that way!

[Empress1]

9 hours ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

Garo's model looked, walked, and felt the greatest.  I loved her whole attitude.  Garo ALWAYS treats his models with this much respect and love though, like when he gets the plus-size models that Tessa would spit at.

One of my favorite Garo moments earlier this season was when people were bitching about getting plus-sized models and he was like, "Plus-sized, schmus-sized, just make a damn dress." That royal purple was gorgeous on his model's dark skin.

The pink was pretty on Jamal's model but that dress was ugly, poorly made, and barely  stayed on the model. If she took a giant step, it would have fallen down. Danielle Brooks was not here for Jamal or Tessa's bullshit and I love her for it.

I wish I WOULD have a dress made and the designer is like "OK, you said you like pink but I only do black, so it's gonna be black." I'd leave. I know that wasn't an option here, but customer service is a thing! The only positive thing I'll say about Tessa's dress was that the off-one-shoulder neckline was gorgeous on the model; she has nice shoulders. I loved how they highlighted that Garo's hems were finished v. Tessa's. Brandon is through with her, you can tell.

Hester's stuff often looks cheap and that dress was no exception - that tie-back looked cheap as hell. She has a very Hot Topic sort of vibe.

6 minutes ago, jacksgirl said:

She's a teacher, as am I, and I write thank you cards a lot.

I'm not a teacher but I just mailed a thank-you card this week. I was raised to write them - after every birthday, Christmas, or graduation, my parents would say "write your thank-yous," and when we were young kids they would sit with us and make sure we did it. An ex and I (we dated a few years ago) used to write each other letters and -gasp!- send them through the mail. I love handwritten cards, and when I see a card or set of cards I like, I buy them and I use them. Email feels really impersonal to me. I've gotten some thank-you emails for more formal things like wedding gifts and it feels ... off. (I'm an older millennial, FWIW.)

[hula-la]

6 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

I kind of wish that Tessa's client had been the teacher because what kind of adult, especially one who sews (and therefore has to use yardsticks/measuring tapes to figure out how much material to use) doesn't know that four feet is 48 inches? Does she not know how many inches are in one foot? Or does she not know simple math? We had to learn the multiplication tables up to 12x12 in elementary school.

People who sew, especially design, need to have fairly strong math skills, as you need to use them constantly. I tell my students that all the time. Heck, I'm Canadian, and we use the metric system, but I could quickly tell you that there are 48" in 4 yards.

[TexasGal]

22 minutes ago, Empress1 said:

The pink was pretty on Jamal's model but that dress was ugly, poorly made, and barely  stayed on the model. If she took a giant step, it would have fallen down. Danielle Brooks was not here for Jamal or Tessa's bullshit and I love her for it.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who was seeing pink.  Everyone on the show kept saying red and I was confused.  Especially when the lipstick they put on her was clearly red.  Must just not translate very well on camera.  BTW, this may be the first time product placement on PR works on me, I'm totally going to check out that lipstick.

I also felt bad for Jamal's model because she was so much younger than the others (I think; I know when they said she was 19 during her boat tour I was like, what?!).  She would probably have felt a little uncomfortable walking down a runway anyway and then to have your dress put you in danger of your chest falling out is no good. 

[VintageJ]

1 hour ago, joanne3482 said:

It depends on your definition of presenting at Fashion Week. If you mean just the ones who end up on the episode (aka top 3 or 4 depending on the year) than yes.  In Season 5, the top 3 were Leanne, Korto and Kenley.  In Season 6 the top 3 were also all female, Irina, Althea and Carol Hannah.  But those were the only 2 years.  I know they show a lot more than the top 3 or 4 (depending on the season) because they have the decoy shows as well.  If you include those then they've all been mixed.

You are right, it was Austin.  That was such a fun episode and Austin really rocked it!

I am torn on this episode.  I really thought Sebastian's dress was the best, but since he had a slimmer model was it easier? Should the judges take into consideration the size of the model they received? I don't know but I do know in years past with real women challenges almost always the larger woman went home and a slimmer woman won which makes these challenges somewhat inequitable. 

Which leads me to the bottom two.  Jamall's was awful and I really was sad that she got him because, to me, he is not a good designer. Despite what his model said, I don't think she liked it at all.  She looked so sad.  I did love that the make-up artist said she slipped the foundation (I think) that she used into the girl's purse.  And then you have Tessa's, which was also awful, but she had the smaller model.  I don't know which was the right one to go home here. I wanted Tessa to go home because she was such a b with the judges, but in reality Jamall's dress was by far the worst. 

I agree, I don’t think Jamal’s model liked her dress at all.  She just looked depressed coming down the runway.  But I think she was trying to be nice in front of the judges.  I wanted to give her a big hug.  I wish Brandon had just said, “Honey, call my office and I’ll make your dream dress for you.”  Or Christian.  Poor Baby.  Jamal is so stuck in his aesthetic but as someone upthread noted, if no one gets your aesthetic, then good luck paying the bills.  Not saying you have to change your vision, but be open minded enough to try different things, and business minded enough to listen to your client.  Though it is true that people pick the designers in real life that fit their aesthetic.

45 minutes ago, nr65000 said:

I think Tessa is probably the nastiest designer since Wendy Pepper (RIP).  She flat out disregarded what her client wanted and lied to the judges.  I think it would have been pretty fun if before each of the women came down the runway they would have shown a little clip of the conversations they each had with the designers telling them what their dream dress would be.  That way the judges could really decide if the designers interpreted their clients wishes or not.  Isn't that what the challenge was?  In that sense, while Jamal's dress was very poorly constructed, he did try and give the client what she asked for (except sleeves).  Tessa completely disregarded her client's wishes and did whatever the hell she wanted, and then lied about it.  Of course the women are not going to get on stage and argue with their designers.  I don't disagree that it was probably time for Jamal to go home but I think that could have waited until next week and Tessa should have gone home this episode for so clearly ignoring the intent of the challenge.  If it hadn't of been for Christian she would have sent a pair of pants down the runway in the "dream dress" challenge.  

All of this.

I so wish that Tessa’s client told the judges that Tessa did not give her what she wanted, that she wanted pink and recited what Tessa told her about she doesn’t do pink.  Actually, it would have served Tessa right if her client was just like her and threw her under the bus. I would have been awesome if she just went there and was like “I told her I loved pink and she said she doesn’t do pink so I got this.  I don’t like it, it’s not me, the designer made me feel uncomfortable and acted like I was a bother to her.”