October 20, 2006
Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4
Yesterday started with a phone call to Tim Gunn to see how his finale night was and to get the poop on the TRESemmé finale party. He told me who was there (all the Final Four and a lot of the designers) and how the show went down (very well). I told him that from what I was reading, the online chatter was that Uli was robbed. Tim was not going for that at all. I gots to say -- the judges loved Uli's collection but really responded to Jeffrey's innovation and new point of view. The fashionistas went for the new sparkly sparklies in front of them and so did Tim. It is interesting to see how steadfast the Runway crew was in their commitment to their decision and then to see the real people chattering passionately online.
After I hung up with Tim I moved on to one of my fave ways to start a day: a quick catch-up at Bonsignor with "Flags of our Fathers" star John Benjamin Hickey. We were in the middle of a Runway debrief (he was cool with Jeffrey's win) when we ran into Ethan Hawke. Hawke told us about being onstage the night before in Tom Stoppard's "Coast of Utopia" when co-star Richard Easton dropped to the floor, mid-monologue, with a heart attack. From the stage, Martha Coolidge threw out the classic, but underused "is there a doctor in the house?".
Ethan has an adorable border collie and Easton is gonna be ok.






Comments
Maribella wrote:
I like you. I like your postes. I like Jeffrey's work. And like red birds.
And I like having a day off to catch up on guilty blog pleasure.
Now time for a steam sauna & cocktails at 4:30.
Ciao
posted on October 20, 2006 at 1:16 PM
Kona wrote:
I posted about it yesterday, but I want to reiterate that the judges made the right decision. I couldn't stand Jeffrey, but it's not called Project BFF.
posted on October 20, 2006 at 1:35 PM
Jenn wrote:
Hey Andy...every Cards fan in Missouri is jealous of you. Thanks for cheering us at Shea. You were even quoted in the Post! Go Cards!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 2:37 PM
Trish wrote:
After watching Malan's runway video, I think that he should have been included in the fianale...not dismissed in the 2nd show. Malan, as the saying goes, "the cream always rises to the top", you'll get there!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 2:50 PM
Lara wrote:
WORD, Kona! :-)
posted on October 20, 2006 at 3:21 PM
Molly wrote:
WORLD SERIES BABY!!! I cant believe you were at that game...it was unreal. I'm glad that our boys had a few that bleed Cardinal red in the stands to stand and appauld their victory. Adam Wainwright striking out Cardinal killer Beltran to end the game, nothing could have been better. On to Detroit...lets shock the world one more time and win at all!!!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 3:24 PM
Liz wrote:
Sorry Andy,
But my disappointment with Jeffrey's win has very little to do with his personality and more to do with the clothes he sent down the runway. More than anything, I question as to whether Jeffrey even designed these clothes. To me, the clothing that he has previously designed during the PR season do not even lead me to believe that these are his. But disregarding that, the final collection was just awful. And yes, I know I do not understand design, fashion, art, designers etc.etc. ad nauseum. So I figure that means I do not understand Project Runway and I am not even worthy of watching the show. So I will do you a favor and take my unwashed ill-bred uncouth self and watch something(anything) other that Project Runway.
posted on October 20, 2006 at 3:27 PM
Angel wrote:
Go Andy, Go Cards.
We want the real dish on yoiur new reality TV show.
posted on October 20, 2006 at 4:29 PM
Molly wrote:
Rejoice! We're in the series baby!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 7:14 PM
Maxie Halston wrote:
You have been out every night. Don't get a cold!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 7:20 PM
Sharla wrote:
Your comments re: Donald's "do"......Still laughing.....His hair really does defy all known laws of physics....Re: Jeffrey's win...people need to chill; I want a designer to win who will push fashion in a new direction and Jeffrey does that. Granted...he runs with scissors and probably ate too much paste and playdough as a child, but the guy has talent...let's give the man his due.
posted on October 20, 2006 at 7:46 PM
KP wrote:
I ran into your sis with her baby today in Starbucks in Clayton, MO. She told me that you had gone to the game last night - I could only hope that you were in red from head to toe - glad you were there to bring us good luck! And speaking of The Donald....I remember that for our friend's wedding (Kari), I wore my first "up do" - when you saw me, you said, "Hi Ivana...."....12 years later, I'm still scared of the "UP DO"!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 9:46 PM
Bud wrote:
Andy,
Has the thought ever been thrown around to let the public decide the final outcome of who wins Project Runway?
I know you had the popular favorite this year with Mike winnng some extra moola but what about an American Idol (sorry) type voting to occur after the Final Four or 3 show their collection? Then you have one more show, with all the designers,big party, much celebs, a song a dance and anounce the Big Winner. Maybe this could bring around all the disapointed fans that thought Uli was robbed and swear they will never watch PR again.
Such sweet little imature twits that we are, we will all come running back to Runway, waging our tales behind us.
Cheers
posted on October 21, 2006 at 12:07 AM
Missy wrote:
NIce to read that your team won.
I really don't care for sports... so yeah..... *shrugs* can't type much about that.
Ethan Hawke.
cute coincidence that I'm watching Waking Life... even though I was DYING to buy The Best of Youth!!! arrr
And, honestly, I think it was perfect and beyond great that Jeffery won. I have no complaints about the judge's decision.
Besides, does that really matter now that it's all said and done?
posted on October 21, 2006 at 1:16 AM
Kathryn wrote:
Hmmm...I am still in shock. My top 2 favorite designers all season ended up at the bottom and my least 2 favorite ended up at the top! Uli WAS robbed!! Jeff's dresses never flatter and he does not seem to put thought into the female body. His clothes rarely flatter the female form. Finale was no exception. His dresses were grotesque (except Marilinda's dress). Uli really impressed! I was emotional seeing her collection and understanding the growth she experienced as a designer. Laura was fabulous and stretched it to the degree she could. Michael will do well, but certainly focused tooo much on the sex and sleeze. I would love for Michael Kors and Nina to sit down with me and explain in detail why Jeffrey's collection was remotely good. I enjoyed this season the most. Great casting and great challenges. Thanks.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 1:50 AM
zachary wrote:
Disgusted about Jefferey winning. Thats the first time I was ever angry at the television. I love the blog Andy, so for better or worse, I'm still reading your entries!
posted on October 21, 2006 at 2:48 AM
M.B.Ricci wrote:
Very happy Jeffrey won especially after Laura accused him of cheating and tried to have him booted off, which Uli says on her exit video was a sign of Laura being intimidated by Jeffrey and I agree. Did think that the right two were on the finale runway as the best and thought Uli had a chance to win.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 3:04 AM
CW wrote:
Andy
Fans didn't see Jeffrey as 'mean'. He is a cruel man. If you can't see that you have your head in the clouds somewhere over NYC.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 4:26 PM
Milly wrote:
Love your blog!
Disregard the naysayers. According to Blogging Project Runway, the right guy won. After viewing photos from OFW, the BPR voters gave Jeffrey the win by 2 to 1 over every other designer. In fact, I think the finalists finished in the exact same order as they did on PR. As in politics, it's easier for people to get passionate when there's a clear choice. And no one likes to think their taste in fashion isn't a winner.
Next season, I would prefer a bump up in the level of humor and a bit less drama. or my taste since I get enough whining and fighting and stupid accusations with 3 kids in the house. Also, I'd love to see mini challenges like those in Top Chef (e.g. working the line, taste test). That way, we can get a glimpse of a contestant's technical proficiency (or lack thereof).
Finally, your web site it too busy. I question its taste level, color selection, design aesthetic, and whatever else Nina said. . . .
Already looking forward to next season!
posted on October 21, 2006 at 4:49 PM
Angel wrote:
Thanks Andy for announcing your new show Project Design. Yes, I would definitely want to see a design show like DesignStar. I can’t wait till Jan. rolls around. Love your blog.
Top Chef is good but it lacks these factors
Smell
Taste
Temperature (hot or cold)
Which could mean death for a restaurant.
I would like to suggest better plating instead of boring white plates. Just to make it pop on TV for that WOW factor. Sometimes all the brown in the food against the white on the plates is just DULL3.
What I really liked about Top Chef is the fun they have in the Apt. when they do food-tasting parody, drink, go on the net to get recipes etc. We don’t see stuff like that on PR. The designers worked too hard to create gorgeous dresses. Maybe give them less time and more rest to get their creative juices recharged.
I also noticed that toward the end of each season, the designers fizzled out. Maybe give them prints ,books or a trip to a museum for inspiration. Remember, the key is to create an even playing field.
Laura’s designs are plain, simple and sophisticated. Her beading and feather work get old very quickly. Boring3. Laura makes what she wears and Uli makes what Heidi wears. Jeff is provocative, fun to watch and unexpected. He has that WoW factor. Michael fizzled out as the challenges got harder.
What I liked about DesignStar are their unlimited shopping trips. They can shop till they drop for inspiration. Lots of money to spend and they created beautiful designs. They even get a carpenter to help.
Hope you can incorporate these ideas into your new shows. I also wrote to Tim Gunn with ideas. Please get rid to the Wall of Shame. NOT inspiring and fugly. Reminded me of the bad reviews and the sad goodbyes.
I also mentioned some challenges in the sound Auf. The Final Triathlon Challenge. No one gets days off, multiple aufings and the remaining designers get to show at OFW
posted on October 21, 2006 at 11:44 PM
jl wrote:
Although Uli was my favorite all season and I thought her final collection absolutely rocked, I do agree with the judges that Jeff has the unique look and innovation and the raw talent for high fashion. The other designers are a bit more commercial. *one thing did irk me about the runway shows -- the shoes were awful!! were these straight off the sale rack from Macy's? Most of them didn't match the outfits and also made the models walk funny.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 2:27 AM
mam wrote:
Anyone know the name of music played during final runway for Jeffrey and Uli? Loved hearing both of those segments.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 4:26 AM
Lanta wrote:
Uli and Laura were robbed. I regret wasting my time watching the show and won't do so again, and I think I'll be joined by many others. Project Runway needs to change the final selection to be a combination of the judges and the public.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 9:53 AM
Erica wrote:
Indeed. It ain't Project Congeniality. But I've always seen something in Jeffrey that went beyond the "villain" edit. And I was so impressed that he already had a collection in mind when he went home to create. There was no lag time while he decided what to do. He KNEW. I loved his passion. He wanted it more than the others I think, as evidenced by how shattered he was when he heard he could show. I love Uli and would have been okay with her win as well, but I'm thrilled for Jeffrey.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 2:27 PM
Cade wrote:
Last
soundbite:
Uli :
I didn't care for the fact that the blue print fabric from her winning Elle Magazine dress showed up
in the final runway show.
Michael:
Interesting to me how his designs didn't really falter until he was given complete freedom to create.
Laura:
Nothing to say.
Jeffrey:
Would have loved to see his work stand up against Bradley, Alison, and Keith in the finale.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 2:27 PM
Stella wrote:
Did anyone notice how Michael's jungle print on Clarissa is a near duplicate of the dark fuschia gown he made in the last challenge?
This could not have been a good thing ...
posted on October 22, 2006 at 2:45 PM
Jean wrote:
I agree with all the water cooler crowd! Uli is awesome and so talented! She has a true gift as many from Europe do with the ability to throw patterns,prints and odd colors together and as Tim would say "make it work" . So sorry Jeffrey should have been out a long time ago. He cheated and it was obvious to anyone I know so I imagine it was to the rest of the audience.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 3:40 PM
Nancy wrote:
yes, that final green dress could have been THE green dress, though Uli's final green dress was her strongest piece, too, actually--a truly great dress Jeffrey achieved there--and thanks for going to the game, for those of us who will never get the opportunity--thanks for going for us, having such a blast & not forgetting to let us in on it just a bit...
posted on October 22, 2006 at 3:50 PM
Diana wrote:
I have a question. If the judges don't get to see what goes on behind the scenes; how is it that they know exactly what questions to ask as it relates to the drama they supposedly never saw? Doesn't make any sense. Thank you,
posted on October 22, 2006 at 3:52 PM
Jew Mo in the Midwest wrote:
And now my two cents worth. First, I enjoy all your posts Andy. Thanks for providing amusement. Second, how in the world did Jeffery win? True, I can't stand him, but that's not why he should not have won. This show is about talent, not who gets voted off the island. However, you have many viewers who need to have some investment in the proceedings. It's great that fashionistas annoint the next hot thing, but they are all jaded and have seen everything before. Virtually all your viewers are people who have a clothing budget and and to figure out what to wear that is attractive, and at least somewhat within budget. I was surprised at Michael's lack of depth. I still love Laura, but she is definitely in a niche market, although quite a large one. Uli blew everyone away. How can the judges say "your clothes could be sold in any store tomorrow and be incredibly successful" then declare Jeffery the winnner? I've spoken with any number of fans, and many are seriously considering whether they will bother with watching another season. This wasn't a walk-off between mediocre and odd.... Uli designed clothes that everyone responded well to. The audience needs to be taken into consideration at least somewhat. If the show in essence is saying that "your taste kinda sucks and we know what's good for you even though the majority of you won't wear it" how do you think the audience will respond? By not watching.... fewer ad dollars etc.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 5:59 PM
Lara Shields wrote:
Please, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not open up PR for public voting. That would destroy the show and make it a farce. Then it would be a popularity contest. As Tim says, this show is all about it's integrity and seriousness of purpose. Once you open it up to the masses, it loses it's integrity. The judges/experts need to have the final say. Period.
posted on October 23, 2006 at 10:54 AM
cece wrote:
The day you change it to "a combination of the judges and the public" a la "American Idol" and "Dancing With the Stars" is the day you lose me. I thought the "mid-show" votes this season were gimmicky and intrusive. And the Fan Favorite thing-come on. It is a skills contest, not a popularity contest.
Why can't we have more construction details, more real "fashion info" and lose the tricks. This season had the most talented craftsmen yet, and what did we see? Jeffrey and Angela's mother in a pissing contest (get over it people), many shots of them doing personal grooming in the bathroom, and Vincent "getting off" all over things. ugh. Instead of the personal stabbings going on during the breakout interview soundbites, how about the designers talking about...gasp...their garments. "I used this fabric because....I tailored the garment this way because..." Much more apropos to the concept of the show.
posted on October 23, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Cris wrote:
Andy,
I read your blog simply because, like a horrible car accident, I can not tear myself away from the consistantly ignorant statements that you, apparently, consider clever.
Today, you have gone beyond the pale. Sophie's Choice, which you so flippantly cite regarding your (self-facinating) social schedule, was a heart-rending choice of which of her two children to save from certain death; a decision which ultimately led her to suicide. "Sophie's Choice" is thus a term used to describe a TRAGIC decision.
The content of your blog suggests you are an insufferable, self-indulgent idiot. That you have gained a position of responsibility in the media is both frightning and abhorent given your apparent lack of basic knowledge, and lack of self-restraint. As they say on Project Runway, "the taste-level just isn't there."
posted on October 23, 2006 at 1:31 PM
Melissa wrote:
Hi Andy
I wanted to give my whole-hearted support to the decision by the judges. PLEASE DO NOT LET THE PUBLIC DECIDE. I think it was very important that knowledgeable people, who see hundreds of runway shows and are prominant figures in the fashion industry, are left in place to make the decisions. I really think it preserves the integrity and seriousness of the show. I cannot pretend to know what the judges know, so don't let the public sway you into letting us be part of the decision making process. Don't let Project Runway degrade into just another reality show.
posted on October 23, 2006 at 3:45 PM
trixie b wrote:
What a shocker that the judges stand by their decision! From the reunion show it seemed clear that they are the kind of people who (quite defensively and belligerently) believe that they never ever make a mistake. Generally, those are the people most likely to make mistakes, of course.
Perhaps the reason the judges felt that Jeffrey's designs were so "innovative" was that they haven't been shopping in Hot Topic recently.
Jeffrey won because he sold them a great story about his clothes being punk versions of Japanese ghost and demon stories. The other designers didn't pretend that their collections were anything more than what they were.
I'd expected Jeffrey to win. This is tv. The best designer didn't win. The best showman won. Should we really expect any different? Hey -- that's entertainment.
posted on October 24, 2006 at 12:33 AM
Rebecca Collins wrote:
I really enjoy your blog. Besides a few shows that I DVR, it is really a source of entertainment for me and there's usually at least one good daily laugh included. However, I am quite bothered by the new phrase "Sophie's Choice" you are using. I just read it in this blog and I believe this is the 2nd time I've seen you use it. I know the book was a work of fiction but it was quite disturbing for me and a real heartbreaker. I have to wonder if there were like choices that had to be made in reality during that horrific time. Both times I have read it in your blog, my heart has sort of dropped to the pit of my stomach. I'm probably just being too senstive but it doesn't seem right to compare a choice between a charity dinner and a ball game with giving up one of your children to be murdered. Just my thoughts on the subject - regardless, I'll keep on reading your blog and enjoying it 99.9% of the time.
Rebecca
posted on October 30, 2006 at 9:27 PM