Not one single person EVER told you to degrade yourself. That is all conjecture from your own mind. Your victim card is completely unwarranted here. It is beneath anyone who has struggled to achieve. I hope is was simply out of pain that is was stated at all.

Fashion is designing for a living breathing human being. It is not a standalone work of art - it is one where the art elevated by the entity for which is was designed. Therefore it must adapt and ENHANCE the figure wearing it.

Yes, you have achieved great accomplishments in the realm of situation and education. However, your whole attitude in this post reeks of entitlement and arrogance.

Until you learn to accept the fact that you might not have all of the answers and learn to adapt to constructive criticism - you will not achieve the levels to which you have trained.

In short - cut out the petulance of the misunderstood artist and consider the opinions of others.

Oh whatever dude. That dress was unflattering, impractical and just plain ugly. The judges and even the psychic are trying to help you because they believe in you. Why'd you even bother to enter the competition if you're so sure you're smarter than those who've already made it in the industry? As Isaac said, fashion isn't sucessful if nobody wants to buy it. I can't believe very many people would buy a dress like that. Stop your sulking and get back to work.

To me, many, maybe most, people working in the world of fashion/art, are minorities in some way. In fact, the USA is a country of mostly melting pot cultures. I am tired of every person in this country using the "minority/victim" card to whine about every situation in their lives where it doesn't go perfectly. We all have had difficult pasts or present times, imperfect families, not enough education, not enough money, not enough love or attention, have family histories of struggle. That is what this country is all about and why people came here from the beginning of this country's history. So, everyone needs to stop whining, out on their "big girl" panties, and just make a life without excuses. The "Minority" in this country are those who have had wealthy/perfect families, parents, high level education, great health, etc. Every race, color, gender, ethnicity has had their struggles. Anyone who continues to whine about their race, background, social status or family history can go to any other country they choose if they think this one isn't giving the best opportunity in the world to achieve equally. It's what you make of your life.. by not dwelling on the past or feeling "owed" something, that makes on successful and confident and likable. Tired of hearing Merlin, Reco, you, and others from other fashion shows, think they deserve to looked at or treated differently than anyone else just because they are not rich, white, heterosexual, etc. The girls don't whine. We didn't hear Lydia, Angel, Anna whine because they weren't born in this country, aren't rich, etc. In fact, the girls have been the ones taking flack from all of the men on this show just for being women!! You are a talented designer and excellent talent in sewing and will do well in life. But, this show is about being able to dress and sell fashion. It is not a competition for artwork to be put on a wall to look at. Merlin had the same complaints as you. But, in the end, his bizarre style is not what this show is about. Maybe on a runway at fashion week for display, but, not according to the premise they have for this particular competition. The ones who win are the ones who "listen".

hi james-paul. don't listen to people who put you down, they probably wear their juicy "couture" sweat pants to the MET.

i've been watching the fashion show just because of you and i would have worn everything you've made. the moment you made that skirt from last night's show, i knew you were thinking of bustles. yes, isaac was partially right, fashion isn't fashion until you sell it. but then again, you are not fashion. what you are making is a style, a statement. your designs aren't part of a trend that goes into the sales rack after a week.

look at the japanese designers who stormed the paris runway in the 80s! yohji, rei, issey... people thought they were out of their minds. some people STILL think their clothes are ugly. but so what? YOU, are a special person with a special way of designing. you are not mass-market. you will have a special group of fans that will fall in love with the way you think. your designs are not the kind that are "oh that's cute" like some typical cupcake dress. your designs have thought, they have a concept. and that's what makes your garments, and YOU, special!!

comme des garcons had that bump collection where people thought rei was crazy, because it paid no attention to a person's body but just created shapes that deformed it. look at all her fans now. i would kill to have something from that collection.

i completely respect your ideas and concepts. you are special and you should never change that. there are 40 million other designers out there who make "cute", "pretty" and "wearable" things. the people who shop at vivienne westwood, nozomi ishiguro, comme des garcons, yohji and gareth pugh will buy your clothes. america might not appreciate you, but the japanese would probably love you!

A young designer MUST be able to take the criticism of his work by his mentors & turn it into constructive, career-growing & -changing advice. Picasso worked in the shadow of many artist mentors & his work over the decades had a fluidity & organic dynamism that changed the way the world looked at art. Because he was true to himself AND allowed himself to be guided & molded by older, proven artistic talents, his work reflected true inspiration & unique insight of the world.

Don't keep trying to defend the gray garment. It was a failure. YOU are not a failure. I think Rule #1 in the fashion biz in the 21st century is: Do NOT make clothes that bag at the derriere, hips or abdomen. A woman's body right now is all about that anatomical area. It needs to be accentuated, barely skimmed by a fabric with a sensuous hand, or hugged by a flattering pant. The style of a late-Victorian bustle or a British baby's wool soaker are going to be unilaterally panned by fashionistas in the know.

You can express yourself through your talent by bringing us unique designs without going against the advice provided to you by more experienced commercially-successful designers. This doesn't make you a sellout.

I would have worn the dress. I thought it was actually amazing and different.

James-Paul, I have felt from the beginning of the competition that you are one of the most creative contestants. Some of your designs -- the sleeping bag, the prep outfit -- have blown me away. And sometimes it can be challenging to apply such free-ranging creativity in the real world.

Yet this show is undeniably about what will sell. To put it in perspective, Rei Kawakubo's out-of-this-world designs would baffle the typical Fashion Show audience member.

That said, consider your ultimate goals. Do you want only to please yourself, only to appeal to potential buyers, or to find a balance that can enable you to have a viable career in the field you love? I believe that you have the vision and intelligence to make any of those things happen.

Wishing you the best, JR

James-Paul

What the HECK are you talking about?

Sometimes I think that you are not from another country but from another planet.

When you are trying to communicate, you have to have the INTENTION that the person or persons who are receiving the communication will understand you, if this is not your intention, nobody is going to understand you, ever.

I like your designs even though sometimes they don't do anything for the body that is wearing them, but that is neither here not there. I don't think that is your intention. But some women only wear designs that make them look better. Keep that in mind. Good luck next week

Hi James-Paul, Just want to let you know that you are my favorite in the show! i really like your stuff because it's different and not the conventional clothing you see everyday. You should keep going with your style and don't let what the judges say stop you from doing what you want. GOOD luck i hope you make it to the finals!

Really, Jean Paul, the grey dress was, like most of your "conceptual" "designs"(both in quotes) just a folded piece of fabric stitched at the sides and hemmed. I hate to say it, but as Anne said, your "creations" are not supposed to be stand-alone art. They actually look like someone abandoned an old house and draped the furniture with sheets...every single piece, so far. They flatter no woman's body. No human's body either. A person would need someone to find the arm holes, the neck, and some instructions on how to put the piece on, or one of the flaps might end up choking them. Come down to earth. Or take up sculpture where it's acceptable to do inexplicable abstracts. Just ugly stuff. Will you be there walking beside the lady to buys a piece, to give your long-winded etherial explanation to all the folks on the street laughing at her? Yuk.

I really used to support you as an independent thinking designer who could stand on his own. But lately you've gotten into this "mean girls" clique with Reco and Merlin, and you've turning into a royal jerk. Stop letting your whining personality ruin your sense as a fashion desinger. Learn from what these VERY experienced judges are telling you and stop complaining that you are misunderstood.

If you want to be an artist, then you will be a poor artist, but if you want to be a designer, then you must design clothes that real people want to wear.

James Paul Love Your Rings....Especially the Large Ones On You Left Hand...Paused My DTV To Get A Good Look.....WHERE Did You Get Them?....Where Can I Purchase Them? Phil

Being a minority has nothing to do with being creative, passionate and hard working, you and Merlin need to get over yourselves. Also, if your not in it for money but to make one dress at a time for one woman at a time you will definitely need your intelligence for a second job, cause you still will need to eat, sleep and buy material.

Your work is great, I love your concept just believe in yourself, I know you can do it James! Hang in there.

This competition is about fashion that is wearable and sellable. You need to figure out how to make yours do both, because right now your designs are for you only and not for consumers to buy. You really need to get over yourself already. I loved the "stealth bomber" dress you did with Angel earlier in the competition. All your other designs not so much, they just seem to be a repeat of boxy angles and are not flattering on the model at all.

James, you are one of the most talented designers of the bunch but your inability to handle criticism is hindering your growth. Your dress this week made the model look like she'd pooped in her pants!

James-Paul!!! I have been a fan of yours from the very first show. I loveeee your asthetic and can totally see where you were trying to go with the 1920's type dress. maybe if given a little more time you could have expressed your idea in a more ready to wear way? Not quite give up what you believe in, but try to make your designs easier to understand? Be realistic, but dont give up. you will be in the top (=

James-Paul, I guess I just don't get it because I loved your dress! I thought it was classic, beautiful workmanship, loved the colors. I could actually envision it in several colors, including white as a wedding gown. When your model came down the runway, my friend and I just loved it. We were shocked at the comments the judges made. I think sometimes they NEED to see something avant-garde for it to be fashion. Don't get me wrong, the top three designs were also beautiful but I thought yours was right up there with them. I still am shocked, so much so that this is the first time I have ever given my opinion on a blog and I wanted to let you know not everyone agreed with the judges.

I do, however, wish you would whine a little less. I agree with the other comments, in the world of fashion, are you not all minorities?

Again, I loved the dress and you must stand by your vision...although it might not get you the win but there are many people out there who would purchase it. Good Luck!

You can tell that James Paul has talent. His designs are almost architectural and definitely unique. But like the designer Vivienne Tam told him, he has to keep practicing until he finds a way to also make them more fluid and wearable. The top part of his velvet gown was beautiful and simple with the few crystals on the side, but the bottom was too complicated and heavy. i wish him good luck and as all the judges keep telling him, he is a designer, i do not think that he will win, but i hope that he will continue, and keep getting better and better. he has youth and plenty of time on his side. Hang in there James Paul.

James Paul where is your mind. I think you're thinking way too hard about this. You're an genius and it shows in what you're doing but I think that alot of people may not understand what's going on in there-your mind. Relax!

I understand the part about wanting to be an independent thinker living under the martial law. You and all citizens are not encouraged to be able to think for yourselves. I am happy to see that nobody, nothing can imprison your mind. Regarding your thoughts on classroom's cliques: read the heart sutra. You will understand and see things for what it is: conventional labeling as mode of communication (same as races, concepts of happiness or failure, love or hatre ....etc in this world of duality). Then, we will be able to see both we are the same as we are different.

I wanted to add something about James Paul. he seems so so sweet! you just want to hug him to make him feel better. i want Izaak to give him a job if he doesn't win, and help him develop his talent. He is such a sweet guy, he would probably be a pleasure to work with.

I saw that you listen to Beatle songs (Across the Universe). Check out "Dr. Dog". They are a band that I think you'll like.. They have been doing retro music for about 10 years, but, they are young and are often compared to the Beatles, the Band, Neil Young.. They have 2 lead singer/ songwriters and their lyrics are great as well as their harmonies, etc. Their newest c.d. is "Fate". They have been on all of the Late night shows and have been touring the world for a few years.. They have a song on the TV trailer for a new movie with Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler. The movie is called "Funny People". The Dr. Dog song on the trailer is called, "My Friend".. check them out on myspace/youtube. They seem like a band you would like.. your style.. Best wishes to you. You will have a great future ahead.. This show has given you more exposure even though you aren't in the finals. People will search you out and many opportunities will come your way... "Fate"....by Dr. Dog.. check it out and let us know what you think? Just reminds me of you..

JP, I think you should be an architect. Your vision, your concepts, and your mind is too big for fashion where I think architecture will provide a platform/realm where you can display your concepts far more intelligently than a human body ever could. It will also allow your mind to reach greater places and explore 3d forms a whole lot more than a human form.

Keep up with what your doing, you have blown my mind with YOUR brilliant mind. However, avoid over-thinking your concept, I think sometimes, that can backlash in fashion, and be more in-tune w/the emotional part of what you're trying to convey, not solely the intellectual because your vision/concepts can fall into danger in manifesting themselves in a very cold light! This is also another reason why I think you'll be more satisfied in architecture because you can explore so much more!

Good luck and can't wait till your fashion show!!!

I HAVE A QUESTION THE MODELS FROM THE JAMES PAUL LINE OF CLOTHING I THINK IT WAS THE FIRST MODEL THAT CAME OUT IS THAT BIANCA GOLDEN FROM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL?????

WTF! Are the judges on drugs? You can thank the heavens for being selected as one of the finalist over Reco! You are talented, but you belong at a drawing board and not at a sewing table! Your designs are 3-dimensional, boundless masterpieces; however, they are shapeless, do not enhance a woman’s assets, and they are not practical! Reco’s work was consistently good, and yours was not!

Albeit I do not believe you have the panache or aptitude of either of the other, or Merlin, finalist, I do hope you continue on your journey because someone will buy them; however, “ I am just not buying them, Darling!”

I was totally mesmerized by every single piece in your collection. I love the fabrics and the colors. And the shoes you chose were perfect.

I would wear your clothing in a minute. And even though your collection may not appeal to the average buyer, you are a true artist and you must keep designing clothing.

You are so talented.

i liked ya collection i think it is above and beyond......i liked recos collection.....one of the ladies should have went home the one who don't know how to sew pants good luck

You are a visionary. Extremely talented and creative in your own right. However, I am trying to understand if fashion shows are for other designers and they see more into the designs then the consumers. Your clothes appeared to be not wearable for everyday use and even for big girls. I wish you well in finding your true nitch. Making clothes for everyday people is definitly not it.

james paul you is good designs

JAMES PAUL ILL BUY YOU CLOTH AND PUT THEM ON ANY TIME,WE NEED NEW STUFF IN THE FASHION DEPARTMENT,NOT THE SAME OLD SAME OLD STUFF.ALL THE BEST

GREAT JOB JAMES PAUL! i love your collection and i am so proud of you for doing something different.

Hello James-Paul,

I think your designs are quite beautiful and unique. I believe one day you will be a great designer. Someone that is new to people. Something that might make people optimistic to yours and the future of people who would like to design something that no one else has. Honestly you really should deserve to win. The other designers are good. I will be honest about that but, You're different. You have a vivid imagination. That is something a true artist is.

Reco:

You are amazing. I was so shocked last night. I could not believe it. I am a professional woman, your line spoke to me as a professional, mother, wife, and a rockstar. You are so talented. I truly believe there is so much more for you. You have the ability to far exceed all of the contestants. You keep believing in yourself.

J-P, what a fabulous experience to see an intellectual approach to couture. The commercial approach dominated and spoiled the show I think. You might have received better advice on the old Project Runway. Your audience is European Haute Couture, or Pacific Rim--it's the influence of the future. Some editing necessary--and working on real women, to test wearability, and "hanger" quality. Betsy Johnson loved your collection, and Isaac admired your genius. If you can combine a freer outlook to your brilliant concepts we'll see you in Vogue. Don't forget humor--irony pretty wasted in America!

James-Paul, I am a 39 year old woman, who is a size 10-12. From your runway collection, I would order every item (except the skirt with the pleats on the left hand size (from viewers pov)). I TOTALLY agree with Fern-- I would wear your stuff until I drop. I've been cheering for you all season. (Sadly, for me, I watch shows a day late from Amazon.com, so I didn't get to VOTE!!!! ARGH!!! Be sure to let us know where you wind up when you win, or if you don't win, because your garments really are chic and wearable for all sizes. Kisses to you for your enthusiastic and great efforts on the show. Big Fan. JD

I admire James Paul. The idea is, "Indigenous people with western clothes". This is just one collection. Yes, his work is very cohesive. Besides, the other designers may be competitive as well. A collection is like a story, it should be tied together. If he wins, he can make the the shapely designs he want. His idea and concepts are talented either fashion or not. He will make it. I would rock your clothes in the fall/winter. Once he understand the cohesiveness...adjustments can always be worked on. Like his collection shows a very limited palette, not all designers can do what he can. He's a genius and understands shape well but may lack shape on a women. I belive it will not be an issue in the future.

James Paul I think you are amazingly talented philosophically and in visual execution. Your Caliber and talent are complementary & parallel to the Genius of; Charles James, Commes De Garcons, Matsuda, Frank Llyod Wright and Philippe Starck The perception that you are too far ahead of the curve is short sighted & off base as it was with all above mentioned Designers. American Taste Assessment is often behind the ball from a global perspective.American cultrue then later finds homage in some museum exhibit somewhere a few years later in what it overlooked at first pass. You clearly have your own style and are endless in finding inspiration. Being able to be inspired is not at all to be taken for granted. The common thread you share with James, De Garcons, Matsuda, Wright and Starck :All designers above were considered ahead of the curve in their day by main stream. All were much coveted by those "in the know", All resound as unique in their style and genius over time. Charles James was the exception in approach because he was much more “Zen Depth of Visual” than philosophical. I.E. A flower in all its intricate respect to nature became expressed into complex layers that made of a dress which still emanated the same value of a the whisper of the delicate but complicated nature of a flower. You, Wright, Starck, Garcons and Matsuda take your creative process to the next level by taking non tangible concept to successful tangible expression. Your ability to conjure up a non tangible concept & transition a philosophy into a physical, desirable wearable livable tangible usable pieces of art is astounding. From Inspiration to concept, Concept to execution, Execution in brilliant and desirable uniqueness that is like no other than James Paul you should be recognised and celebrated. Process as is similar to talented artists through history have repeatedly been undervalued or underestimated. The reason: speed of thought and comprehension, You are on a plane so far and above mainstreams ability to conceive. The comparative is set in the time frame of mainstream thinks like sediment dropping through water while you are traveling Mach 1. It may take main stream your third orbit at Mach 1 to bridge the gap in their ability to comprehend and embrace concepts of genius. The fog that clouds the bridge is often copying and mediocrity. Someone wrote in the blogs that you would be great at Architecture. I am sure that is as true that you may also be inspirational with Music. True to form you have a Zen sense of “Have it” Please do not be surprised If you do not win. It would not be at all that you are the most talented. It would be a reflection of the safer bet on the more commercial capacity of Daniella and Anna. It would also be a reflection of that American Taste really “isn’t” No insult to Daniella or Anna. I do think Daniella is incredibly and awesomely talented you two have been favorites all along. Anna’s Line was a brilliant surprise. I design myself but would buy the three of your designs. Anna and Daniella are both more commercial and may win based more main stream. They in no way compare to your capacity. Your pieces like Garcons, Matsuda and early Gualtier are more likely to remain in collectors archives as favorites for years. The resounding effect of you clothing would not help but exist as constant inspiration for thought and increase in value over time. Like Charles James, Matsuda and Comes de Garcons. You do not mimic the established designer’s style you resound in the classic sense in which they stand out over time as excellence and originality All that being said in addition to encouraging your talent I felt compelled to write because I I find it disrespectful for anyone to suggest that you should work for “another designer” I sincerely hope that you make your own line accessible after the show rather than work for someone else. Please let us all know where to find you. This industry seems to too often endorse bad behavior caddy and nasty demeanor as acceptable if not prerequisite to make it to the top. Ralph Lauren stands out as an admirable exception of a true Gentleman who has exceeded in making it to the top. I think we all find the combination of your talent and your demeanoras a polite individual refreshing. My suggestion: Get a Pr Agent, Get a backer. Go Global be a shinning star and give America a clue.

You got the color right on. Farmers in Southeast Asia (and I imagine in other countries in the world) wear mostly brown and black since their clothes would not show the dirt as much. they usually wear their colorful color clothings for special occations which is only 5 to 10 times a year.

The music you used with your collection really made you my winner. When I put on clothes the feelng of wanting to be some where either physically or emotionally is always the reason for getting dressed. Your collection took me. Good luck

I lov his collections and I would love to wear every pieces ...

After finished reading some comments, I can feel that JP is not going to win. Only fashion designers, and people who really know fashion appreciate his works. JP reminds me of COCO CHANEL, Balenciaga, Westwood, Christian Dior,Comme De Garcon, and Maison Martin Margiela.

Do you know why???? because these designers broke the rules of fashion by created the new looks, new silhoettes, new materials, and designs.

Good Luck JP

JP your designs are your own. I found them new, different, and not the same run of the mill. You didn't play it safe, like the rest. You brought your talent to the run way. You kept your vision and didn't bring the same style to the show each week, like the others. Good luck you got my vote.

I am really love your design.I do hope you can work with JP for Hermes!!.

thank you, blogger for not stepping on other designers while commenting on JP's designs and his design ability. it is a pleasure to read these blogs. We are what we think, talk and act.

James Paul- Wishing you all the best. You and Reco are a breathe of fresh air. he is my first choice and you, in his absence, are the one I am rooting for to wish.

You don't belong on the Fashion Show where people like Anna and Daniella design "trendy" "desirable" clothes. Your clothing is like ART, that people still have not learned to appreciate. If given the chance, I would wear ALL your clothes, in a sec. But even more than your talent, I appreciate your "sticktoit" attitude- That despite what everyone else was doing, you DID YOUR OWN THING, and in the end, I think you won, as the best designer.

You blew me away with your final collection. I doubt that it will be commercial enough to win, but only your collection combined such a consistency of vision with innovative structuring and use of materials. Congratulations.

I must say I am shocked at the controversy about your designs. I have been watching fashion shows since the late 70's when my older sister started modeling. I have seen so many things in Fashion come and go and comeback again. How many versions of a fitted evening gown or the short skirt dress or the bubble or tube dress can be redone. I think you have to take risks. I don't recall seeing anything like what you created for the finale. It was refreshing and dark. It made me think about non specific concepts and shapes and the relativity to fashion. I don't know if it's art but it is ingenious conceptually done. The garments fit properly. I see fall colors with the pieces you designed and I think Fifth Avenue Fashion of tomorrow. You are a another Vivian Westwood genius giving back to the world what it just can't comprehend. I hope you win and show them that you can do other things. But I applaud you for taking the risk and showing what you wanted us to see. Bravo 4 Bravo!

I love your clothes and truly believe in your talent!

Hi Jean-Paul, A couple days ago I mentioned the color of the farmers' working clothes. I just remembered that when I was young, I was also taught that people who live-of the land has a special appreciation for their land. Therefore, the brown and black (particularly brown) of their clothes also signify the color of their land, the soil that their families lived on. Furthermore, when people throw what is clean or unclean on the earth (urine, saliva, feces etc...,the earth is not horrified, humiliated, disgusted by it for have the feelings of conceit. One need to develop loving kindness, compassion and appreciation toward others as deep and wide as the earth so that we can accept anyone, anything . Because just like the earth we can transform agreeable and disagreeable feelings or sensations. Well, this has nothing to do with fashion. But it has a special connection to the indigenous people's choice of color for their clothing. I just want to share with you the lessons I learned when I was young.