Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Project Runway Episode 1 RECAP! Here goes the Dream Team!

So the premier episode of Project Runway  Season 11, complete with Zac Pozen, has concluded and I am going to recap the shit out of it!  A bit late, but the flu has attacked my wit and wisdom and I am now feeling well enough to hash the goods without upchucking the goods.

After watching a couple of times I realized that I had a tendency to come off a bit snarky, and my sideways glances had a bit of the devil in them, when in all actuality could have been just nerves or gas bubbles caused by nerves.  It’s the first challenge for god’s sake!

I said things like: “I don’t think I am going to help Emily.” Well, I did, as did Cindy and Samantha.  Frantically with what time was left.  I also helped Ben, as did Matt and Samantha, get his dress together.  It was a team of helping. And for the most part we really got along.

I also said that I had seen Daniel’s garment like 30 years ago.  I wasn’t the only one.  Zac Posen mentioned he had just seen it on the Paris runway.  So yea, when I was 4 I saw it in the future.  Because I am psychic.

As for the team names… they were weak.  However, there was little time… like a breath to come up with them.  In hindsight the Dream Team should have been “Born of Satin’s Breath” or “Sissors of the Underworld” or something really metal and terrifying.

Let’s chat dress shall we?

My first dress was inspired by the rebuilding of the World trade center, the scaffolding in particular.  I purchased some pretty industrial fabric, waxed denim and wool Melton (one of my favorite fabrics of all time), and a plethora of notions to make side bag/harness piece to recreate the scaffolding.


Here is what the blogs said:
“Overdone. Desperately in need of editing.” – Tom and Lorenzo http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2013/01/pr-s11e1-neverending-story.html

 
Over at Rate the Runway on Lifetime:
I received a vote of 2.49 out of 5 by 2244 viewers.  Here is what a few of them said:

“I may be flying solo here, but this was my favorite look of the night. Urban Commando. The fabric, proportion, para-military element and surprise backless feature all worked.”
“Just when Mayor Bloomberg announced the lowest murder rate in NY for many years, along comes a terrorist….”

“Is she going camping?”

At Tirare Le Fila:
http://tirarelefila.blogspot.com/2013/01/project-runway-season-11-episode-1-team.html

“The dress gorgeous, however, the purse contraption, while clever as hell, belonged on a much simpler dress. The purse contraption is very New York, if you think about how practical New Yorkers must be. Over a sheath dress or pants, this would have been inspired street chic. The fact that this was a good design on the team that failed meant that she didn't get the criticism she needed to improve in the next challenge.”

And then there is The Democracy Diva’s thoughts:
http://democracydiva.com/2013/01/26/project-runway-recap-season-11-premiere/

“The back is pretty, but I can’t like a dress with a built-in fanny pack. I just can’t do it.”

Overall, pretty funny. I wouldn’t do a damn thing differently.  I have learned that black doesn’t show very well on the runway, all the minute details were lost.  But I still think it is a kick ass dress.  And I think my model, Miss Brandi rocked it!
Oh and those who know me know that my idea of camping is called a hotel.

So what do you think?

23 comments:

trente33trois said...

Excellent recap. Also, thank you for links to other blogs. I read Tom & Lorenzo, but always like other recaps.

I liked the dress immediately and loved the almost sheen the material had. I wasn't sure about the side bag until I realized how I carry a really utilitarian strappy bag like that daily (commuter chic). One comment I real somewhere was that someone would have liked to see a colorful lining on the dress, which I think could have endless possibilities. LOVED the back.

Overall, a solid start. It looked like you, wasn't boring and looked young but not too young. I just hate having to wait a week to see your next garment.

-Sareena

Lindsey R Hamilton said...

The episode was great! You are very witty, funny and entertaining. As for your dress…very original, true to the NYC change and well put together. Can't wait to see your next creations!

LRHamilton

Heather - dollarstorecrafts said...

I saw you and I was like, "I know that girl from high school!" Yay for Portland! (Heather Varis)

I wish we could have seen your dress closer and for longer, but I loved it! I wonder if you would have won had your team been in the top?

You are good TV, so don't beat yourself up about the snark!

Let me know if you need some DIY blog press!

Betsy said...

I missed the show but am pretty sure I used to know you through your mom when we worked at CF together years ago. I used to come over to your house quite often, though doubt you'd remember me. How wonderful that you grew into such a facinating person. I am going to try to catch the next show for sure. Betsy Wilkerson

Unknown said...

Kyndal n I watched it together just for you csuse well fashion is like alien to me for sure! I loved your realness and style. You didnt try to be fake or overdress or anything like the other ladies on the show did. Now your dress well i loved the dress because its probley the only design i didnt say what in the hell? Who would wear that that I know? So yea! Good job dude. Cant wait for Kyndal and I to hang out and drink the " DEVIL JUICE" this week while we watch!

Unknown said...

You were on the camera more than any other contestant. Clearly a favorite for design and personality (Feisty Angel style).

Gina said...

I like your clever snark! Also, I would wear this dress in a heartbeat. I do hope that your designs are available on the East Coast in the near future.

Unknown said...

I love this dress, and everything you've done in this seadon of Project Runway - ESPECIALLY your Spring dress for the Lord & Taylor challenge. Congratultions and best if luck as you head dtraight towards Bryant Park!

Julie said...

Just found your blog, been watching all the episodes and cheering for the brilliantly snarky girl from "up the freeway" -we're in Eugene.

Love your style.

Anonymous said...

Michelle I am hope hope HOPING you complete your "do or die" challenge and hang in there. You are my FAVORITE. I don't know what the HELL the judges are thinking. Love Love LOVE you!

Anonymous said...

Having just watched the editorial challenge, all I want to know is where to buy your clothes! Your ensemble was my favorite - if I was flipping through a magazine, it's the only one I'd stop to study and dream about owning. ;) Love your gutsy, fashion-forward aesthetic.

Anonymous said...

wow, I didn't know you are from Portland and have a shop there too. I am living in Denmark, very closed to Portland, and thinking to Portland one day just to see your design and shop. Hope it is not difficult to find it.
I love you design, especally those in the final project runway. They are combined cool and feminine styles which makes them look extremely specially.
Before I didn't like those clothes that look cool, because I think they are too masculine. But your design changes my mind. Hope I can have them.

Deb Hardman said...

Congratulations on your win. I have been cheering you along all season!

I want to buy one of your wolf sweaters & the blouse under it. Any chance you will have them mass produced? Or special ordered?

Unknown said...

Congratulations Michelle on your Project Runway success. You were a total inspiration through out the whole season for me. I appreciated your strong and structured design approach. You rocked the final runway with your awesome organization skills as well!! Kuddos to you! I learned a lot!

Grandma Bonnie said...

Did a bit of googling, hoping to find some of your "past" fashion, i like your sense of humor in your clothing. Etsy store is empty, and i am not surprised. Wouldn't have known you were out there had it not been for Project Runway. Shoot, your Lord and Taylor dress was instantly sold out...and it wasn't even your favorite to make according to the show...it was about the jacket we never got to see completed. I loved, loved your Wolf collection..i loved the woodsy, earth tones of it and how fun it would be to wear. The heart sweater wasn't my favorite, the 1st and fourth outfit shown were my favorites. Project Runway is for entertainment and other than the runway show in the end, a viewer can't really judge based on what is shown during the show, they can edit and make people look however they want to. That's how i view the show...and how well designers can make clothing in a "fast food" minute. You passed the test and i am glad you won..going to a foreign country in a day isn't all it's cracked up to be...you spend the majority of your time on the plane..you had the better deal staying home. Now you can go overseas with your earnings and really enjoy yourself!

Anonymous said...

I have been watching project runway for a few years now and the first episode of this season right when I saw you I said I am totally going to hope she wins and when you did I freaked out and screamed my head off I am only 14 and wish that someday I could get into the fashion world, but I will most likely end up with some crappy job and be depressed, anyway I loved your first dress and all the other pieces after.

Anonymous said...

O.K. It is me agian the 14 year old so maybe me being depressed won't happen it's just a dark moment that came over me honestly I am most likely a biggest fan or something of that sort. From the begining I have hoped you would wim and yes when you did I did go crazy I screamed and got up and jumped around which annoyed my mom then afterward I started to cry and I cryed when you almost got voted off oh and when I wished I could meet you in real life. I really do like fashion, but I doubt I'll end up doing it besides I am only 14 good luck to you into the future and the end.

Anonymous said...

love you! thanks for repping portland!

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle,
I loved it! Smart structure, form and it looks built for and by a warrior woman!
<3,
Jeanine

Anonymous said...

right from the first episode, i knew you were the star of the show! loved your honesty, frankness, and level of maturity! congrats, well deserved!

Regina said...

I had you picked from the first episode to win this season. My husband thought I was crazy especially when you had your do or die moment...loved your jeans & t-shirt regardless of what Nina said. You were absolutely the most creative, fashion forward, and unique of the group. Congratulations and I am hoping to get my hands on one of your wolf sweaters. LOVED THAT SWEATER!!

Anonymous said...

You were rude on Project Runway, Michelle. I love women who are arrogant and powerful, but you were just a mean girl who talked shit about other designers and played cutesy with the judges. I wanted you to lose because you didn't deserve to have your bad attitude validated. The way you treat people is wrong. You were pompous and self-absorbed, which would have been fine if you weren't always pretending as though you weren't. You're a fake. You think you're so cool and progressive just because you live in Portland (the most racist city I've ever visited, by the way), and have an "edgy" sense of style, and probably vote Democrat or whatever even though you clearly aren't all that familiar with real life issues (it's "freaking cool" that PR donated to Autism Speaks, hunh? Did you know that Autism Speaks is actually pretty harmful to real people who are autistic? I'm sure you don't, and I don't expect you to, but then don't prance around acting like you even know what the organization is and does). I can't stand you. I didn't like your designs, but that's neither here nor there. You're just a rude person. Just another example of a selfish mediocre white lady skating by on her insufferable "quirkiness." People worthy of their power and of others' admiration don't need to be assholes to get ahead, but you are worthy of neither.

Winnie C. said...

I am fan! i have just finished watching the entire project runway 11. from the first time i saw you, i was already rooting for you. i love everything about you. i smiled everytime I saw you on the screen of my computer. I loved your clothes you wore every single episode. love love your face. your cheeks were always bright! love love that! i love that you were kind to Tu(did I spell that right?) I can't believe I am even writing this right now. I have never done this thing. this is extreme! anyway, I am so proud and happy for you. it feels like you are my friend..haha! it feels like I have known you for ages. haha!