Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 12

Bryant Park became a reality for three designers on Project Runway last night. But, for two, it was the bittersweet end of their short-lived, reality show lives.

Tim Gunn took the designers to The J. Paul Getty Museum where they were invited to use the center as inspiration for their last design. To get the creative juices flowing, Gunn also brought out the models to serve as muses while the designers were perusing the Getty Center. From the striking architecture to the beautiful interiors and inspirational paintings, there was something for each of the designers to focus their designs on.

This was the final challenge for the five remaining designers and as the gravity of the situation set in, the tension in the studio could be cut with a knife.

Carol Hannah found a luxurious French bed from 1775 and designed a gold evening gown that the judges thought was beautifully executed but not reminiscent of the inspiration. While they all agreed that it was perhaps the most show-stopping piece on the runway, they also warned her that was playing it a bit safe.

Gordana fixated on a painting by Monet and created a dress that symbolized not only her simplistic and sophisticated design aesthetic but also her strong spirituality. As her model walked down the runway, she remarked that this was the best dress she felt she had ever made. The judges all agreed that her piece closely resembled the painting with the flowy, gorgeously draped material, but wondered if her performance would be strong enough to carry her all the way to Bryant Park.

Irina also spotted a painting, but she was interested in replicating the gauzy, sheer material that was draped over two voluptuous women. Her flowy number was beautifully crafted but she definitely missed the mark with the accessories. Her delicate dress was overshadowed by clunky shoes, heavy bangles, large earrings and a distracting headband. Once the accessories were removed, the judges all agreed the dress looked much simpler.

Christopher is the last man standing in this challenge and he knows he is the wildcard. He has always stayed true to his own visions, even at the dismay of the judges. At the Getty Center, he spotted a rocky water fountain and focused on the algae at the water’s edge, creating a dress in a slate blue-gray color. The judges felt he had chosen the wrong fabric for the dress and wondered if his lack of experience was becoming a hindrance.

Althea tried to recreate the architecture of the museum into the structure of her skirt but found that her material was much more difficult to manage than she had anticipated. Heidi Klum said she was disappointed with her and surprised to see such a messy design.

Luckily for Althea, her strong body of work was enough to save her and send her to Bryant Park along with Irina and Carol Hannah, whose designs stood out above the rest. Although Klum admitted that this was the hardest challenge to decide, the judges decided to send Christopher and Gordana home.

Next week is sure to bring a fresh dose of design drama as the designers get to make their own collections and head across the country to Bryant Park. Be sure to tune in next week to see how these three women will fair in the Big Apple!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin Simpson

Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 6

At 10:58 last night, I was stopped dead in my tracks. Heidi and her entourage had made their final decision and decided to eliminate Ra'Mon. I was absolutely stunned! This was exactly the kind of upset that Project Runway needed to get fans sitting up straighter in their seats. It definitely worked for me!

This week, the designers chose from five different movie genres and their challenge was to create a character within that genre and design a costume for it. And, just to raise the stakes a little higher, the designers were only given one day to complete the challenge. This challenge truly tested each designer's time management skills and their ability to think creatively under an extremely tight deadline.

After Ra'Mon created the beautifully flowy dress that resembled seaweed, with the accompanying avante garde batik a few weeks ago, I was so suprised to see him leave after only one failed attempt. But, in the end, the judges felt his lime green Sci-Fi inspired ensemble looked more like a messy swamp monster.

Instead, the judges allowed Louise to stay for one more week, even though she had never been a challenge winner and, this week, made a disappointing dress that looked way too boring for the Film Noir genre it was supposed to represent.

On a more exciting note, this week also showcased some showstopping numbers by Christopher, Epperson and Nicolas. Epperson had to create a Western costume, a genre he was not thrilled with, but he made the best of his situation with a gorgeously ruffled denim dress that perfectly blurred the lines between contemporary chic and seasoned saloon girl.

Christopher chose to work in a Period genre and decided to create a dress for a vampire bride that was equal parts costume couture and runway ready.

But the winner of this week's challenge was Nicolas with his fantastical interpretation of an ice queen. His white dress, with its interestingly feathered neckline, was praised by the judges for its beautiful shape and amazing on-stage presence.

I loved this week because it presented a number of upsets and kept me on my toes. I mean, who would have thought that Nicolas would be named the challenge winner and Ra'Mon would be sent home?? Definitely not me! I hope next week throws me for another delightful loop!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin

Perfume of the Month: Flora by Gucci

This month’s perfume will be the fresh and elegant new Flora by Gucci.

The very fresh and floral scent that Gucci says is meant for young, sweet but somewhat daring people, was originally inspired by a pattern this Italian brand made exclusively for Princess Grace of Monaco (formerly known as Grace Kelly) in 1966. In Europe this pattern is very well known, used, and copied by many people, regardless their age.

Rose and Osmanthus flowers compose the heart of this fragrance, while it’s top note is citrus fresh, in an attempt to bring sexiness into the symphony a good perfume should be. As most, if not all, Gucci fragrances, the bottom note is woody, being that sandal and patchouli are the main ingredients.

In my opinion, and having worn this fragrance already, I’d say that the mixture of the velvety Osmanthus with the warm Sandalwood reminds me of Musky scent. If the perfume had a better staying power, I am pretty sure that you could clearly smell the bottom notes by themselves. The bottle is somehow both clearly retro but undeniably classic. Its clean strait architecture inspired lines don’t allow for it to look dated but the vintage feel is still very clear. Overall, if you really love floral perfumes, this is a good choice despite that fact that it dies fast and only leaves a soft trace after 4 or 5 hours. Otherwise, this might not be the perfume for you.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Micky-

The Little White Dress

Ever since Coco Chanel invented it and Vogue prophetically said it would become the uniform of all women of taste, the little black dress has been a must have in any fashionable woman’s wardrobe. This summer, however, it seams like designers decided to turn tables and present us with the little white dress. Following the original concept, it is a dress that can be dressed up or down accordingly the time of the day and your mood. Though a number of celebrities have been seen wearing them really really short, you can go for knee length if you prefer. Just stay away of longer ruffled ones unless you’re the bride. This Calista Collar Dress for $85.00 is an example of what you should be looking for.

If you want to dress up, then this type of dress is usually worn with either black sandals such as these Rain Maker ones for $49.00 or golden shoes or sandals with sky-high heels as these lovely Betsey Johnson's Florence Wedges .

Personally, I’d wear every colour of shoes, and you can do so, too. Don’t forget your clutch and a nice fresh makeup. The only other accessory you must have if your dress doesn’t have any embellishments is a statement piece of jewellery, be it a huge cocktail ring or a very unique necklace (don’t worry, it can be fake jewellery), however limit yourself to only one.

If, on the other hand, you want to dress it down, use with gladiator sandals or even embellished flip-flops, a large bag, a colourful scarf and bangles.

If you are worried that white can make some problem areas appear larger, counteract that with the shape of the dress. If you are apple shaped, choose empire waist dresses as they can disguise your stomach area like this awesome Nomi Dress by Ingwa Melero. If you are wider on the hips and tights, go for an A line, knee length skirt. Check out this Velvet's Lenet Dress for $119 that is 100% cotton, what makes it very confortable. To ensure you will be able to wear your dress for many summers, choose clean lines so it won’t look dated and be sure to be careful when washing it so it doesn’t turn yellow or grey. Also, pay attention to the material you’re dress is made of. If you pick a dress made of silk, it can be a bit harder to dress down in case you need to.

The best thing about wearing white is that it compliments all skin shades and the tan you may have. However, very light pastel colours can work great too. Try off white, light beige, light baby pink or even light aqua since it will make you look fashionable just the same, but with a hint of something different and very attractive without going too over the top.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Micky