Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 7 Recaps: Little Fashionistas!

Project Gymboree!!!!!Heidi Klum in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul

On last week's Project Runway, the episode begins with Heidi Klum sauntering onto the runway (as she always does) and then inviting eleven of the cutest little girls to stand next to her. Posing there with all those little girls next to her, I had a vision of the most CHIC "Mother Gigogne from The Nutcracker" I have EVER seen! Well of course she was, because she was wearing one of my designs! Yes, to begin this delightful episode, Miss Heidi wore one of my NIKOLAKI silk jersey one-shoulder dresses and looked beautiful in it! But I digress. There was a reason why those little girls were there: The next challenge was to design a fashionable look for little girls.
It was cute watching all those precocious little girls invade the Parsons Workroom, annoying the heck out of some of the designers. Miss "Housewives Of Atlanta" Anthony Williams was the best, saying EXACTLY what I would be saying--and with the same Southern Belle accent! The designers got a late visit from Tim Gunn, where he announced a "twist": Not only were they to create a fashionable little girls look but a companion ensemble for their "Mommie" Models. I knew there had to be something else since the designers were almost done with those Little Girl's dresses, leaving them wondering "OK, what else do I have to do, 'cause I'm done!"Cut to the Runway and designer (and multi-million dollar brand) Tory Burch, this week's Guest Judge, was on hand to access the best Mini-Me and Mommie looks in the bunch. Who would not be able leave their "Designer Ego" at the Gymboree door and which designer would be able to marry the best of what a little girl would like AND add their own unique designer stamp to it.

My Faves:Mila Hermanovski's Mommie-Daughter Duo was one of my favorites, hands down. The minute the two stepped onto the runway, I also knew Burch would LOVE IT! The coat, the little girls dress was SOOOOOO Tory Burch! Both looks were polished, fun and fashionable and very Mila (Hello Color Blocking!).Surprisingly, Season 7's "Logan", Jesse LeNoir designed two great looks for his little girl client and his model. There was a bit of a Cartoon-y touch to both looks but somehow they worked. To be honest, I didn't "get" the askew/semi-twisted detail he did on the Little Girl's Dress; it looked like a mistake. I just wanted to run up onto the runway and shift the damn dress into it's proper vertical position!I loved the fitted day-to-cocktail dress Emilio Sosa created for my favorite model, Holly, it was very RM by Roland Mouret so it's no surprise Miss Heidi Klum also loved it (Heidi loves her Mouret's!). BUT....that little girls dress was a Communion Dress from Salvation Army! It was three sizes too big on her. And the length was too long, needing about 12" to be chopped off of it, like NOW!But the real Winning Duo was Seth Aaron Henderson's Mommy and daughter. First of all, I have to concur with THE Michael Kors: That jacket was FAAAAABULOUS! Add to it, the model's styling, hair and overall look and she was the most fashionable Mom on the Project Runway stage. And to be honest I haven't even noticed model Valeria Leonova until now! The little girls dress was a perfect complimentary to his rockin' chic mom.That jacket--with the star and "SA" patched back insignia--was stellar. The houndstooth fabric, the exposed zipper hardware; this was a little jacket every daughter of a "Hollywood Mommy" would want. I could totally see it at Kitson Kids and selling off the rack for $150, no problem!

The Not-So-Good:Amy Sarabi missed the mark this week. She has been one of my "ones to watch for" in this season...until now: What was she thinking? As she was cutting all those pieces up in the workroom, I wished I could have reached over through the TV screen and A) Snapped her out of this Arts-and-Craft nightmare and B) Taken all those cut-up pieces and dumped them in the nearest Parsons waste bin. There were elements of the Little Girls Look which were fun (the slouchy turquoise sweater, those flouncy leggings) but together, all the elements made her look like a little version of a tarot card reader on the Venice Boardwalk!
Amy's Inspiration?: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (left) and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (right)

And then, there was the Model/mom: Her outfit reminded me of a look that wouldn't even make the cut for "Muppet Dress" French Designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac or even Spain's "Wacky" Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. The two looks lacked the directional elegant edge which Amy has been showing in previous challenges.

Next Up, Jonathan's Toilet Paper Dresses:
Oh Jonathan Peters, you slayed me with these two looks, and not in a good way. I get the "conceptual" vibe as judge and Marie Claire Fashion Editor Nina Garcia suggested, but I don't think this was the challenge to go Conceptual. The canary yellow and black-and-white colors on the Little Girl's Dress were great but where he went wrong was adding the bolero and rolled toilet paper organza center front accents. Then, he went on to add the rolled toilet paper motif all over his model's dress. All I could think of was Kors saying "Ohhhh, it looks as if TOILET PAPER threw up all over your dress!!!!" Even this "Toilet paper Gown" in the photo above looks better than Jonathan's dress. I was sure he would be "auf'ed" this week.

But, Instead , it was Janeane Marie Ceccanti's Time:
Let me be honest: I kinda liked these. I don't really know why the judges came down so harshly on Janeane Marie. Both outfits consisted of cute, very wearable clothes. The colors were fine and the proportions, just right. The little girl's ensemble was fine and I can see it at an upscale kid's store in Brentwood or the Hamptons. It was very Malia and Sasha Obama. Was the Model/Mom's look ultra fashionable? No. But I didn't think they were bad enough to be eliminated for. I really felt Jonathan's were worse. And Amy's was definitely less flattering to wear. But this was a case where those other two have been consistently better in previous challenges. She was at the bottom last week and therefore, I think it was "written" in the so-called reality show script, for her to be eliminated. Janeane, if somehow you can get the email of Michelle Obama's press and social secretary, tell her you would be happy to send the First Daughters some clothes--I think they would like them!
See you next week for another Recap kiddies! Ciao!

Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 7 Recap: THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE EVER!!!!!

Did You Hear What The Challenge Was?Fashionista Tag Team: Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles and Tim Gunn

This week's Challenge on Season 7 Project Runway was "The Biggest One" in Project Runway HISTORY, and the reward would be UNPRECEDENTED. As Tim Gunn and Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles explained, the winning design would be worn by none other than Miss Heidi Klum for the cover of the April issue of Marie Claire magazine. Canary Yellow is Good: Marie Claire Cover featuring Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page

That is, truly, a big reward. HUGE! pretty obvious--at least to me--what one would need to do to have your design on the cover of a magazine, but Fashionista Tag-Team, Gunn and Coles, still had to "break it down" in case you are a "Cover-Clueless Designer":

A) It's about the CROP: The 3/4 shot (from waist up) Details must be up top.
B) It must POP, amongst all the other magazines, it must grab the shopper's attention.
C) Also, use COLOR! Remember it is an April Issue; No Black and stay away from PRINTS.
D) It needs to be EYE-CATCHING CONFIDENT and SEXY.

With that in mind, the contestants went to work, sketching their ideas and Mood shopping. And then, back to the Parsons Workroom to create the dress that Heidi Klum would love and show off for the Marie Claire April cover.Good Cover= Color, 3/4 Shot and Detailing up top: Done, done and done.

Runway day and the judges, including Miss Coles, were ready for a "Cover Smackdown". As each of the designer's looks came down the runway, I had an uncontrolled urge to shout: Did Any of You Listen???!!!! I was actually having flashbacks to my "Barbie Challenge" when I remember looking over at what the other designers were doing and thought "Did these kids LISTEN to what the challenge was and who we were dressing for?"

More on who didn't listen later...but for now, let's start with the ones who did:
Emilio Sosa: He designed a fire-red silk jersey mini dress (very mini!) with bustier and ribbon detail. He got the color (check!), the "3/4 Shot" detail (check!) and it was certainly sexy (check!). At least he listened. Client and Challenge over "Designer Ego".
It was very Azzadine Alaia (see above on Mariah Carey and Victoria Beckham) and not necessarily Emilio's Carolina Herrea-esque aesthetic, but it worked...for this challenge.

Another one I liked was Ben Chmura's color-blocked design. Now this is the way to show color blocking (take a lesson Mila). He used eye-catching royal blue, canary yellow and black; patching them in a bold sexy yet elegant design (that peek-a-boo back was fabulous!). I could have easily seen Heidi wear this on the cover of Marie Claire.
But the winner this week was Miss Anthony Williams. Yes, it was "Southern Belle's" night. I was (happily) shocked he didn't make some "Housewives of Atlanta Hot Prom Mess" and in fact, had it in him to design a directional, modern dress that was still sexy (check!), full of great color (check!) and would grab the attention of a bored Supermarket shopper (check!). Kudos for listening, Miss Anthony.

Now...Who Didn't Listen:
Mila Hermanovski: Ok, what is that color? It is BEIGEY-NUDE?? How does BLAND beigey-nude fit in with the guidelines described by Joanna Coles? It doesn't. I know that Mila wants to let the viewers and judges know that color blocking/mitering is her "thing". But why not pick CONTRASTING colors (like Ben did)? A cover needs to catch my eye at the newsstand, not make me fall asleep. Her seaming detail--with questionable construction, got lost with such boring colors.

Jonathan Peters' little silk romper was fun and flirty, for sure. But was it for a Heidi Klum cover of Marie Claire? Not so much. With those kimono-like batwing sleeves and knotted belt, it was more ROBE than cover-look ensemble. People would think Heidi Klum was just getting out of bed and looking for her Dannon Light and Fit breakfast Yogurt .Maya Luz also somehow did not hear Joanna when she said "USE COLOR!!!". What happened to these contestants. Seriously. Only THREE out of the twelve used eye-popping Cover appropriate color! The neckline organza collar was great, but I just wished she would have not chosen PUTTY and BEIGE! Was there a Mood Fabrics Sale on these colors that week?I had higher hopes for Amy Sarabi (currently, my personal favorite to win the whole thing). Her "Designer Ego" took over and she stopped paying attention to who she was designing for. Why a print? Didn't Joanna say "stay away from prints", in not so many words. Yet, Amy goes for a print. It was a really interesting dress but maybe had too much going on for a cover look.I saved the worst for last. Mousy Anna Lynette must have had her Ipod headphones on when they were at the Hearst Building. Shorts? A loose vest? An even looser camisole? Is Heidi going to shoot a Marie Claire Cover or go shopping at the Malibu Country Mart? And not to mention, these pieces I can pick up at my local Forever 21. They're cute but NOT for a Heidi Klum Cover. With that, Anna was out this week. Hope these kids learned their lesson. Next time: Listen to the Challenge, Know Who Your Client is, and don't let your Designer Ego override what and who you are designing for.

Nick Verreos Project Runway Recap: Campbell's Soup Dresses are Mmm Mmm Bad!

Red, White and Soup:Tim Gunn and The Campbell's Red Dress Muses

This last week's Project Runway episode, "Design Your Heart Out", had promise of a good thing. The designers were told to create a signature dress for the Campbell's AdDRESS Your Heart Campaign, to be worn at the Red Dress Awards during NY Fashion Week by women who had been impacted in one form or another by Heart Disease. Monsieur Gunn also instructed them that the color red must be prominent in their design and the Campbell's Logo/Branding must also be present in one way or another. Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was the iconic "Andy Warhol Souper Dress": I'm sure a lot of jaded fans of Project Runway scoffed at the Ain't-Got-No-Shame use of branding and I agree that there are ways in which it is used that are oh-so-tacky (NBC's Biggest Loser and the "Chew some Extra sugarfree gum and it will curb your appetite!" brand plug comes to mind). But I had no problem with the designers instructed to make a dress for Campbell's and such an amazing campaign. The designers met with their "real women" models, discussed their heartwarming stories and proceeded to design the outfit that would make everyone gasp as they walked into a room full of New York fashionistas. On hand for the runway judging was Mrs. Harvey Weinstein, the gorgeous Georgina Chapman, co-founder and co-designer of Marchesa.

Now onto the runway:Let me just begin by saying that I really hate to be a "Negative Ninny" but what I witnessed on the runway--for the most part--was a mess! I was shocked. For two years in a row, I have been privileged enough to have either hosted or judged the Macy's Seattle Project Red Dress Gala and Competition for the American Heart Association. And these dresses, which were made by local Seattle design STUDENTS (with only 16 hrs and $200 for material) were all much better than anything I saw on this week's episode (save for Amy Sarabi's winning design). Why so much shiny cheap-looking fabrics, why so many uninspiring designs and why the absence of contemporary looks? With that in mind, let's just praise the one good dress in this challenge. As one dress after another came sashaying down the runway, I thought to myself: "OK, this is not looking good for anybody". Until Amy's dress appeared. Her strapless Silk Chiffon Empire Gown looked glamorous and appropriate to create a statement at the Red Dress Awards. The fit was perfect and it was ideal for the model's body-type. Congratulations Amy! I was thrilled that the judges felt the same way and awarded her the Top Prize.

The Not-so-Good "Campbell Soupers":Anthony Williams' look made great use of the Campbell's branding (on the top) but that stiff satin fabric did not help the model, the sleeveless design is a definite no-no and the skirt was three inches too short. But, Lordy did she work that runway! She gets points for that and I loved the interaction between Miss Anthony and his muse.
Mila's red and white "Star Dress" was not a red carpet NY Fashion Week dress. It was more Fourth of July-meets-Drag Queen Bingo Night at Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood! Again, why the stiff taffeta fabric? I know that this was one of the judges favorites, but it was too costume-y for my taste.

And now, let's take a trip to the Mall, circa 1985:Oh Jesee. You are everyone's new hottie boyfriend and could be a shoe-in for a Christian Bale look-a-like contest but why this dress? I know the judges somehow liked it (what are they drinking backstage?), but I just didn't get it. It was not flattering or contemporary. The cropped sloping-shoulder on his white satin jacket came straight out of the closet of a Van Halen groupie from 1985.I did like the plunging sweetheart neckline (even though the construction is questionable) which showed off her Cha-Cha's. And everyone knows how much I love me some Cha-Cha's, but was there really no other fabric than shiny satin?!
And now, let's take a drive to Laguna Beach:During his Direct-to-camera interview this week, designer Jesus Estrada told us that he was sure he would be in the top this week. I think he was drinking the same thing the judges were backstage. Too-tight and shiny red satin (again)? Diamante crystal straps? Was she competing for the Mrs. Bakersfield Pageant or going out to her anniversary dinner at the Chart House in Newport Beach? It was SO Vicki of "Real Housewives of Orange County"! Compare Jesus' face to the rest of the designers: Amy, Mila, Emilio and Anthony need "Pop Up Bubbles" saying "Oh Dear!"

I have to agree with Michael Kors on this one, saying that it was a "checklist of everything that can turn tacky...and combined into one garment ". Even his fellow designers couldn't keep their "Oh Dear what is that?" looks off their faces when his design came down the runway...Enough said. With that Jesus Estrada was out--surprised to be out--but out none the less.
See you next week kiddies!