Blogs
- Fern Mallis
- They're All Winners
- ... although Fern does have some words for Reco if he wants to be successful.
Bravotv.com: What were you looking for in this finale fashion show?
I wanted to see several fully realized collections … with a point of view that were beautiful, well-made and marketable, clothes that people would want to buy, own and wear. I wanted to see a spark that says ”I’m here to stay … I have something to add to the fashion industry.” I wanted to see a collection of clothes that would convince me that these designers would in fact be around in a few years, and they wouldn’t just become a name attending parties forever as a former contestant on a reality TV show.
Bravotv.com: What did you think of the four final collections (individually?)
I think they each did an admirable job, some more so than others.
I’m also always interested when they have a chance to speak in front of an audience and explain themselves. Communicating and describing a concept and relaying their passion is a big part of the world they are entering and it is important to communicate clearly, and this time they had to “set the stage” for what we were to see.
I liked Anna’s collection a great deal, as it is very saleable, colorful, wearable and feminine. She referenced Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights painting which was quite ambitious and inspirational, but her clothes did not have much of a connective thread through the collection.
I was pleased however to see how Anna emerged as the season progressed. In the beginning she was quiet and unassuming, never seemed to be in the fray, and she just stayed steady, and got better and better and became more of a person/designer we wanted to know and hear from. Through most of the season, the “girls” were much less interesting personalities than the “boys” … but in the end, I really think the girls rose to the top and for the right reasons; their talent took them there.
Daniella was clearly the youngest and spunkiest of the girls … but she also has something to say, which she always did — both verbally and creatively through her clothes. I was impressed by her introduction to her finale collection which “paid homage to all the strong women in her family”… it was a nice touch. Her collection truly held together as a “collection.”
She hit on several strong fashion points and used her fabrics in an interesting way. She “treated” her leathers, layered her looks, made the shoulders a focal point which held throughout the collection. She is definitely going to be someone we will see again.
- 09/05/2009 - 2:47pm
- Viewer
I am proud of the judges cause I did not expect them to discharge Reco cause he seemed to be there favorite. They were very fair cause yes his collection was the least best of the 4. Also do not understand the talk about it wasn't fair to Reco and the love for him. He came of so arrogant. I liked a lot of his work but definitely not his final collection. The judges did a great job and I liked this show.
- 08/07/2009 - 11:55am
- Disappointed Viewer
I find it strange that Fern took Reco to task for his attitude, yet said nothing about Daniellas - of the two, I found her much more offensive. To single out one contestant for "attitude" is not an example of a fair-minded judge.
I feel strongly that Reco was eliminated not because of his collection or his attitude, but because he might win the viewer's vote over Daniella. I don't think any of the judges expected James Paul or Anna to win over Daniella.
Sure there were a couple of mistakes in Reco's final collection, but that could be said of all the rest as well. His designs throughout the show were the most beautifully constructed and original. He earned the right to be part of the viewer vote. The judges clearly played favorites as Fern has so ably shown.
If one of the criteria was wearable clothing - James Paul fell quite short in that regard. Daniella's clothing was designed for a very small segment of the female population, was dated, and had several garments no better constructed to fit than Reco's wedding dress. In my opinion she won points for presentation, but that was it.
Anna got my vote simply because she had the most wearable clothing. I didn't feel her clothing was overly original, but she took risks with her fabric choices and made well constructed clothes that could be adaoted to larger sizes.
If you are going to have a show where the viewers get to decide the winner, the judges are there to offer their expert opinions, but not rig the results.
- 07/27/2009 - 4:32pm
- Mavin
As a viewer, it was clear to me that the show dampened the results much of the time for the designers overall in two main areas: very limited time in fitting models (hence Reco's unfortunate disaster with the wedding dress where none of the models could wear it as it was first sewn), and the unimpressive variety of footwear. Aside from changing some of the pieces to bolder colors, I guarantee that if high boots had been provided and used in James-Paul's final collection his look would have definitely been more widely appreciated. Hands down, I still think he should have won out of the three.
I also think that Merlin's sweatshirt fabric travel suit was very fresh and spoke of what I like at any time, traveling or not - comfort and style. If there is any way I can get either the top and pants from Merlin or the pattern itself, I'd make it work for me in a hearbeat, and I'm 45!
- 07/27/2009 - 12:02pm
- Viewer
To those who keep complaining that Reco didn't win, yet they want clothes that Real women will wear? Two of his designs were so tight ..he had to refit/resew and, then, the super skinny models still couldn't even walk in them!! How do you suppose average women could wear Reco's corseted tops, micro-mini skirts and skinned tight pants, or even, Danielle's ultra short/tight skirts/pants and clothes? They both seem to focus on skinned tight/"hooker" looks!! At least Anna's clothing will fit and flatter normal women and are fresh/colorful, and unique.. Danielle's were fun for now/this year, maybe. Reco's feather dress looked too much like what we saw in the last Project Runway finale...
- 07/26/2009 - 1:23pm
- sherbug
Since Fern believed Reco thought he already won, I believe that biased her opinion. Black designers really have a hard time getting into the mainstream, even when there is a Black First Lady. MObama never wears any designs by black designers.
I hope that Reco finds a niche for his work.
- 07/24/2009 - 5:35pm
- Viewer
I wish that the judges would realize that the majority of us who are watching out there in TV Land are just plain people. We won't ever attend Fashion Week or purchase couture gowns. Therefore do not expect our opinions to match yours. We want real, attractive, comfortable and sometimes exciting clothes. Yes your wealthy friends and clientele live in your world but most of us do not-yet we admire real fashion that we would actually wear. When you eliminate the self-taught Riccos in favor of the formally-trained John Pauls just remember fashion to most of us means "What will WE wear?" .....not what will make the cover of Harper's Bazaar or the runway during Fashion Week.What looks wonderful on a size 00model who is 6 feet tall just does not translate in our world.In other words.....keep it real if you are a television show that is trying to attract an audience of millions.
- 07/24/2009 - 10:35am
- Viewer
Reco Reco Reco....didn't anyone notice that his models had trouble walking and looked awkward because his clothes were way too tight and constricting? Get real!
- 07/24/2009 - 2:05am
- Viewer
RECO was robbed!!!!!
- 07/23/2009 - 10:49pm
- Viewer
All of the designer's collections were flawed. James Paul designs are futuristic starwars costumes. Fern may wear this clothing, but she is one of the few. He should not be in the finals. Daniella clothes were poorly designed, trendy 80’s style, and tacky. Her classic gray evening gown off center cut during the season should have been the inspiration and staple for her designs. Anna is a designer, but she made several commercial pieces not a collection, and the cone pockets are not appealing. Reco is a designer; the black pants suit and snow suit were incredible during the season. His collection had great moments, such as the blue coat, black suit, and red dress. But, because he is so good everyone expected more. He should not have been penalized for our expectations, because his talent was proven throughout the season and during the finals. The final vote should be between Reco, Anna, and Daniella.
- 07/23/2009 - 10:41pm
- cag
Well I just watch enough of the show. It took about ten minutes to see that the judges are still going on about how well they did in selecting the finalist of the fashion show. I know that even if Reco hadn't the strongest collection, but neither did Anna. It's concept was allot of disjointed pictures in one frame. The collection was saleable, but there was no cohesion to it. So if she was out then Reco loved by all the viewers would be fan favorite. That was too much money to give to the person that was trying something new in his collection. What they should have done is given the big money to the judges pick. That way Reco could have stayed. You led us on all season. I personally will watch next season but with a different attitude. Fern by the way anyone that can say that a designer designs for extra skinny people has a problem. P.S. Daniella's clothing makes a woman's crotch seem strange.
More The Fashion Show Blogs
- Final Thoughts
- Fern Mallis reveals her favorite moment of the season, and things you didn't see!
- Read Entry
- Catching Up
- Back from Australia, Real Housewife of NYC Alex McCord recaps the last three episodes.
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- Anna Wins!
- The Season 1 winning designer says what's next for her, and who she considered her biggest competition.
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