Tonight On The Fashion Show

One of the departures that Bravo has taken with The Fashion Show is in the explicit details revealed in their previews. The nature of the challenges, full looks at finished designs, guest judges and major dramatic elements typically verboten on reality competition show previews are all present here. Is it a planned marketing strategy to get viewers to watch or does Bravo just not care anymore?

For those of you still tuning in, we will once again be hosting a viewing party on our sister site Blogging Bravo. Tonight it is "Eccentric Glamour with Simon Doonan". Party room opens at 9:30 p.m., come join the fun!

Top 5 Looks: 1st Place

In the end, Mondo ended up competing with himself. It was close, but Mondo's design from Episode 8 "A Rough Day on the Runway" is our reader's choice for the Top Look of Season 8.

In what was probably the most perplexing challenge of the season, the nine remaining designers were asked to do their take on American sportswear using Jackie Kennedy as an inspiration. As an added twist, a piece of outerwear was required on Day 2 of the challenge. Everyone seemed to have a hard time figuring this one out (especially Tim Gunn), except for Mondo Guerra.

Mondo made all the right decisions at Mood. Choosing a purple, black and white houndstooth tweed for the skirt, he matched it with a t-shirt that had black and white horizontal stripes. For the outerwear piece, he created a cool black jacket with purple lining. It was something of a signature look for Mondo and it finally earned him a much deserved first win.

So let's tally up the damage. With three wins and six top finishes in 13 challenges, Mondo was never in serious danger of elimination at any point in Season 8. He becomes the second designer (along with Leanne Marchall in S5) to score three places in the BPR Top 5 Looks poll. Lovable, talented and wildly creative, he enters tonight's finale as the heavy favorite to take home the top prize. Is there anything that can stop the Mondo Express?

Congratulations Mondo, you designed BPR's Top Look of Season 8!

Results In - You Were the Judge Episode 8

Our polls for Episode 8 are closed. You agreed with the judges and felt that Mondo Guerra deserved the win. Click here to see the results. You disagreed with the judges and felt that Andy should have been the 'auf.' Click here to see the results.

Check back with us tomorrow for our Episode 9 poll.

Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com

There is Still Time...

Photo: ProjectRunway.com

There is still time to bid in the episode 8 auctions. Right now Ivy's design has the highest price. Click here to bid.

There is also time to vote in our episode 8 poll. Did you agree with the judges?

Episode 8 Trivia Contest

The prize for this week's trivia contest winner is a Season 8 Finale Gift Bag. There was one on every seat at the show. Honestly, I believe this is the most generous gift bag we have ever received.



There is a copy of Marie Claire, an optical mouse, some hair and make-up products, and a copy of Tim Gunn's book. Of course he signed it for you!

1. Where do the designers meet Tim to receive the Jackie Kennedy challenge?

2. What two letters appear on Valerie's sleeve?

3. Ivy declares that Michael Costello's and Christopher's designs are both very ________.

4. April describes Andy's pants as s____ s_________.

5. Who styles April's hair in the morning?

6. What type of pants is Tim wearing with his seersucker jacket and madras tie?

7. Which designer is "Captain Outerwear?"

8. Which of these adjectives did Ivy NOT use to describe her design? Stupendous, Original, Beautiful, Expensive, Amazing, Different.

9. Who is "confused" by the "ankle boot?"

10. Whose design does Heidi describe as a "dirty old rug?"

Please send your answers to Team BPR.

UPDATE: We have a winner - congratulations to Rachel P. I will post the answers in the comments. Look for another trivia contest next Tuesday.

Tim Gunn's Vlog: "I'm NOT An Idiot!"

Note: See latest updates at bottom of the post. A copy of the video has been posted!

Tim Gunn's Episode 8 video blog is a must see. The behind the scenes story on the production of "A Rough Day On The Runway" is far more entertaining than what we saw Thursday night. Something seemed amiss about this challenge and the way the judges acted on the runway and now we know why. It was simply flat out incompetence by Bunim-Murray. A few bullet points:

• The challenge started out as a period piece costume that was going to be worn by Katie Holmes, but the designers would not be told!
• After the Katie Holmes/Jackie O angle went away, it became a dancewear challenge and Tim showed up on shooting day at the assigned studio, but no one was there. He had to find the shooting location on his own.
• Tim: "The whole notion that we would even associate Jackie Kennedy with American sportswear is a stretch."
• Tim stepped into the judging circle to clarify what the designers had been told the challenge was since it was clear they had a different idea.

Tim's frustration with the production of Project Runway grows with each successive season. Kudos to him for sharing this fascinating peek behind the scrim. We are "hot and bothered" right along with you Tim!

UPDATE: The video has been taken down. Was Tim being too honest? We imagine the Bunim-Murray brass could not have been pleased. Memo to B-M: take care of your talent!

UPDATE #2: Gina Carbone took a few more notes! Click here for her summary of Tim's Vlog entry.

Update #3: Reader Liz Lemon saved it and has it posted! Click here for the video.

Update #4: The New York Post joins in the fray. Tim says Lifetime didn't make him do it, he took it down himself. Meanwhile, EW.com has also posted the video.

Update #5: Liz Lemon has marked the video private and it is unavailable once again. The conspiracy continues!

Update #6: The video has re-emerged! Click here to see Tim's now legendary take on Episode 8.

What Mondo Wore - Episode 8

As part of her weekly recaps, Kenda offers us this new feature! Click here for the post. Thank you Kenda.

Recapalooza!

Uncle Nick provides a little fashion history lesson...
Eric3000 does his best to figure out the challenge...
Maxthegirl is getting all fancy with her screencaps...
Red Poppy gives us an uninterrupted soliloquy...
Ms.Place found herself nodding off...
Laura Bennett has fashion psychic powers...
Carol Hannah loves her some January Jones...
Jordan Baker, oh yes they did...
Katnap has great lists on her sidebar...
Second City Style didn't think the runway was rough...
Democracy Diva knows a snoozefest when she sees one...
Brian is already looking forward to next week...
And Toyouke closes it out.


Update: Don't miss Choco Chanel, Dishin' Dat, and Girly Shoes.

Thank you recappers - see you next week! If you have a recap to share, e-mail the link to Team BPR.

Episode 8 Online - A Rough Day on the Runway

Click here to watch episode 8.

BPR Interview with Michael Drummond

Project Runway season 8 designer Michael Drummond talks about his experience on the Lifetime show.

Click here for the podcast.

Click here to see Michael's Finale collection.

Poll - Episode 8 - Your Turn to be the Judge

Photos: (top, l-r) Andy, April and Christopher
(middle, l-r) Gretchen, Ivy and Michael C.
(bottom, l-r) Michael D., Mondo and Valerie
Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com. Click to see a larger view.

You've seen the designs on the runway and now it's your turn to be the judges. This week you are Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and January Jones.

Click here to tell us who you thought should have won the challenge.

Click here to tell us who you thought should have been auf'd

Reactions To Episode 8

Photo: Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Television

It was indeed "a rough day on the runway" as the Project Runway designers took a swipe at American sportswear and another one bites the dust. The judges were especially brutal. What did you think of the challenge? What about the decision? Post your reactions to Epiosde 8 here.

BPR Live Play By Play/Party: Epiosde 8

Tonight On BPR

Photo: Barabara Nitke/Lifetime Television

Tonight on Project Runway "the workroom is a war room" as Betty Draper herself (aka January Jones) takes a turn in the guest judges chair. As the designers attempt to pay homage to the timeless elegance of Jackie O, Team BPR will have all of our usual episode night fun in store. "It's a work room you won't want to miss." Well, we won't! Here's the plan:

• Tbone and (maybe) suzq will be hosting the live play by play/party room beginning at 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to participate as we watch Epiosde 8 "A Rough Day On The Runway" together.
• After the show, visit our weekly reactions thread to share your thoughts on was in and who was auf.

It's Thursday on BPR - we'll see you on the runway!

Episode 8 Preview Video

Amanda's Take - Season 7 - Episodes 7 & 8

Dear BPRs, I've been super-busy and sorry to fall behind in my recaps - but here we go with a two-for-one deal -

Hardwear:

Models of the week: BRITTANY: She looked incredible in that short wig! I love her pose at the end of the runway. I know she must have been instructed to keep her arms away from the outfit so there wouldn't be any snags in the plastic, and she did just that, but not in a way that was distracting.

MONIQUE is blossoming the more I watch this season. Her facial features are so delicate and pretty! I know this might sound weird, but she has the cutest nose! I love the dress she wore, and she only added to it by walking in a natural way and not too "strong." She let the dress speak for itself. I also love that they left her hair naturally big and curly and that they did her makeup in a pretty, understated way. Stunning!!

HOLLY: She managed to wear that swimsuit that wasn't a swimsuit and make it look sexy - well, because she has the body to go with it. I wasn't so sure about the look on her face, but I think any model may have had a little trouble walking the runway with a straight face in that creation. Props to her for having a good attitude and wearing Emilio's look so well!

I know that some models had to have their hands on their hips because of the way their dresses were constructed, but that looks so cheesy sometimes. When Alexis did that, it only added to the costumey effect of Jesse's dress.


Click here to continue.

There is Still Time....

...to bid on the Episode 8 auctions. Right now, Seth Aaron's design has the highest offer.



Click here to bid.

Results In - You Were the Judge Episode 8

Our polls for Episode 8 are closed. You agreed with the judges and felt that Jonathan Peters deserved the win. Click here to see the results. You disagreed with the judges and felt that Amy should have been the 'auf.' Click here to see the results.

Check back with us tomorrow for our Episode 9 poll.

Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com

Episode 8 Poll - Whose Design LEAST Represents the Corresponding Element?

Click here for the poll.

Where is Michael Kors?

Photo: Lifetime Network

The advance press photos from this week's episode of Project Runway reveal a curious absence. There is no Michael Kors! Sitting in his spot this week is Calvin Klein creative director Francisco Costa, in a repeat of his Season 5 guest judge appearance. Taking up the last director's chair is model/actress Molly Sims.

MK's absence is especially puzzling considering the fact in our pre-season interview with Project Runway Executive Producer Sara Rea, she stated "...the first thing I'll tell you about Season 7 is we have Michael and Nina the entire time...". Here's hoping this is the only challenge that is missing the full judging crew.