Friday, August 21, 2009
Two Dallas-area contestants make virtually no impression on Thursday-night premiere of Project Runway
Neither Louise from Dallas nor Shirin from Richardson came out on top or bottom, and so survived the first week.
After more than a year hiatus, Season 6 of Project Runway, the fashion-designer reality show premiered on Thursday night, with a couple of new twists and -- more importantly to us -- two of 16 contestants hailing from the Dallas area.
Local contestant #1 is a Louise Black, 32, of Dallas whose name seems convenient since her black bob is reminiscent of Louise Brooks. Black digs vintage. According to the promotional materials, she decided to be a designer in 2001 after she had success selling her hand-sewn pieces on eBay, whereupon she acquired some technical training at El Centro College.
"I was the Goth chick in school ... and I've been trying to recover from that," she says.
Local contestant #2 is Shirin Askari, 24, who's listed by Project Runway as being from Richardson, though other sources have listed her as being from Garland.
She got a B.F.A. in fashion design from University of North Texas, and says her favorite color is "crimson." Crimson, not just plain old "red."
Both candidates exhibited above-average skills, but neither won nor lost. The winner was Christopher, whose shtick is that he didn't go to school. He's self-taught. He doesn't know all this blocking and pleating you learn at school because he didn't attend, see. But he won the challenge to make a dress for the red carpet, so he belongs here, even though he didn't go to school. Etcetera.
The show previously appeared on Bravo but is now on Lifetime. It also changed its location from New York to Los Angeles. Otherwise, it was much the same as it's always been, with model-host Heidi Klum, fashion expert Tim Gunn, and magazine editor Nina Garcia.
One other Dallas-related tangent was the presence and involvement of Brian Bolke, co-owner of McKinney Avenue boutique Forty Five Ten. If you watch either Louise's or Shirin's casting session, you'll see that Bolke was one of three judges, along with magazine staffer Paula Knight and Daniel Vosovic, an ex-Runway contestant himself. Those casting sessions would have taken place last fall, as the show's actual taping wrapped up in the spring.
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okme2, says:
Love Project Runway...
Anonymous
3 months, 3 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
GarconTetu, says:
I would like to see writer of this post to audition on Project Runway and impress the judges with her vision.
Anonymous
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Mike Orren, says:
So would I, although I imagine my expectations are different from yours.
Staff
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Teresa Gubbins, says:
Garcon, I love to sew but there's no way i would get chosen. I admire anyone who can sew, and am pleased to see that two contestants from Dallas made it this season. Hope you'll come back to Pegasus on Friday for the next installment of our weekly coverage
Staff
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
If TGubb spent all her days bedazzling jackets for DIFFA, we wouldn't know where the grub and other stuff was..
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
GarconTetu, says:
I'm disappointed with the title of this post. "Make virtually no impression"? The two girls created two beautiful dresses. If you don't understand their visions then don't ruin the show or their reputations with this kind of writing. You really cannot think of a better title? I hope you will have a better post next time and think before you write.
Anonymous
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Teresa Gubbins, says:
Garcon, perhaps you are correct that the headline is weak. a more accurate headline might have said that the Dallas gals didn't win or lose.
both Dallas contestants made beautiful dresses but i'm not judging their fashion. i'm covering their appearance on this show, just as we covered Melissa d'Arabian's <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/aug/02/former-keller-mom-melissa-darabian-next-food-netwo/">appearances</a> on <em>Next Food Network Star</em>. to me, these reality shows are about entertainment; the cooking and fashion aspects are minor
Staff
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
*If you don't understand their visions then don't ruin the show or their reputations with this kind of writing.*
FFS! It is a douchey reality show...one cannot "ruin" a tv show for those who are fanatical about watching it...as well, those who decide to give themselves that kind of public face better be prepared for the harsh reality of everyone else watching them whore themselves out on TV...
That is what they are doing, so perhaps you can go back to your gigantic tub of cookie dough and cry a river for the next horrid program abortion.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
Travis is touchy today....
I'm with Garc. A better title is needed:
"Publicity from totally unnecessary show exhausts pleasant local psuedo-contestants' 15 minutes."
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin, says:
Extra, extra! Random people get 15 minutes of fame, other random people upset about it! Read all about it!
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
alexander troup, says:
Travis is on a..suspened animation device for hair transplant.. while Project Runway is a more of a fashion and flight we have to observe I Can read, while does anyone recall who is Louise Brooks......A/T,..Hair transplants and Moby Dick..
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
GarconTetu, says:
Travis the Amish, "so perhaps you can go back to your gigantic tub of cookie dough and cry a river for the next horrid program abortion."
For your information, though I major in fashion design I don't follow reality fashion shows that much. I only have seen one episode of The Fashion Show and I have never watched Project Runway on tv (only on youtube) since I don't have time like some people. I hardly follow any reality shows. The only reason I'm following Project Runway this season is because my friend is in it. I love her works and I support her works. I also support the fashion industry of Dallas. I can't remember the last time I ate a cookie. When was your last time? 2 seconds ago?
Anonymous
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
Garc - um, I'd like to welcome you to the outside world. If you step out in the arts, you step into critique. Public eye - same thing.
However - TG said "Wow, two from Dallas wash out." I didn't see one teensy thing about anybody's "Vision" or even "Skill" - good, bad, or indifferent.
Want everyone to love every little thing you do? Be a kitten.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin, says:
<i>Want everyone to love every little thing you do? Be a kitten. </i>
Brilliant.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin, says:
A thought occurs: I will never watch this tripe, but I'd love to watch a spin-off reality show called "Project Sweatshop". Basically the same thing, except with kids, and the beating thereof with chains.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Teresa Gubbins, says:
actually, this year, for the first time, they've got a "companion" show called <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/models-of-the-runway">Models Of The Runway</a>, which they're <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/models-of-the-runway#/video">airing online</a>. the models have a certain um child-like quality. but that Lifetime site is a bit of a beating
Staff
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
GarconTetu, says:
Jason Rice - I rather be from the outside world than joining a group of plain boring people. I didn't say anything about wanting people to like everything I do. I'm in the art industry so I expect critiques and I can handle critiques. I've been talking about Teresa's unthoughtful title. Perhaps it's better if you can assist her with writing for the food's channel. It will suits you two better. Snap
Anonymous
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
Unthoughtful title? How about this one..
"Marilyn Manson look alike and some other hooch from Dallas are epic fail on insipid television show." SNAP
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
BTW, Garcon..welcome to Peg News!
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
Matter of fact Garc, there's a simple rule I live by....
To criticize is to volunteer.
Man up and pen a column on things fashion Dallas - open to public comment - and I'll betcha we shut up pert' quick. I'd bet Peg would love to link to such a feature.
I'll see your snap and raise you another time honored hand gesture.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jesus Valadez, says:
I'm an engineering major and I still have free time. I wonder how much work goes into fashion.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
Jesus...lots of work and lots of pretense..
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
jtmbls, says:
Oh joy! I haven't seen this much energy around a Peg story in a good while! Well done Teresa!
Welcome Garcon and thanks for shaking things up!!
Don't mind Travis...He's just bitter that he wasn't selected for Sarah Jessica Parker's upcoming reality show for artists. Plus it’s fun when he gets on his high horse about people on their high horses! ;)
Jason - Brilliant and hilarious! Although, me thinks you left off "...a kitten OR an orangutan." ???
I have my DVR loaded up already with the first episode and can't wait to watch this season. Not only is Tim Gunn a major draw for me, I find it very interesting to watch the creative process unfold and being able to witness a person’s dream come to life. What’s so wrong with that?
Anonymous
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
ehe...jtmbls..there would be drama AND death if I were on such a show...I would start with Sarah Jessica and move on from there. BTW, you will pay for teh sass! :D
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
I got to thinking about Garc's obsessive paranoia of the Food Channel - probably Food specifically.
Maybe Trav can take him under his wing. They both may share some devastating past trauma. While Trav's left him irrationally phobic of all words sharing a root with "Plano" (flat, like a tile floor) and a panic fear of soap hygiene products. Maybe in a similar turn of events, a childhood Garc got a casserole lodged in the same orifice.
Garc, we're here to help.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
Jason...I will warsh your mouth out w/Doctor Bronner's Peppermint Soap and burn your dam draw bridge if you start in...not necessarily in that order.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
mmmm! Peppermint!
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
BTW..my proudest moment in this thread is the fact none of you troglodytes were in the know enough to comment on bedazzling for DIFFA..ahah...and you call yourselves fashionistas! Nubs!
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
::fashionistas! Nubs!
Dude, if it doesn't come in a Hawaiian print why would I care? (Sequins on Toucans are just WRONG)
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
What if it were the Magnum PI print?
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
...ooohhh (maybe)... <font size="1">temptation... temptationnnnn</font> oooh ... No!
It's the principle of the thing. Not even Selleck can sell sequins. Nope.
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
GarconTetu, says:
Jason Rice you sound and look like one bitter old man. I wonder when your final days on Earth. I will go drink a beer. And no thanks, I don't want to be under Travis' wings. I'm not a hot mess like he is. He seems to need a shower. Perhaps you can help him with that.
Anonymous
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
A hot mess...I like that!
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
Aw Garc! You break my heart. And I'm actually three bitter old men.
I'm sorry - I didn't know you were so sensitive about sequins. My bad.
Yeah Trav - I think you have a new nom de plume!
Verified
3 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal