There’s No Business Like Sew Business

Judges, photo from lifetime.com

Am I the only one crossing fingers hoping Ivy goes home tonight? It’s kind of what I want for Christmas even. Speaking of that, I hope that everyone had a great holiday. We had a huge invasion of the family which means I’m just now finally able to have a few minutes of quiet to have with just me and my designers.

Anthony Ryan, photo from lifetime.com

The episode on 5th Avenue this week, pantheon of designer fabulousness. We go into the Elie Tahari which is just amazing, full of bright white and light. Elie Tahari himself comes out to help tell us the challenge this week is all about ready to wear which is one of the most important factors to becoming a successful designer. Their design will be in the window of the Elie Tahair store as well as being sold by them. After sketching and fabric selection from the Elie Tahair collection, the designers are sent to the cut room to price everything out. Uli has to lose a vest but everyone else gets what they want without a hitch. Back to the studio where Ivy is already changing her design and working with a print. That’s a little unusual for her…and it’s an ugly print. Apparently Uli’s declaration of going in a different direction only means she won’t be using feathers because she is going with all white again.

Uli, photo from lifetime.com

Joanna shows up with Elie in tow. Not surprising, Ivy does not agree with Elie and Joanna’s thought that the dress should be shorter because the print is so busy. Joshua is going with a very pink dress but my sister and I are digging the color. It’s bright but it’ll be fun I think although they are a little worried about the pink lace – Anthony Ryan points out that it’s a little Playboy mansion-esque. Emilio’s color blocked dress goes over ehhh – they’re hesitant with his yellow, orange, eggplant combo on the front. I agree, the yellow and purple are much stronger without the orange. Uli’s dress is very bulky – she’s taking their words to heart. They’re loving Anthony Ryan’s pattern choice but are hesitant for the pocket cut/pattern…but love the pockets. It does add value, I know I’m more inclined to buy a dress if it has pockets even if it’s a little more expensive than a similar dress.  

Seriously I think Ivy and Casanova are like the same person. Anthony Ryan adorably chats with his boyfriend which is followed up with a sappy chat between Ivy and Casanova. WHY?! I don’t get that.

Models are in for fittings, Ivy is stubbornly sticking with the longer length. Uli’s dress looked good on the mannequin but on the model? Not so much. Joshua’s side view is terrible, horrible saggy boob look that no one will love. They head back to the apartments where we get a little story about Elie Tahari. Gotta love that.

Emilio, photo from lifetime.com

Very interesting. We have a preview for Project Runway coming in January and it’s the first one I’ve seen that addresses the team aspect that they’re doing this year. Looks like a drama filled season….so you know, awesome.

Two hours until runway so of course it’s absolute chaos. First glance at Anthony Ryan’s dress makes me think he’s making her bottom look huge which could get him in trouble. Ivy of course is talking smack, calling Emilio’s dress dated and costumey which I don’t agree with. Joshua is having butt issues too as her model looks like she’s taking a dump due to a funky zipper. The brief judging comments we get in the bumper are not encouraging for this to be a fabulous runway show. Looks like we’ll have several in trouble.

Carolyn has yet another fabulous dress as does Georgina Chapman. Isaac has a monstrosity of a leopard print shirt and gold sparkly tie. Oi. Our guest judges are Elie Tahari and one that I’m a little “huh?!” at – Stacy Keibler. Seriously? Are they running out of fashion designers or actual celebrities that are known for their fashion? The only fashion connection that I’ve ferreted out is that she is dating George Clooney and that’s tenuous at best. Her time as a female wrestler doesn’t do much for her fashion chops although copious spandex and sequins are popular in certain circles…anyways, onto the show.

Joshua, photo from lifetime.com

Anthony Ryan is out first. Love his use of print, it’s great although the snake print on the rear is a bit widening to the eye. Joshua’s dress is next and yeah, it has issues. Saggy boobs and a wrinkled rear are not things any woman wants. The color is great however the dress is a mess. Emilio’s dress is sophisticated and flattering but it’s boring. Ivy is out next. I have nothing nice to say so I  am not going to say anything. I’m lying.

Ivy, photo from lifetime.com

The length is terrible, it needs to be longer or shorter, not that awkward lower calf length, the pattern is too busy and the top is boooooring. Uli pulled out a decent dress, it fits well and I love the bow-ish detail on the top/shoulders.

The judges adore Uli’s dress, it’s flattering and classy and lover her use of fringe. Ivy’s model looks lumpy standing there and the billowing slits on the sides are horrid. They hate the length, it’s frumpy. Isaac liked it but he’s wearing insane clothes today so he doesn’t count. Emilio gets called out for his color being hard to wear as well as it just being slightly boring, he needs to take more risk. He is playing it safe, Isaac tells him he expects more. They like Anthony Ryan’s dress – it’s young, fits well, and used great fabrics. The judges adore the color of Joshua’s dress but he of course gets called out for his fit issues of saggy boobs and giant zipper. My sister says that Joshua also needs to button his shirt haha. The versatility of Uli’s dress and the innovation and youth of Anthony Ryan’s dresses have put them on the top. The judges are torn. Emilio is fine, they don’t want him on the bottom but nor is he on the top. Agreed, it’s very just fine. Ivy is boring everyone and they’re worried since she’s consistently been on the bottom. Joshua keeps making the same fit mistakes which is not good.

Ok prediction time: Uli with the win and Ivy going home.

Of course I’m wrong. Anthony Ryan is the winner! I’m satisfied with that though. They are really kicking ass this season and I LOVE it. They have been two of my favorites ever so having them on top week after week is just fab. Emilio is safe of course. Ivy is out and all I can say is FINALLY! She should have gone home long ago in my opinion. Next week will be interesting, it’s the final four!