12/16 - Project Runway 19 Show Discussion

I really enjoyed tonight's episode, and it seemed like the contestants did as well. I loved how Christian invited them over for drinks, only for them to find out that they would be using items around the bar to create their designs. This was a very good runway; while there were some execution issues among the outfits that were on the bottom everyone did well. The top 3 (and I would put Bones in this group as well) were spectacular in different ways. Aaron's dress was very beautiful and Art Deco New York and he didn't need the puffy jacket because that dress stood proudly on its own merit. I'm glad Shantalle came back from almost getting eliminated because her dress looked very avant garde and textured in a lovely way; it's amazing what she did with only straws. Kristina's dress was a shimmery delight.

Then they showed the lower rated contestants and they were all fine, just execution issues. The Typography Ho in me luvluvluvvved Anna's dress; I loved how the "thank you" print on the bag made a nice graphic print, and I liked the addition of the extra type on the dress. However, the side of her cheongsam was gaping at the button holes, which was not a good look. Chasity's dress had a cool can-can girl quality to it that would have been rated higher had there not been execution issues all over. Prajie made the rookie mistake for not including his model's waist in consideration and the end result was she looked like she was a box. It's at the point where you hate to see anyone go home, and I've enjoyed all 3 designers so it was crap no matter who was picked. I think the person who left is very talented, and I hope being on this show gave them a bigger audience for their work.

I dont know. I think if a designer designs based on the body type of the model, the outfit should look fabulous. Not all body types would  look good in the same dress IMO. I think of some of the designs made for Tara Lipinsky. There were a couple that the judges felt did not suit her in the least because of her size. 

I don't think that the issue is with a plus size model, but rather with this plus size model. She has a short torso and lacks a defined natural waist. She's been a challenge for every designer who has had to dress her. I'm not body shaming because she is plus size, I just think that she has a difficult body to fit.

I would like to see something they did in the past....a challenge where everybody had to dress an "ordinary" woman....that way the playing field is level and PR is being inclusive.

I work at a dress shop and sew apparel mostly for myself. At one time I sewed dresses for a Hawaiian dance group and would have to make fitted dresses for 12-18 different women's bodies. I learned that with the right fit and a good design, each and every one of the women ended up looking terrific! In the case of Prajie's model, that shape he designed, especially with the upholstery fabric as the base, was what did him in. There are many women who don't have a waistline who can look fabulous in clothing if it simply bypasses the waist. If his design had more movement with a drapier base, it would have looked so much better! I really liked the lace treatment at the bodice level, the heavy hem treatment, not so much. With so few designers left, each one that leaves will have great skills and it will be sad to see them go. They are each learning so much and will benefit from this experience.