The Pulse Died Project Runway Season 8 Finale

The winner of PR season 8 'had her finger on the pulse of fashion' according to Nina and Michael Kors but I'm beginning to wonder if there is a pulse at all.

I'm glad I recorded the final episode and instead chose to watch Animal Planet's Fatal Attractions, it was more exciting than Gretchen's collection.

I remember the judges repeatedly criticizing designers for off the rack/wearable looks. 'WOW US!' is what I kept hearing and that's exactly what Mondo did, yet, they chose to go against everything they preached all season long and gave the win to Gretchen's bohemian over Mondo's fresh, fun, memorable, innovative and Andy's well made cohesive collection.

Mondo's designs are completely his own, if you see one of his pieces you know its a Mondo piece whereas Gretchen's....well....Ive seen folks blogs that say they have seen similar clothes at Target and Walmart. Someone else posted that Gretchen's collection was lifted from Butterick's #B5491, worthy only for QVC at 3 AM.

A couple of Gretchen supporters wrote on PR's blog that older women would not wear Mondo's designs. I am an older woman and would wear them in a heart beat. This is not 'Design For Grandma' but maybe that is something PR should consider and judging from Gretchen's collection they are on the right path.

On my last blog I questioned the choice for Jessica Simpson for judge, now, well, at least she had the taste to pick Mondo but a lot of good it did when both she and Heidi caved in to Michael and Nina. Perhaps Tim Gunn should have been called to break the tie.

Perhaps its time for PR to acquire a new set of judges with fresh eyes. I think Nina and Michael have become jaded and stale and frankly seem to sort of get off on wielding the hand of power. You know what they say, In fashion, one minute you are In, the next you are Out.

As I type this Mondo's collection is almost sold out at SEENON.COM Gretchen only sold one.

Update 10/30/2010 Mondo's collection is SOLD OUT. Gretchen sold 1 piece.

Some of Gretchen's pieces











Mondo's













Heidi putting her money where her mouth is.



Personally, I like his dress with or without the sleeves.

Mondo's Website.

Mondo before Project Runway.







Only thing I liked about Gretchen's show was the music. It happens to be "Icarus" by White Hinterland.

52nd Grammy Awards Show

Newspapers, blogs..., even those that are not fashion oriented, are a-buzz buzz about Lady Gaga's costumes last night at the red carpet and Grammy Awards show. She dressed exclusively in Giorgio Armani Privé encrusted with Swarovski crystals, Alexander McQueen shoes.

I always said that if you are in show business as long as they are talking about you the next day you win.









I think I would have been a little bit peeved if I would have sat behind this number.



Other notables

Beyoncé in sculptural Stephane Rolland



Katy Perry wearing Zac Posen



Rihanna in Elie Saab



Taylor Swift beautiful in Kaufman Franco



Here is another angle because that frontal shot makes her look like she is expecting.



Nicole Kidman & hubby Keith Urban both in Prada.



Heidi Klum in Pucci with handsome hubby Seal



Keri Hilson in a pink champagne Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown



Ciara in Givenchy



Britney Spears attempted a similar effect in this Dolce & Gabbana but Im afraid she failed. It was just unflattering.



Fergie in Pucci



Jersey Shore Reality TV celeb Nicole "Snooki"



Sorry Snooks, I'm all for celebrating the body of a real woman but when you have the shape of an eggplant you should avoid tight clothing.

And because you are still young and I dont believe in criticizing without offering constructive advice; first of all I would not wear shiny fabrics but if you must - a few from Diane Von Furstenberg line just to give you an idea.







Now, I know the following comment may not hit the right tune with Taylor Swift fans but neither did she when she performed with Stevie Nicks. Some of my friends made comments that it was painful to watch at times and they were right.

Judge for yourself:



Hint @ 37, 51, 1:11, 1:14, 2:00, 2:09, 2:23, 2:30...

Once maybe but (?!?!?!)

My absolute favorite part of last night's Grammy show was Jeff Beck & Imelda May's Beautiful tribute to Les Paul

Congratulation to all the winners!