Project Runway Season 9 Starts July 28th!

[Music City Mama]

For future reference, anything I post on a message board is my opinion. Not in the habit of using anyone else's opinion.

I was cracking up over comments made on another message board. Someone said the judges gave the prize to Anya because they enjoyed her 3-way sex video so much. And the reason she had nothing to show Tim Gunn in Trinidad was because she'd farmed all the sewing out to seamstresses on the island.

That reminds me . . . I rarely watched the 'after show' shows, but did catch the one a couple of weeks ago where Anya mentioned her scandalous video and I was perplexed as to why she brought it up. Why did she want to bring attention to it? I certainly knew nothing about it until she said something.

The only reason I'd consider not watching next season is not solely because of what happened the other night, but because of the Gretchen fiasco of last year coupled with Anya winning this season. I'm pretty easy going and even if my favorite doesn't win on reality show competitions, I can usually see why someone else deserved to win. But I didn't get it at all these last two seasons.

 

[Jennasis]

Actually, if you read the disclaimers at the beginning/end of any episode - and presuming Lifetime is as ethical as Bravo - the producers have a LOT of input into the actual decisions over who stays, goes, wins...

As they have SINCE DAY ONE of the show. So why the outcry now (other than the designer some folks wanted to win, didn't)?

 

[tlbwriter]

As they have SINCE DAY ONE of the show. So why the outcry now (other than the designer some folks wanted to win, didn't)?

Because this year it was much more obvious that decisions were being made based more on drama and storyline and less on talent.

 

[Jennasis]

Because this year it was much more obvious that decisions were being made based more on drama and storyline and less on talent.

So if they were more discreetly rigging the show that would be fine with you?


Maybe the problem is that I personally watch because I like both the design element AND the human drama element....otherwise why would I give a flip about who wins? I'm never going to buy or wear any of those kinds of clothes anyway. The producers need to offer me more of an incentive to keep watching then "look at the pretty dress".

 

[kaytieeldr]

As they have SINCE DAY ONE of the show. So why the outcry now (other than the designer some folks wanted to win, didn't)?

Look, I wanted Bert to win - even though it was obvious weeks ago I wasn't going to get my way . I'm also not writing off the entire series because of the last two seasons.

It just doesn't seem any longer that the best designer is being chosen as the winner. Honestly, of all the designers this season, I would wear Anya's and Bert's designs (don't talk to me about cohesiveness; I'm eclectic). But I don't think Anya should have won, and last year the judges really messed up.

 

[tlbwriter]

So if they were more discreetly rigging the show that would be fine with you?

Yes. Back when they were more discreetly rigging the show it was fine with me, because in the end, someone talented won. But when it gets to the point that it did this season, when they twist themselves into knots making sure they have an excuse not to disqualify one person (seriously? the extra money after Anya lost hers?) who isn't one of the most talented designers, it's no longer entertaining to me.

As I said earlier, Anya has good taste. She can pick out a lovely fabric and make a really pretty, really simple flowy dress. Again and again and again. But when the judges looked at the final four collections and said "I want to wear that," were they pointing at any of Anya's work? I don't remember.

And this was even before I knew she had a sex tape.

 

[Swan4Me]

Has anyone ever found actual PROOF that the show is rigged? Any of these "reality" shows? Where are the bios or blogs from former production company members deriding the "fixed" nature of the shows?

Until the expose that proves...really proves (a la the 21 scandal) that these reality shows are rigged/fixed etc, it's just sour grapes...In MY opinion of course.

Well.............this is the first time in Runway history that designers were given extra money after the mini show to FIX THEIR SHow-and Anya completely remade her lineup-that proves they wanted to manipulate the ending

All in all-this season and last, the caliber of the designers want what it has been

 

[Jennasis]

Well.............this is the first time in Runway history that designers were given extra money after the mini show to FIX THEIR SHow-and Anya completely remade her lineup-that proves they wanted to manipulate the ending

All in all-this season and last, the caliber of the designers want what it has been

It doesn't prove anything. It simply makes great fodder for theories/opinions. One could argue that their giving the designers an extra $50 in the challenge where Anya lost her money "proves" manipulation...except nobody can prove that TPTB didn't plan to give the $50 all along, even before Anya lost her money.

I'm not disagreeing that the show is probably manipulated quite a bit, though. I just had ZERO problem with it from start to finish. I thought it was an entertaining season and was happy with the winner. YMMV.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It doesn't prove anything. It simply makes great fodder for theories/opinions. One could argue that their giving the designers an extra $50 in the challenge where Anya lost her money "proves" manipulation...except nobody can prove that TPTB didn't plan to give the $50 all along, even before Anya lost her money.

Agreed. In many past challenges, there's been a surprise second challenge when they've gotten more money and a second trip to Mood for a second design (although from what I recall, in every case in the past, all designs were judged; the designers couldn't simply pick which one they wanted to present).

But in the previous eight seasons, not only were the finalists never given extra money, they were required to stick to the budget provided and, if necessary, provide proof of all expenditures. Surely everybody remembers Jeffrey having to give up his blond wigs for either going over or not having receipts?

It's just all very suspicious... and again, I'm NOT writing off the entire series based on the last two winners, so please don't accuse me of sour grapes. As I said, my designer was eliminated weeks ago. In fact, I don't see sour grapes anywhere in this thread. Most posters are saying we like Anya's designs; we just don't think she should have won.

 

[Swan4Me]

But in the previous eight seasons, not only were the finalists never given extra money, they were required to stick to the budget provided and, if necessary, provide proof of all expenditures. Surely everybody remembers Jeffrey having to give up his blond wigs for either going over or not having receipts?

.

And they didnt have that Piperlime wall for all their shoes and accessories either-ALL that had to come from their $$. I remember one designer getting in trouble because she was GIVEN all her shoes by some designer

The show has become-lets keep the designers that provide the most drama. Period.

 

[Kae]

And truth be told the Winning Designer is going to be selling on Piperlime & they choose her for the win earlier in the season. Her stuff is very main stream. Those Maxi dresses are in. I still have not seen the final but I walked by a tv friday morning & there she was, I was like oh crap. So I can't fully judge at this time.

Kae

 

[snykymom]

I don't have as much of a problem with manipulation as I assume that the end will be manipulated. Of course, I feel (and no, I cannot prove) that there was more manipulation this time than in the past.

My problem is that there is too much drama "filler." There is no reason, particularly when they're down to 8 or so designers, that the episodes have to be 1 1/2 hours. They can pare it down; they do when the rerun the previous week's episode right before the new one.

Too much time is spent on drama and not enough on showing the fashions.

Yes, that's my opinion. It's also my time, and since I don't find it entertaining enough, I'm done.

 

[tlbwriter]

Awesome recap here:
http://democracydiva.com/2011/10/29/project-runway-recap-the-season-9-finale/

Caution: some salty language.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Anybody watching Tim Gunn's special? One of the first things he said was if it had been up to him, Anya never would have made it through the audition; then something like, "shows how much I know!"

 

[luvmy3]

Anybody watching Tim Gunn's special? One of the first things he said was if it had been up to him, Anya never would have made it through the audition; then something like, "shows how much I know!"

I'm watching and I saw that too.

 

[Swan4Me]

Awesome recap here:
http://democracydiva.com/2011/10/29/project-runway-recap-the-season-9-finale/

Caution: some salty language.

Anya’s Guide to Surviving Project Runway
1. Choose a loud print, created by someone other than myself, that hides mistakes and distracts the judges from anything other than the print.
2. Show off the cleavage to make sure Heidi will approve.
3. Add an island flair – funky straps, in this case.
4. Drape, sew three seams, and pray.

 

[denisem]

Awesome recap here:
http://democracydiva.com/2011/10/29/project-runway-recap-the-season-9-finale/

Caution: some salty language.

Wow. Not "wow" because of the recap & "salty language" but didn't realize Lifetime's webpage allowed you to get close-ups of the finished garments. Pretty amazing how shoddy craftsmanship can look attractive on a runway long shot with a model "working it". My HS Home Ec teacher 40 yrs. ago wouldn't have let this stuff pass.

 

[jackemail]

Hard to tell 100% from the brief clips they showed---but it looked as if Bryce's and, especially, Laura's "decoy" collection were amazing, and better than any of the 4 finalists'.

 

[tlbwriter]

Anybody watching Tim Gunn's special? One of the first things he said was if it had been up to him, Anya never would have made it through the audition; then something like, "shows how much I know!"

Don't you love the way Tim puts the best spin on everything? No, dear Tim, YOU were right.

 

[powellrj]

I had it on the DVR and was going to delete it, but now I will have to watch it!