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Project Runway: This one’s for the girls
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The high: The finale is always its own high!
The low: Not seeing all six runway shows (the missing three being Joe, Suede and Jerell)
I’m going to hit the ground complaining. Tonight was the least exciting win I’ve ever seen.
Congratulations to “Project Runway’s” Season 5 winner, Leanne. While she staged a lovely collection (more on this in a moment), I found the ending strangely anti-climactic and totally lacking in a sense of triumph. There was no whoop of excitement, no real celebration among friends. Just Leanne gamboling off the stage into a new Saturn. It felt kind of empty.
It was more emotional to watch Korto and Kenley seek consolation in the arms of their loved ones.
I disagreed with the judges’ comments, too. Some thoughts:
Kenley: Kenley’s ’80s redux was a nightmare. Except for a couple of her trademark pretty dresses, I thought the color explosion was too loud; the collection lacked unity; and the hand-painted flowers overwhelmed the personality of the dresses. Plus, those little feather headpieces were annoying. On an interpersonal level, she seems to have atoned for her sins — but stubbornly won’t admit to the importance of learning fashion history. Know your craft, Kenley.
Korto: A beautiful, understated collection — I was surprised to hear the judges call it overworked. I thought her details were small and refined, such as the neckpieces. The palette was well-edited. I would have given Korto the win based on her innovative shapes, effective but not overwhelming ethnic touches, and strong point of view. However, the model in the white dress could not walk; and the green mini-mini dress seemed way too … mini!
Right: Leanne Marshall (left) with a model. (AP)
Leanne: I was wishy-washy on Leanne’s collection. While I didn’t dislike it, it didn’t excite me either: Elegant, tightly tailored pieces gave way to other pieces that looked exactly like the first ones. We were hit over the head by Leanne’s love of pleating. She used pretty colors, but not enough of them; overall I found the collection one-dimensional, though it represented the strongest point of view of the three designers.
Check out the final collections of all six designers here: at “Project Runway’s” Web site. It DOES contain the three shows you didn’t see on TV Wednesday night: Joe, Jerell and Suede.
The next “Runway” drama you see may well be in court, where Lifetime and Bravo will both vie for the rights to Season 6. But till then, your thoughts? Let’s weigh in on tonight’s events and the winner.
Permalink | Comments (38) | Post your comment | Categories: Project Runway
Comments
By Wankine
October 16, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
Leanne’s designs were well-executed, but boring and lacking color. The judges call it a “point of view.” I call it repetitive and pallid.
Kenley did a few pretty dresses, but failed to impress overall. Some of her pieces were garish, and yes, she does need to study fashion history to avoid the copy-cat label.
Korto, IMHO, should have won. She ditched the overworked wedding gown and created two new pieces after Tim Gunn’s review of her work. The green full-length gown was stunning and a fresh take on a classic shape. If she had put the interesting outfit she was wearing in the show, she might have won.
By KA
October 16, 2008 5:35 AM | Link to this
Nina Garcia pronounced the win when she said she was pleased to see that Leanne’s ‘collection’ included pants, shorts, a jacket, short skirts, long dress, etc. In other words Leanne produced a collection, and Korto did not. Leanne’s style and muted color palette may not appeal to all, but her excellent sense of design and impeccable construction skills won it for her. I really liked Korto’s collection, and hoped that they would declare two winners, and snub snotty Kenley. (meow!)
By ex-Kenley Fan
October 16, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this
I’m just glad I won’t have to hear that nasally voice coming out of that very cute girl anymore.
There was some fine print at the bottom of the screen during the final credits that said that the winner was selected with input from the judges, the producers, and Bravo - so don’t think the decision rested on the shoulders of the four judges.
By Lovethfrog
October 16, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this
I find it sad that the producers have a say in who wins. I personally think Korto should have won. But I have to admit I’m happy that Kenley didnt! I think Leanne’s collection, much like Leanne herself, lacked personality.
By Lovethfrog
October 16, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
I find it sad that the producers have a say in who wins. I personally think Korto should have won. But I have to admit I’m happy that Kenley didnt! I think Leanne’s collection, much like Leanne herself, lacked personality.
By shoefreak
October 16, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
I also thought Korto should have won. Although, I loved Leanne’s collection but I didn’t think it was wearable. Korto collection I could see myself in everyone of her pieces except for the green mini. That thing was way too short. She should open a boutique.
By KortoFan
October 16, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
I agree with some of the other comments above. I thought Korto should have won. Leanne collection was okay but I could see myself wearing Korto’s clothes. Korto’s clothes are for every type of women. You need a collection that that everyday women would wear and that is Korto. Korto will go very far in fashion and I know we will see her clothing on runways all over the world. Go Korto!!!
By KortoFan2
October 16, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
I loved, loved, loved Korto’s collection. I hope she sells some clothing over the internet because I would love to wear her collection. I did like some of Kenley’s collection as well, but I am so glad that she did not win. I really hate that Leanne won. I’m not so sure if I will watch Project Runway again.
By jes8
October 16, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Korto should definitely have won. Kenley’s collection was rediculous, mostly (the white dress with delicate flowers was pretty). Leanne, well, lets just say I couldn’t even remember her name before the start of the show, that’s how little of an effect she’s made on me. Her collection was boring and way too much of the same thing. Korto got robbed.
By Jere
October 16, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
I agree that Korto should have won based on her overall performance throughout the season. I dont think she was ever one of the “bottom three”.
However, I thought that Leanne’s collection was the most original. I think we’ll start to see the waves or “petals” as Nina called them, show up all over the place.
By Deirdre
October 16, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I like designs that translate to the real woman(and I don’t mean the “Atlanta Housewives”)I could see myself wearing some of Leanne’s designs. I liked Korto during the entire season but did not like her final collection. Kenley had some interesting pieces but an uninteresting collection.
By KortoFan2
October 16, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I loved, loved, loved Korto’s collection. I hope she sells some clothing over the internet because I would love to wear her collection. I did like some of Kenley’s collection as well, but I am so glad that she did not win. I really hate that Leanne won. I’m not so sure if I will watch Project Runway again.
By Dee
October 16, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
This was another exciting season on Project Runway. Although Leanne’s pleating was meticulous, her outfits appeal to a certain size. Korto’s outfits were amazing. Ladies of all sizes could wear something from her collection. Her colors were amazing and you don’t have to worry about the jewelry to match with the outfit because it is part of the outfit! Good job, Korto! I’m looking forward to seeing her collection.
By lisa
October 16, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
You know, I missed this show - can you believe it? - (The National Championship Baseball Game & The Debate was on at my house) but I did my homework and looked at all the designs on the Project Runway website. The benefit of not being recently influenced by personality and emotion was insightful to see the designs clearly.
I thought Kenley’s collection was the most delightful and I respect her for the risks she took. She combined fabric design, color and shapes in new and very unique ways.
Weeks ago, I put my vote out for Leanne to win, she had very thoughtful and intelligent designs; with solid sources of inspiration: nature, architecture, design history, blah, blah, blah. But what a mistake.
To put it another way, I would rather have a fun and hilarious friendship with Kenley rather than be bored to death with the winner, Leanne.
By Kay
October 16, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
I loved Korto’s collection; I actually feel that she was robbed last night. Leanne’s collection lack personality and was extremely boring. I am definitely interested purchasing Korto’s collection. Korto you rocked the runway last night.
By PR Fan
October 16, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Korto got robbed. Seems every other season, the judges (and producers?) play it safe. But why, this time, when they have someone with an incredible life story and a wonderful point of view, color palette, and style? While my head likes Leeanne, my heart LOVES Korto. You feel her passion. Nina’s right: Leeanne’s collection was a one-note pleat explosion. But what’s up with the “over-worked” criticism of Korto? Honestly, that smacked of a little bit of Eurocentrism (or just plain stodginess). I don’t think you can have the kind of ethnic dazzle that Korto displayed without some daring design … but over-worked? Her first wedding gown, perhaps. Her collection? No. It was great. With Kenley, every other outfit worked for me. The others? Yikes! Great season, a bit of an anti-climax. Let’s hope the courts work it out and we get to see another season soon.
By tj
October 16, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with the comments and its all what I was saying while watching the show. Leanne had a great line but how many more pleats will we see. The only diversity she brought to the table was the fact that she had shorts, pants, skirts and dresses. I love love love Korto’s collection and the fact that she did her own jewlery should have been some brownie points. Her line was more ready for the EVERYDAY WOMAN not the size 2 woman. Leanne Leanne Leanne….first she needs to stop with the nazal tone in her voice and her line is so not impressive for 2008 and somewhere down the line I got a strange feeling its going to come out that SHE DID NOT HANDPAINT ALL THAT MATERIAL then the controversy will be that Jerrell should have been in the final and not her. She kept harping on the fact that she painted the material and because of that I just felt in my spirit that this lady is lying!!! It will come out I’m sure. :)
By tj
October 16, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with the comments and its all what I was saying while watching the show. Leanne had a great line but how many more pleats will we see. The only diversity she brought to the table was the fact that she had shorts, pants, skirts and dresses. I love love love Korto’s collection and the fact that she did her own jewlery should have been some brownie points. Her line was more ready for the EVERYDAY WOMAN not the size 2 woman. Leanne Leanne Leanne….first she needs to stop with the nazal tone in her voice and her line is so not impressive for 2008 and somewhere down the line I got a strange feeling its going to come out that SHE DID NOT HANDPAINT ALL THAT MATERIAL then the controversy will be that Jerrell should have been in the final and not her. She kept harping on the fact that she painted the material and because of that I just felt in my spirit that this lady is lying!!! It will come out I’m sure. :)
By tj
October 16, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with the comments and its all what I was saying while watching the show. Leanne had a great line but how many more pleats will we see. The only diversity she brought to the table was the fact that she had shorts, pants, skirts and dresses. I love love love Korto’s collection and the fact that she did her own jewlery should have been some brownie points. Her line was more ready for the EVERYDAY WOMAN not the size 2 woman. Leanne Leanne Leanne….first she needs to stop with the nazal tone in her voice and her line is so not impressive for 2008 and somewhere down the line I got a strange feeling its going to come out that SHE DID NOT HANDPAINT ALL THAT MATERIAL then the controversy will be that Jerrell should have been in the final and not her. She kept harping on the fact that she painted the material and because of that I just felt in my spirit that this lady is lying!!! It will come out I’m sure. :)
By ATLMom
October 16, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Kotol was the clear winner with the same variance in her collection (Skirts, jackets, dresses, gown) and she used color and different shapes. Leanne was pronounced the winner during the wedding dress challenge. Her show was one dimensional and blah.
By DebbieDoRight
October 16, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Sentimentally Korto is my favorite; but I knew that LeeAnne would win. Why? Because look at the previous winnes, those with way-out fashion forward designs always won!! Clothes for the “everyday” woman NEVER wins!! Even though, that’s what we’ll buy and share with our friends, fashion shows are never about the “everyday” it’s about being “fashion forward”.
PS: I also knew LeeAnne would win when they told the ladies about who would be shown when. They saved LeeAnne for last for a reason!!
By Jenifer
October 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Korto should have won. I loved her collection. Leanne’s collection was nice but I don’t feel it was a winner. She is kinda boring and meek.
By mae
October 16, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
I too think Korto should have won. I don’t think she lost because of her designs, but rather the colors that she used in her designs. Some people may have seen the green as ethnic which some may not deem as a high fashion mainstay. I hope to see more of her designs.
By lantana
October 16, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
The final runway show was a BORE! Jerrell really should have been on the runway, that would have added an element of excitment which was sorely missing. Overall, I think the design pool has been drained. This entire season was a yawn. I hope the move to a new network and new city (LA?) provides a shot in the arm this show needs.
By Kelly
October 16, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Korto’s work was great. She was robbed!
I think she will be fine though. This was great exposure for her.
By ATLien
October 16, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I was underwhelmed by the whole season of designers. There were really no stand-outs this year and everyone was just mediocre at best. To that point, the best of the mediocre (out of the 3) was Korto but Jerel was the best of the season. If you look at past winners (and runner-ups) their collections were better designed, executed and fashionable.
By kizz
October 16, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Is any one else reminded how Uli was robbed????? Korto was on the same level as Uli with wearable clothes that ANYBODY could wear…. Is fashion only limited to size 0 stick-figures??? BOOOOOO!!!!!
By A.G.
October 16, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Leanne was the only one who had a VISION - waves, and the sea, and this is what you saw in her collection. This is how real designers work, and the judges should have realized that, when they started to complain about her pleats and wonder if she’d ever do anything beyond pleats. Of course she will. Her work was constistant, and always outclassed everybody else’s. By the way, no high fashion designer ever designs for the everyday woman. Did any if those models look like an evryday woman? Korto was my second favorite. The nasal, rude Kenley stole Jerell’s place. I think the Bravo people insisted on her because everybody hated her and that makes for good TV. Sad.
By A.G.
October 16, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Leanne was the only one who had a VISION - waves, and the sea, and this is what you saw in her collection. This is how real designers work, and the judges should have realized that, when they started to complain about her pleats and wonder if she’d ever do anything beyond pleats. Of course she will. Her work was constistant, and always outclassed everybody else’s. By the way, no high fashion designer ever designs for the everyday woman. Did any if those models look like an evryday woman? Korto was my second favorite. The nasal, rude Kenley stole Jerell’s place. I think the Bravo people insisted on her because everybody hated her and that makes for good TV. Sad.
By A.G.
October 16, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Leanne was the only one who had a VISION - waves, and the sea, and this is what you saw in her collection. This is how real designers work, and the judges should have realized that, when they started to complain about her pleats and wonder if she’d ever do anything beyond pleats. Of course she will. Her work was constistant, and always outclassed everybody else’s. By the way, no high fashion designer ever designs for the everyday woman. Did any if those models look like an evryday woman? Korto was my second favorite. The nasal, rude Kenley stole Jerell’s place. I think the Bravo people insisted on her because everybody hated her and that makes for good TV. Sad.
By TrueDesign
October 16, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I really think that given who was selected in the final 3 the placement should have looked like this: 1.)Korto 2.)Kenley 3.)Leanne However, I don’t think that they got the final three correct. I believe that Jerel should have been in the final three and either Leanna or Kenley should have never made it to Bryant Park and based on Leanne’s collection she would be out.
By A.G.
October 16, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Leanne was the only one who had a VISION - waves, and the sea, and this is what you saw in her collection. This is how real designers work, and the judges should have realized that, when they started to complain about her pleats and wonder if she’d ever do anything beyond pleats. Of course she will. Her work was constistant, and always outclassed everybody else’s. By the way, no high fashion designer ever designs for the everyday woman. Did any if those models look like an evryday woman? Korto was my second favorite. The nasal, rude Kenley stole Jerell’s place. I think the Bravo people insisted on her because everybody hated her and that makes for good TV. Sad.
By A.G.M.
October 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
ck
By A.G.M.
October 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
ck
By TrueDesign
October 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I really think that given who was selected in the final 3 the placement should have looked like this: 1.)Korto 2.)Kenley 3.)Leanne However, I don’t think that they got the final three correct. I believe that Jerel should have been in the final three and either Leanna or Kenley should have never made it to Bryant Park and based on Leanne’s collection she would be out.
By FAITH DAWSON
October 16, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
A lot of love for Korto out there! The people have spoken. I hope the PR powers-that-be are paying attention.
By ladybug
October 16, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Not sure why Kenley made it to the final 3. I thought her collection looked like a little girl playing in her mother’s closet, just throwing on everything at once. And that handpainted floral dress was very costumey. Leanne’s collection was very elegant, but lacked color, very plain….seemed like the same silhouette repeated. Korto’s collection was the best in my opinion, beautiful colors and silhouettes, and contrary to Nina’s comments, it was NOT overdone. The fact she was able to put 2 new outfits together the night before the show speaks volumes about her talent. Project Runway got it wrong, but I still love this show.
By A
October 16, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
I agree that Korto should have won! Jerrel should have made the final 3 instead of Kenley. I think I’m done with Project Runway..this was highway robbery. Like someone else said, Leanne was not memorable at all. The announcement of the winner was very anti-climatic.