I think they got it right with the winner. Seeing Diane Von F walking down that stairway, holy cow! And was it just me or did anybody else think that Garo had put on 20-30 pounds in their five months off? Looked like he had a food baby in there.
Hester’s line is tricky, because it’s so conceptual and clearly for a specific type of customer. I think that’s what the discussion was about - Hester’s need for mentoring - to take that imagination and originality and to channel it in a way that reaches more customers. It was certainly not my thing, but it’s good for fashion in general to have the impact of designers who are completely DIFFERENT. Sebastian’s stuff is just so classy. Simple and streamlined without being simplistic or minimalistic.
I can’t see anyone over 25 or certainly 30 wearing most of Hester’s clothes.
Did anyone catch that in the workroom at the end, when they supposedly had everything packed up, Hester’s opening dress (lavender poof) was still on the dress form in the background?
I’m ok with the winner (gorgeous collection!), although personally I feel fashion today needs a shot in the arm and Hester owns that space! I believe DVF that she’ll mentor. She is a class act! ?
I was thrilled to see the ad stating they’ll be back in the fall.
I was also happy to see the show is returning in the fall. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily they transitioned from Heidi Klum/Tim Gunn/Michael Kors to the new cast. I didn’t miss the old group nearly as much as I expected. I think Christian was very good (I bet Garo wishes he’d listened to him about the sparky dress).
I’ve only watched since season 8 - Mondo’s season, but what I didn’t miss this season was the drama between designers. I like that everyone pretty much got along. There was Tessa, but the drama didn’t seem over the top or manufactured like some years. I liked the contestants.
I liked most of the challenges, except the sewing and camping in the woods. I especially liked the individual challenges Nina gave to the final four. I liked the guest judges they had. Overall, I think this was one of the best seasons I’ve seen.
I was okay with Sebastian winning. I would have been okay with Hester, too. I’m not crazy about her clothes, but her overall looks with the purses, hats, shoes and styling all make me smile.
I liked how this new version was edited so much better than the old version. I have too much bickering in my own home with three kids - I don’t need the drama on a TV show as well. I found myself watching the whole thing instead of fast forwarding through 1/2 the show.
Lots of small changes to the format (mostly editing, I’m confident) that really brought it back to a competition from a reality show. So happy.
I thought the right person won as well. I agree that Hester’s designs were creative, but she was probably in the wrong season to win. The new format is likely trying to start a new legacy; as such they wanted to pick the designer that might really make a name for himself selling clothes to people who will wear them and potentially have their picture taken in them. Unfortunately, Hester’s vision is just too niche for that. If she were on 10 seasons from now, she probably would have won.
I really miss Heidi and Tim. I didn’t love Christian as a mentor, and I didn’t love Karly as a host.
While Hester’s designs are not (and never were) my style, I do appreciate her talent and think she is needed in the industry. She reminds me of Betsey Johnson. I am glad that she made it to the final. I remember her as quite frazzled at the beginning of the competition and saw a definite growth in her throughout the competition. She also really listened to the judges feedback. One my favorite HS design was the Nina challenge.
While Christian ended up growing on me throughout the season, I loved the judges—all three of them. I also like Karlie and thought she was much better than Alyssa Milano who hosted All Stars. Karlie seemed to actually know fashion, which she should from working in the industry, a lot better than Alyssa who sometimes looked a hot mess herself.
I have always loved Christian but will admit I thought he had a rocky start as mentor. He seemed to relax more into the role as the number of contestants got whittled down and I love that they had a group hug at the end. It’s hard to live up to Tim Gunn!
I hope DVF really offers Hester a job or something, that would be great for her.
Ditto to Jazzymom. All along I kept thinking of Betsy Johnson. I’ve been to one of her local shows. People came from hours away to stand in line. Her bags are unique and fun.
Christian grew on me. He offered really good advice, but not everyone listened. He pushed Hester to make a red dress. He urged Garo to use the dress that the judges loved. Especially last few episodes, his comments were correct.
I loved when Christian admitted to having been nervous when the season began. That showed his true nature. I only wish he’d said it earlier in the season so I could “forgive” some of his missteps. He seems like a likable guy.
Grew on me as well. I think the advantage Tim Gunn had was that as a teacher he had more experience with really different types of people. I seem to remember Christian from his seasons as being able to sew extremely fast and seemed very decisive so it may be taking a while to figure out how to motivate designers who have a different approach. Or can’t send out a perfectly finished garment in a short time frame
I think Christians taste level has grown. Had he been allowed, I think he could have picked the best looks from Garo’s collection. He would not have let Sebastian start with the orange dress. Remember how he pushed him to show the white gown that judges loved?
Man, this is a tough crowd.
It takes most people a little bit of time to acclimate themselves to a new job, particularly when their predecessor was held in such high esteem. IMO, it took Christian only a few weeks to get up to full steam, and I actually think his critiques/coachings the last few weeks were quite on point. He guided rather than directing, but also added some suggestions more helpful than “Make it work.”
@JazzyTXMom, I, too, thought Hester reminded me of Betsy Johnson. I also think most (not the pasties!) of Hester’s designs (red furry skirt, wild prints, etc) would work as a children’s clothing line.
I liked Karli and the judges. Christian grew on me and I liked him at the end, too.
Didn’t Hester work for Betsy Johnson, designing accessories? That’s what I thought she did
I loved Christian and really liked this season of PR!
She interned/freelanced there, but I believe she designed sweaters. Her accessories experience came elsewhere.
A new season starts this Thursday.
Someone started a reminder thread for the new season last night. 