There’s a whole subculture in LA of girls attempting to channel Mexico City in the 50s and (from the little I know about them, from seeing them at art events or street festivals and the like), I can’t see any of them wearing Ashley’s clothes either!
http://www.laweekly.com/music/latino-rockabilly-in-los-angeles-ftw-4167776
I liked some of Ashley’s earlier pieces that were more crisp and clean. Her finale collection is just bizarre: ill-fitting, poorly made, unwearable, with fabric and design choices that the judges would have mercilessly and scornfully picked apart had they been from another designer, IMO. Visible underpants; a bulky poorly-fitting quilted skirt; and that long see-through tunic that looked like it would have been in the bargain lingerie bin at Kmart, worn over leggings and a tank top. Not to mention the long skirt with glued-on flowers, paired with a top that looks just like a five-year old girl’s umbrella. I couldn’t believe the judges could maintain their composure while gushing over this icky, blicky, amateurish stuff.
This was a disappointing season for me, and not only because the talent didn’t seem outstanding. It also seemed the most agenda-driven, with one agenda including the clumsiest of sad product placements: the Just Fab accessories wall (from a company with a horrible reputation); the pointless trip to LA to stay in a Best Western (Ugh); and Tim escorting the Lexus exec into the workroom to announce that the finalists would get a brand new Lexus! Scratch that…would get to ride in a Lexus. Poor Tim.
The other and overriding agenda seems to have been selecting a designer of plus-size clothing as a winner. I could really get behind that agenda, were the designer someone who brings design and sewing finesse and an understanding of form and fabric to the competition. And this is Project Runway, so how about a cool/chic factor!
I even thought the contestants’ commentary seemed scripted. When either Candace or Kelly said that Ashley was “the one to beat,” I almost guffawed, so preposterous was the notion. Silly me.
I still love Tim Gunn.
Yeah, that Lexus guy and the contestants get to ride in a Lexus! Truly awful product placement.
The 3D printer people are probably feeling ripped off after seeing what Lexis got away with. Give them a year’s lease, at least!
The winner receives a new 2015 Lexus not just a ride.
I do not believe the scene to which I’m referring included a mention of the car the winner receives. It was all about getting to ride in a Lexus to the show. The designers were all stressed out, trying to remake their collections at the last minute, and a couple of them barely managed to muster a fascimile of a smile. It was dumb.
https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2016
Looks like the colors of Ashley’s collection. Just saying… 
GAG…but you are right.
Yep. Just tell me that all of the other designers would have received similar praise if they had used that color palette.
Those colors better not be IN for home decor. I just got rid of all the 1980’s blue and pink in my house!
Ah, I remember it well. My first “married” master bedroom color scheme. I think the bedding came from Laura Ashley. I thought it was so pretty.
Heidi Klum is at the top of most every “Oscar’s Worst Dressed” list, with a dress and in a color that fits within Ashley’s color palette and style!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/02/28/7-worst-dressed-academy-awards-heidi-klum-alicia-vikander/81092192/
Based on that look, no wonder she liked Ashley’s designs. I really hated that black “rubber” dress in your link.
Did you see the latest? Ashley is designing a plus sized line for JC Penney.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/11/first-look-project-runways-ashley-nell-tipton-brings-plus-sized-style-jcpenney/82759122/
Good for Ashley. But as far as the show goes, her win came at the expense of better designers and better designs.
Ugh! Those outfits are ugly and unflattering. A leather moto vest with a pastel skirt?
Actually, do a denim vest with that skirt and a black top instead of white, keep the booties, and it is not a bad outfit. Just very generic. Does not scream a special designer touch. 
In one way, I think “Good for her! Making money and being mass-produced soon after her win.” But a line at JC Penney says a lot. I’m not really knocking JC Penney, it’s just not what I think as high fashion, edgy, of the moment, etc.
Is anyone watching the current season of PR All Stars? I found it On Demand after seeing this thread revived. Weirdly, all the commercials are for NJ and Maryland (I’m in Seattle). One of the episodes has male and female “young naturists” (aka nudists) show their stuff, the premise being that the designers must make something to keep them warm in the winter. Kind of dumb. I can’t even imagine taking the models’s measurements in the buff. Eew.
I’ve always liked the concept of PR, but the decline in product placement seems to mirror the overall quality of the show. This season of All Stars has the “Bauble” something accessory wall; Chinese Laundry shoe wall; and Shwartzkopf hair salon.
I do appreciate Alyssa Milano as the host. She seems very humane and thoughtful. But, for me, PR is all about Tim Gunn. Make it work!
I’m watching. The challenges seem a little crazier this season. Tim Gunn’s counterpart (don’t remember her name) isn’t very helpful.
Did the nudists really have to make a trip down the runway in the nude before walking in the outfits?!!!
That was pure sensationalism!