This week I'm writing to you from a very fabulous location ... the New York City subway. I've been so swamped that my morning commute is the only chance I've had! I'm up to my eyeballs in white gowns as I'm showing my new wedding line in two short weeks (!), but watching the show was a bit of a welcomed break.
I really enjoyed this week's episode, partly because I didn't have to do it. The designers were asked to make an innovative piece from items at the hardware store ... actually the same hardware store Logan and I go to. The next time I'm in there is going to be a totally different experience! It makes me laugh that they feel the need to ask the designers to be innovative. Can you imagine Michael or Heidi saying, "I'm sorry but we've seen paint trays and bathtub stoppers done that way a million times?"
The runway was extreme this time around: the looks were either really great or really bad with not much in between. Jay definitely impressed me this week. Anyone who would attempt pants on a challenge like this is a brave soul for sure! Good pants are a tricky thing in normal fabrics! And those were some hot pants! The whole look was really incredible. No part of it resembled a trash bag at all.
I thought that Jonathan actually did a good job on this one too. His dress had a lot of interesting texture and layers. Maya and Mila both pulled off innovative looks that would work well for editorial. I feel like Amy's sandpaper masterpiece was overlooked. It was one of my favorites, and I loved the colors and the mix of shapes and textures. Amy must be a really fast worker, as she consistently puts highly detailed, well executed designs down the runway.
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On the not so amazing end, Emilio's just made me laugh! Wowzas! Welcome to Project Make-My-Perfectly-Good-Model-Look-Like-a-Hooker-Barbie. Jesse really threw himself headfirst down costume lane. At least it was somewhat functional -- she could use the skirt to hide treasures, smuggle things, or sneak enough candy in the movies to feed the entire theater!
I will never look at washers the same way again. Can't wait til next week! --Carol Hannah Whitfield
Tell us: What are you questions for Carol Hannah? What did you think of the challenge? Did the right person go home?
Carol Hannah answers questions from last week's comments:
From Jennifer: My husband and I were wondering about the Finale at Bryant Park. Fashion week is currently taking place and the finalists for this season are showing, but the program is only down to 10 contestants. I’m wondering who gets to see the final show at the tents and does the audience have to sign secrecy contracts in order to be there? Thanks! PS… LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR DESIGNS CAROL HANNAH!Thanks Jennifer! All 10 remaining designers showed at the tents in order to keep the the top three a secret. Based on the collections, I'd say the top three are pretty clear, but I'm not going to spoil anyone's experience with my guesses here. The audience does not have to sign any secrecy contracts, and the collections are all actually online for your googling pleasure if you just can't wait.
From Allie: Carol Hannah, How long is the filming process of the whole show? It is a month or so before it’s down to the final 3?The filming process is about 6 weeks. The time flies by but also feels like forever at the same time. It's like being in a time warp/twilight zone. I slept for two weeks solid after I got home, and all my friends got mad at me for not answering my phone because I was so used to not having it for a month and a half!
From Ali G.: Carol Hannah, do you find it striking that all of the judges (Heidi, Michael, Nina, and the guest judge) almost always are in full agreement in their opinions of the designs? They seem to constantly feel the same way about each design with either all of them liking it or all of them disliking it. I know that most designs may be very obvious in their quality. But there must be some designs that ellicit different opinions. I personally would like to see, for a change, a design televised where, for example, Michael and Nina loved it, but Heidi and the guest judge hated it. Would you also be interested in seeing some sharply contrasting opinions, too? Thanks, Carol Hannah.It is interesting, but it also makes sense most of the time. As long as personal taste isn't part of the judging process (and I think it shouldn't be), most of the time the judges will agree on whether something is innovative, flattering, appropriate to the challenge, etc. It shouldn't be an issue of "Would I wear that?" They do disagree from time to time though ... but I don't think that often makes it to air. It amazes me that they can make everything that happens fit into an hour long show, so it's not surprising.
From Allie: Carol Hannah, On the day of the runway how much time do you guys get before the models have to go on the runway with your latest designs?Runway mornings are beyond hectic and rushed. Talk about adrenaline! There's about an hour for hair and and hour for makeup rotations, but let me tell you -- those two hours are the most critical and can make it or break it.
Mike Yarish/Lifetime
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