Meet the Season 9 Project Runway Designers – Part 2

Posted on Jul 19, 2011 in Fashion

Keep your nose in the air, darlings! It’s time once again to get PRE-JUDGMENTAL!

Danielle Everine

When did you realize you had designer potential?
When local scene began to appreciate my work.
What are your weaknesses as a designer?
Gowns.
Project Runway challenge you hope they don’t bring back?
Red carpet.
Why do you think you will win Project Runway?
I’m a resourceful designer.

Y’know, we can totally get behind her for thinking that the red carpet challenges need never return, but considering she named her own weakness as gowns, we suspect it was a little self-serving.

Seriously, you tried out for Project Runway and you don’t think you can handle making a gown? Good luck with that one, honey.

Some interesting ideas but it looks to us like she overthinks her work. That’s not gonna fly when you have ten hours to make a wedding gown out of catering supplies.

More info on Danielle here.

Becky Ross

When did you realize you had designer potential?
Three years ago, when I switched to fashion after taking an intro class and realizing I’d had this talent all my life.
What are your strengths as a designer?
I know what works on women’s bodies. I have a keen eye for color and pattern, I am focused and organized, and I have fun with design.
Project Runway challenge you hope they don’t bring back?
Outfitting each other’s moms. Why oh why?! It was so painful to watch.
Why do you think you will win Project Runway?
I am creative and organized, and I have confidence in my talent, and a burning ambition to succeed in the world of fashion.

Prediction: New to fashion, over 35, and confident? She’ll be fighting with at least half the cast.

Admittedly, she seems to have the goods to back it up. These are all fairly specific in style but that doesn’t mean it’s the only aesthetic she has. The pieces are nicely detailed and finished. We love that plaid dress.

More info on Becky here.

Joshua Christensen

What are your strengths as a designer?
If I can think of a design, I can figure out a way to construct it.
What’s influenced your designs over the years?
Movies, Kpop, media, my location. I love the feelings I have from these things and design from them.
Project Runway challenge you hope they bring back for your season?
Design from car parts.
Why do you think you will win Project Runway?
I’m focused and driven. It’s not about being on TV. It’s about being a designer. Plus, I have years of pent-up creativity waiting to be unleashed.

Oh, honey. We’ve been doing this for a while and we’re here to tell you, IT’S ABOUT BEING ON TV. The winners and finalists all understood that. That’s at least partially how they all became winner/finalists.

Okay, we hate the menswear. We’re all for dandyism, but somehow it just doesn’t work in a minimalist style. He’s sweet, though; and he’s got construction and tailoring skills, but we don’t see anything here that’s going to make Michael or Nina excited.

More info on Joshua here.

[Photo/Q&A/Video Credit: myLifetime.com]

Tags:

Project Runway Season 9

http://blog.infomofo.com infomofo

1) Is that first girl 3 feet tall, or what is happening with those pants? It makes her look like Cee-lo.
3) Mr. Menswear… My favorite look is the Chippendale Harry Potter one… yeah Nina will eat him alive.
- Anonymous
  
  I think Danielle does not know how to dress her own body! Those are some Jude Law saggy-crotch pants for sure.
  
  I don’t know if anyone ever saw the show Stylista, but every time I see someone in Ronald McDonald yellow+red, I think of one of the contestants (Danielle?) on that show.
- http://twitter.com/Megan_Burgess Megan
  
  I was wondering the same thing with the pants! I didn’t know if she just doesn’t know how to dress her own body or if someone elses legs were Photoshopped onto her torso.
- Anonymous
  
  My first thought was Toulouse Lautrec. My second thought was, I hate those vests she designed.
  
  If I think too much about a Chippendale Harry Potter, I believe I may get upset.
Judy_J

From what I’ve seen thus far, I predict Josh will be the first one aufed.
- http://pulse.yahoo.com/_T24URKJGBLJQPBWCRPU37IIHLU Krab Louse
  
  I’m with you on that.
scottyf

I think it’s friggin’ hilarious when male models are wearing clothes like that and still trying to look butch.

Sweetie, you’re wearing a velveteen bow tie and Buster Brown shorts. If you’re not going to the Clubs, then you’re going to get the shit kicked out of you by a construction worker.
- Anonymous
  
  Blinded by the megawatt man-glare, I hadn’t even realised they were shorts.
  And now I can’t unsee.
  - http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VJMQEBSJRUNQHEEWTXI5BCS6HI D J
    
    /gives muzanE Brain Bleach. Hope that helps….
  - Rand Ortega
    
    “Blinded by the megawatt man-glare”!
    Can’t. Stop. Laughing!
MilaXX

Danielle – For some reason she has become the one I irrationally hate. Her clothes remind me of Kenley a little. Retro but bordering on costume -y.
Becky – She sounds obnoxious, but I like her clothes.
Joshua – I’m not sure if he’s being pretentious or naive with that “I’m not trying to be a tv personality.” bit. Hate his menswear, hope he is better at women’s wear. The only thing saving him from being in the same boat as Danielle is he liked the car parts challenge. Next to Andre’s dirty water dress, Korto’s car parts dress is one of my favorite designs. I hope he ives up to all his talk.
- Anonymous
  
  I can’t decide about Danielle: is it costumey? Or is it Korean? The embellishments, the fitting, the colours, the atmosphere…
  
  After watching her interview, I guess it’s just a coincidental likeness. But I’d wager a whole lot of internet dollars that there’s a market waiting eagerly for her overseas, if she wants it.
  - MilaXX
    
    She’s got a niche market here. People will be happy not to pay inflated prices and shipping cost. That just doesn’t translate into winner of PR.
Denise Capuozzo

YOu can really see Seth Aaron’s influence on who was chosen this season. Lots of tailoring, structure, construction skills. I appreciate those things but I wonder how they all will work under time constraints. And the judges want a SHOW..so it may be hard for some of these people.
- http://kimdianajones.blogspot.com/ Kim
  
  Oh but see, the producers will love it when all the contestants fall apart because they can’t finish anything in time! The judges will get a show all right, just not the show they expected.
Anonymous

Hmmm…

Danielle is a woman of few words, isn’t she? It sounds like that interview was done via email. I’d call her design aesthetic Katherine Hepburn mets Downton Abbey.

I’ll bet Becky Ross spent most of her school days deflecting jokes about sewing flags (even though her name isn’t Betsey, because people are stupid and they probably think it as Becky Ross who designed the first flag).

Joshua looks look Mondo-inspired.

But more importantly, these casting session made me wonder: What has Seth Aaron been up too?

–GothamTomato
- http://pulse.yahoo.com/_T24URKJGBLJQPBWCRPU37IIHLU Krab Louse
  
  Ha! You’re assuming they’d even know of Betsey Ross.
Mariah J

Danielle Everine can’t even dress herself…yikes
Anonymous

I strongly suspect that Danielle is going to wilt within the early weeks. I adore the vulnerable fragility of the niche she’s catering to, but the girl’s a designer, not a competitor. Becky, though? I can’t decide which interests me more: a Becky/Deathrage collaboration, or a Becky/Deathrage cagefight.

Um.

Measured and even-handed rivalry, I mean.

Because the guy reads as a joke until you hear his dialogue and see his gorgeous designs, and any suspicions that Becky was cast purely to add some jerkitude to the proceedings vanished when I saw that first jacket. And that final jacket. And the strange little confection in third place. And my god, I would buy almost everything in those shoots: some to wear, some just to have.
- http://twitter.com/TheRedZavodnik Ginger
  
  Exactly! I covet that plaid dress. COVET.IT!
  - Anonymous
    
    Me too! That plaid dress is AMAZING.
Anonymous

That red stuff on Joshua’s third look reminds me of the kid harnasses from Falling Skies.

I predict Danielle as one of the first to go. Just look at the tailoring on her work versus Becky’s. Becky’s work is my favorite so far.
Megan Kallus

Did Christensen really say Kpop? I’ve been following it for a few years, and let me tell you, if that’s a point of inspiration for him…this might not be pretty.
Anonymous

Am I the only one who looks at Becky and her portfolio and thinks of Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds?

Joshua’s portfolio makes me think he’s the costume designer for Mormon Missionary Porn.
- Anonymous
  
  her own appearance, yes – first thing that came to my mind – her portfolio not so much, no.
  - Anonymous
    
    It was more the brightly-colored tights and the feathers in the hair than the clothes.
- http://twitter.com/Acts4u Stevie Holcomb
  
  OH, God…Mormon Missionary Porn made me laugh out loud. Perfect!
- Chris D
  
  I want mormonymissionaryporn starring those two models immediately.
http://twitter.com/TheRedZavodnik Ginger

I’m concerned about the casting when the construction of Danielle’s looks wonky from the get-go. I mean look at the crotch area of the pants in the first picture!
- Lori B
  
  Me too. And more concerned when I read this is in her Lifetime interview:
  
  Q: How did you end up auditioning for Project Runway?
  
  A: PR suggested I apply.
Anonymous

What is Kpop? (Yes, I am old enough to be a parent to many of these designers.)
- Anonymous
  
  According to Wikipedia (I had to look it up because I had no idea either), Kpop is Korean popular music.
  - Anonymous
    
    The irony: to my eyes, Danielle’s work looks infinitely more K-pop than Joshua’s.
  - Anonymous
    
    Thank you! I should have done that myself. Now I need to go see what’s inspirational about it…or not…
- Anonymous
  
  Korean Pop music. Like Japanese Pop, and just as crazy with the make-up, fake eyelashes, and costumes!
- Anonymous
  
  Meredith, I didn’t know either, so I Googled it. It’s South Korean pop music.
  
  Clearly, there’s more to it than that, but being of your generation, or thereabouts, I would have no clue what that might be.
- http://profiles.google.com/shannonlstewart Shannon Stewart
  
  It’s usually a reference to the Korean pop music scene.
- Lisa
  
  I didn’t know either!
- Anonymous
  
  Add me to the list of Oldbies who had no idea what Kpop is.
Anonymous

Now that PR is starting, I finally registered so I can comment. That Danielle girl looks about two inches tall. A fashion designer who doesn’t know how to dress herself does not inspire confidence.
- Lisa
  
  Yup, I thought the same thing. Why would you be a designer and not understand your own proportions?
  - Anonymous
    
    Of course, that grey background doesn’t help–it looks like she’s floating in outer space. Such a strange picture!
Anonymous

Me too! Also, have you seen the crotch on all her pants? Yikes.
- Anonymous
  
  Well at least there may be the opportunity for Michael Kors to pull out the tried-but-true “that crotch is INSANE” critique.
Anonymous

I’m more intrigued by this trio than the previous one, for sure. Joshua does seem a bit disingenuous (Is he toying with us? Only time wil tell…). I really like Becky’s clothes–I’d buy the ones shown here without a second thought. Danielle does seem somewhat fragile and withdrawn, and yes, there are tailoring issues, without a doubt. But I like her point of view–it’s interesting, and I’d like to see what direction she takes.

OK, I feel better. Those first three had me grieving and crying real tears over memories of Season One.
Anonymous

seems like Danielle’s other weakness is trousers. I do like her stuff, though - interesting combinations and all - but it definitely needs editing & polishing. Can’t imagine her staying long in the competition.
Had to laugh about Becky’s “I know what works on women’s bodies” because I think what she is wearing isn’t exacty flattering. But I actually love her portfolio.
Joshua. hmph – the actual clothes look pretty ordinary to me – if he only relies on bow-ties, ties in front & back to give his designs something slightly interesting – then I guess we will say good-bye to him rather sooner than later.
Anonymous

Oh, I just wish they would leave the phone calls from Lisa off these videos!!
- Anonymous
  
  No kidding! They are all the same and don’t add anything to the narrative.
  - Anonymous
    
    Plus they always show that freaky looking telephone. Must be a sponsor’s.
http://profiles.google.com/rosatcollege Ros Clarke

Josh designs for Mondo, right?

I like the way Becky accessorises – those pink tights are awesome. It would be nice to have a designer who actually does use the accessory wall thoughtfully.
Anonymous

What on earth is Danielle wearing? I thought that some former PR designer said that casting more or less told them what to wear for the show and photo opps. Geez, her look is bad. And I totally agree with TLo, she way overthinks her looks. They also look a bit too costumish for everyday wear. So far, after pouring over all of the designer’s bios and portfolios I’d say, Becky is on my top five list of favorite designers for the season.
- Lisa
  
  Amen to your whole post!
Anonymous

I’ve never understood the designers, usually women, with absolutely 100 percent drab personal styles that are neither stylish nor fashionable nor even Target or Walmart or KMart worthy.
Anonymous

Yeah, these guys are definitely more interesting than the last bunch. That said, Becky Ross is the only really interesting person here.
Lisa

Definitely a more interesting bunch than the first group!
Anonymous

What’s up with Danielle’s shoes? Frumpy beige grandma shoes.

Except that no grandma I know would be caught dead in shoes that are _that_ unstylish.
Crystal Thomas

So gowns are a stated weakness for Danielle, and she obviously has trouble with trouser crotches. I sense construction trouble…
Anonymous

So far, none of these guys has impressed me. I guess I’ll have to wait for the show.

But Danielle is giving off a Gretchen vibe. I don’t like those odds.
http://twitter.com/ericibid eric

Becky seems like she’d be a blast to go have margaritas with after work, but the obsession with lining as the only hint of color in what she showed in the video is terrible, and the color palette is generally very Sister Maria, don’t you think? That line just doesn’t have me singing in the abbey.
- http://twitter.com/Acts4u Stevie Holcomb
  
  I don’t know. Watch her closet tour video. She doesn’t like black, she won’t wear white and says she loves color. I think she’ll be much more interesting, color wise, than the other contestants. She’s wearing yellow, pink and orange together in her photo herself.
Lori B

I find Becky intriguing. I like some of her things, and some of the styling – but then there’s the cigarette-pack dress and the streamers with the fishtail hem and braided ass.

These profiles seem so random. Guess the interns are still running the show.
Anonymous

Just looking at their samples I would judge all three of these contestants to have a high skill level. But I don’t think that Ms. Everine is going to enjoy being on camera 24/7. But I predict that Ms Ross and Mr Christensen will thrive in the reality TV environment.
Anonymous

So, here’s something that’s always bothered me. In the casting interview segment where the designers show their clothes, why are they, like, 30 feet away from the table with the judges? It just looks really awkward and how can the judges see the clothing properly? They’re always asking if the designer can bring a piece closer. If they were all within normal speaking/viewing distance, they wouldn’t have to do that. Is this just to seem more intimidating? I just don’t get it.
- http://profiles.google.com/trashilove { edi } ilovetrash
  
  it’s probably just so they can position all the cameras, sound eqpt, etc ect where they want them.
http://www.facebook.com/jahna.peloquin Jahna Peloquin

I’m kind of bumming on the amount of hate going Danielle’s way. The looks shown above are all from one collection, but she’s got quite the portfolio that is less narrow than what’s shown about. I’ve compiled a number of looks in this blog post if you’re interested in seeing more: http://lepetitconnaisseurdelamode.blogspot.com/2011/07/danielle-everine-to-appear-on-season-9.html
- Anonymous
  
  Thanks for the extra pics! Although I agree with everyone else about the proportions of the pants she’s wearing, I love her style and her clothes. I look forward to seeing her tackle gowns!
- Anonymous
  
  Jahna,
  thanks for sharing the blog post on Danielle’s work (and for all your attention to the Minneapolis fashion scene).
Anonymous

Joshua Christensen has a future in cater/waiter gym wear.
Trinh D.

I’m going to make a guess here that Danielle will be the first one to go home.
Anonymous

I love the ones that say, “I am driven” when asked why they are going to win. I want someone to be honest. How about, “I am ruthless,” or, “I have no qualms about throwing a hapless teammate under the bus,” or, “I can glue a hem with the best of them,” or “Nobody makes fleurchons like me”—where are those comments?
Anonymous

Oh, and I almost forget: “I can copy the more-talented designer across the room and I am SO sneaky about it!” Yep, I want to see those comments.
Anonymous

I like Becky and her classic fabrics, but hope to see more breadth. I also hope she realizes that she will not have time to line the clothes.
Anonymous

Between the way she’s dressed, and the way she’s smiling, Danielle looks like a ventriloquist’s dummy.
sonictofu

Becky’s portfolio impresses me the most so far; hope she has the reality show survival skills to stay around to make something like this.
Anonymous

1. Annie Hall lite
2. WWII meets Tweety Bird
3. Another ‘can’t design women’s wear’ contestant

Seth Aaron is certainly everywhere in these interviews. And Tim Gunn is nowhere to be found. I’m not liking the looks of this.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Juline-Débaul/100002426617563 Juline Débaul

I do not expect Becky Ross to be my ultimate favourite at the end of this, but she seems to be the best so far out of what you have shown us.
Laura Goldsmith Nikolas

tell me you can’t see Mondo in some of Joshua’s clothes.
http://twitter.com/Acts4u Stevie Holcomb

I think of the 6 you’ve profiled so far, clothes-wise, I like Becky the best. Her clothes are just adorable. Of course, I’m 39, so I wonder if I like her because she does things that appeal to older women. I wonder if the panel would say she needs more youthful designs.

Danielle doesn’t know how to dress herself, so I wonder how she’ll fair designing for others. Sorry, but that top and pants do not fit her well. Also, does she have much? She is also wearing the same outfit for the photo shoot (do they take them at the casting session?) and pulled it out of her closet, just like Anya did.

And Joshua. Well…I do not like his clothes. It will be interesting to see how he dresses (if he can) a woman, but man…I hate his stuff. He seems like a guy who has an aesthetic, which is fabulous, but it it doesn’t seem to come out right.
http://twitter.com/loserfairy loserfairy

OK, I want and need everything Becky’s designed.
Lies L.

I really like Becky’s clothes. You’re probably right and she’ll have a feud with half of the cast by the end of the first episode, but she does seem to have quite a bit of skill. Can’t wait to see what else she does. Also, I actually quite like that dress she’s wearing. Sure, it doesn’t make her look thin, but who cares – I’m sure she’s aware she’ll never look thin, but she looks fresh and I love the colours.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_COO4CCCPEVDT7IG5IOVGN3AZAM Its Yo Hipsta Treyshon

Pussy bows on men. I hope they give Nina a flame thrower this year.
Anonymous

Well, so far I’m with a large majority of the posters–I can’t wait to read your recaps but I’m not sure I’m going to go thru’ the agony of watching on my computer (don’t get Lifetime on basic cable). I also don’t yet have any strong feelings about any of the contestants.
Anonymous

Actually, I did like that Betsy Ross (I know that’s not right but it’s what I read the first time I saw her name) person. She seemed quite creative with her linings, patterned finishes, etc.
http://www.joannao.blogspot.com JoannaOC

Love Becky Ross and her clothes. Did you notice that she was the only one who squealed when she got the phone call? Most of the others sounded so nonchalant.
I live in Minneapolis, and Danielle’s clothing so fits the local scene. I look forward to seeing if she can translate that to a wider audience. She’ll have to lose some of that Midwestern modesty, though, if she wants to compete.
Anonymous

Joshua’s models are way cute but cropped jackets on men make me want to gouge my eyes out.
Anonymous

My daughter is a model in the Minneapolis market. She walked for Danielle at the Pale Rider show that is mentioned in her casting video. Danielle is very well regarded around here. She may not have the reality show personality a la Gretchen to generate a lot of discussion, but I’m really interested to see how she does.
Anonymous

So I’ve been watching the new PR Australia, which for the first two seasons was really good and regularly was more entertaining than the American version – Lifetime should air it in America so the world can get your reactions. The new season is kinda terrible two episodes in, they replaced the judges, host and mentor, and the cast is pretty awful so far. The designs are pretty bland and apart from Zoolander reject, Captain TooMuchMakeup and the Annoying Old Man – whose catchphrase is “I haven’t made a pattern in 25 years!” and somehow made a dress that was both extremely revealing and grandmotherly – the designers don’t have much in the way of personality. There was also a designer that always wore classy suits but he left first episode, because much like the Green Lantern yellow was his weakness. A shame because I liked him.

In short, please don’t suck PR Season 9. Australia is sucking and it’s making me sad.
- Anonymous
  
  Oh, that is disappointing! I’ve only seen Season 2 of the Australian version (thanks to the magic of stealing it via the internet), but I was quite impressed. It took some getting used to (what with not Tim, not Heidi, not Michael, not Nina), but I liked host, judges, and mentor, there were some interesting challenges (some they hadn’t done on the American version, even), and the quality of work was quite high – particularly considering the show did a lot of things “wrong” (a lot of one day challenges and short shopping times, for instance). The results of the Market challenge in particular, though, were spectacular.
  
  Sad that the new season isn’t shaping up so well, but yes, let’s hope that Season 9 of the original fares better.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_T24URKJGBLJQPBWCRPU37IIHLU Krab Louse

Danielle Everine’s outfit says: “If IKEA Made Clothes.” Her designs say, “a job at Miu Miu awaits.”
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_T24URKJGBLJQPBWCRPU37IIHLU Krab Louse

Joshua Christensen’s first model in the photos looks like he’s thinking: “yes, I know I look like an asshole in this, thanks.”
Anonymous

Aw, everybody’s hating on Danielle. She’s quiet, she has an overly intellectual approach to her work, and she has a collection of skulls, everybody. You people have no souls!

I am not quite feeling the Becky love that everyone else is. I can definitely appreciate the skill and design (and the execution looks perfect), but it’s a little too retro for my tastes. Or the wrong retro. “These are all fairly specific in style but that doesn’t mean it’s the only aesthetic she has.” – call me cynical, but I bet that’s exactly what it means.

Plus, in the interview, she says that her style icons are “pin-up girls”, so I’m contractually obligated to hate her.

I do not have anything to say about Joshua Christensen.
Anonymous

It’s kinda hard to be as catty (and hilarious) as usual here in TLoLand when it seems an inordinately high number of people who ACTUALLY KNOW these people are weighing in.

Cowardly? Yes. But anonymously saying shit behind people’s backs is time-honoured tradition of our people.
http://twitter.com/shinobi42 Shinobi

Does anyone else thing Josh’s models all look more than a little like Mondo? Maybe it is just the way that they are dressed….

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Meet the Season 9 Project Runway Designers – Part 2

Danielle Everine

Becky Ross

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