Showing posts with label Project Runway Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Project Runway Australia. Show all posts

Monday, November 17, 2008

Reality Raver Interviews Project Runway's Lui Hon.

Lui Hon was considered one of the best if not the best designer on Season 1 of Project Runway Australia. On the show for the first few episodes we did not see much of him on camera due to his quiet nature, but he made up for that with the impact he had on the runway.

The shows forums are still talking about the fact he was surprisingly eliminated in the wedding dress challenge to come fourth on the show. He was a favourite of the show's host Kristy Hinze.

Lui kindly agreed to an interview with me, and I did ask the $64 million question - Would we get to see his decoy finale collection? You will have to read the interview to find out.

Reality Raver: What opportunities has being on Project Runway given you? What are your future plans?
Lui Hon: It has made it easier for me to introduce myself to the Australian fashion industry. I intend to use this opportunity to increase exposure of my label.

RR:You appeared to be one of the calmer contestants on the show, and in a couple of episodes it looked like you had created an outfit or completely changed it in about an hour. Was this true? Or was it just the way the show was edited?

LH: Thank you and yes.

RR: In the early episodes you did not get as much screen time as some of the others like Helen and Leigh, and your persona was shown as a serene and quiet talented designer. Did you think the way you were portrayed on the show was accurate?

LH: I believe actions are louder than words.

RR: What was the most fun thing about being on Project Runway?

LH: Being well looked after in the house.

RR: What was the hardest thing about being on the show?

LH: Cameras.
RR: Which was your favourite design that you did?

LH: Episode 1, 4 and 5.

Outfit from Episode 5 (right)


Outfit from Episode 4 (above )
This dress is currently on sale on Ebay.

RR: And what was your least favourite?

LH: The Kelly Rowland gold jumpsuit. (RR: Please note Lui sewed that in an hour after Kelly Rowland did not like the tassle dress he had originally made her.)

RR: I understand you and Brent had to design a decoy collection so the top three would not be revealed prior to the final episode going to air. Was it hard having to design a collection that had the possibility that no one was going to see?

LH: I always look at things on the bright side. Leigh said that your collection was sensational and would have won the competition if you had been top three.

RR: Is there any possibility that Project Runway fans will ever be able to see footage or photos of those clothes?

LH: Unfortunately… no. But please check out L’oreal Fashion Festival 2009.

RR: When do you expect your website to come online?

LH: If everything goes to plan, it will happen by the end of this year.

RR: If you could go on any other reality TV show other then Project Runway which one would it be?

LH: Project Runway Australia 2! …just kidding.
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Sunday, November 16, 2008

When Two Reality Shows Collide....

Celebrities Run The Foxtel Lap For Charity

Don't you love it when two of your favourite reality TV shows merge. Above is a picture of Demelza winner of this year's Australia's Next Top Model, wearing Project Runway Australia runner up Leigh Buchanan's tutu dress which he designed for the catwalk show.

Demelza here ‘Foxtel Lap’ on November 14 in Sydney. The event is designed to raise money and awareness for the the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

Somehow I don't think Demelza was doing any running in those shoes.

For an update on what Leigh Buchanan is up to go here.


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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Project Runway's Lui Hon Wag's Dress For Sale On Ebay


The dress from episode four Project Runway Australia designed by Lui Hon for a WAG to wear to the Brownlow Medal is now on Ebay. The popular and amazing designer who came fourth on the show is now selling on Ebay for $300 or $250 if you want to bid on it on auction.

This episode was memorable as when the WAG came for the fitting she did not like the original dress Lui had designed for her. Cannot remember why (Not slutty enough?). Anyway Lui did an amazing job and appeared to sew and redesign the dress in about 2 hours.
If you are a size 8 and interested here. For Lui Hon fans an interview with him will be posted on Reality Ravings shortly.

The seller also has a Manuell and Moore designed piece for sale as well here. Helen Manuell was also a contestant on Project Runway Australia. This is selling for $250. Manuell dress below.
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Leigh Buchanan Updates Reality Raver On Life After Project Runway Australia


With Project Runway Season Five starting tonight it is perfect time to hear what Leigh Buchanan the runner up from Project Runway Australia is up to.

Leigh was the perfect reality TV contestant with a great personality mixed with real design talent who kept us amused each week with his one liners and outstanding outfits.

Many people thought his amazing final collection should have won instead of the beautiful but safe designs of Juli Grbac. For another look at his fabulous collection go to http://www.myspace.com/projectrunwayau

Leigh kindly agreed to an interview where he revealed we will be hearing more from him, and what Lui's final collection was like.

Unfortunately for Leigh there was no $10,000 fan favourite prize. But hopefully next year Arena or one of the sponsors might stump up the cash for the series to have a fan favourite as they do in the US version.

Reality Raver:What has happened to you since appearing on Project Runway Australia? Have any business or career opportunities eventuated? What would you like to do?

Leigh Buchanan: I've had squillions of ladies asking me for wedding dresses and formal dresses and ball gowns, and also lots of interest in my menswear, a few guys who'd like to get married in brocade kilts and my brocade skinnies. Also trialling a Sunday night gig on Nova in Brisbane with Meshel Laurie called "Camp as Tits!" and, just for now, back at Easton Pearson behind a sewing machine...

RR: Do you think the way you were portrayed on the show was an accurate reflection on who you are?

LB: I think it really has shown one side of me VERY well. It really is the fun and crazy Leigh my friends and family know all too well. I was just hoping that people would see my creativity rather than just my comedy. Being a fully fledged Gemini, I have many faces, and Project Runway didn't really show the downside to my hi-jinks, my lack of confidence and the constant stress that puts me under, but I loved the show, I cringed occasionally, but laughed so much it hurt!!!

RR: How many weeks was Project Runway filmed over as it seem as the show progressed you all looked noticeably tired.

LB: We were all EXHAUSTED!!! It was far more grueling than any of us expected. It was filmed in 5 weeks each challenge usually taking 3 days. One day to find out the challenge, which sometimes took us all over Melbourne, finding out the task, changing locations, getting the fabric etc. One day (two if we were lucky) to make the garment and then a whole day to film the Runway (which under the stress and strong lighting, always gave me a killer headache).

We were also lucky, for the first couple of weeks, to get a day off in between, but that was in lockdown, and often included lots of interviews.

RR: To me you were the perfect reality TV contestant - producing great work plus lots of personality. Were you surprised at the amount of screen time you were given?

LB: A few of us did seem to get a lot of airtime, but it was television, and the contestants that used that did well...

It was hard to have cameras pointed us at all times, but I found by giving them what they wanted, I got more time to do what had to get done.

RR: How long did it take to adjust to the cameras?

LB: It did take few days, it was hard and frustrating having to stop all the time and shoot everything three times from different angles and still try to look interested or surprised, which led Brent and I to do lots of over-acting, but by the end we were pros!

RR: You mentioned in the show that sometimes you did not feel great about yourself. Has being on the show helped with your self esteem/self confidence?

LB: It has made me more confident publicly, but I'm still human with the same issues I've always had... but working on it!

RR: I am from Sydney so I know a few guys that want to know the answer to this - are you seeing anyone?
LB: Hahaha! I'm constantly single, my problem seems to be that I'm too romantic... not into randoms... want a fiance (I think they're a better idea than husbands).

RR: What was your favourite outfit you designed on the show?
LB: Each piece of my collection - they're my babies and each have VERY special significances, and the wedding dress of course!!!

RR:I understand at the final there were five collections shown to ensure the top 3 was kept a secret. One was Lui’s what was his collection like?

LB: OMG Lui would have won with his collection if he'd made it to the final 3. It was half mens/half womenswear, lots of knits and leather with interesting pieces that could be worn different ways... genius!

RR: Any tips for any would be next season’s contestants?
LB: Be calm, expect it to be more full on than you could ever expect, but enjoy the ride. It is lots of fun too!!! Oh and be able to sew!!!

RR: If you could go on any other reality TV show, other then Project Runway, what would it be?

LB: Well... I auditioned for Australian Idol twice hahaha! So maybe It Takes Two???

RR: You must be miffed that there was no fan favourite in the Australian version of the show as you would have had a great chance of winning it.

LB: Oh so totally miffed!! I am actually rather poor, and the $10,000 they get on the US version would have been very handy indeed because I REALLY NEED A HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Project Runway Australia Finale - Part 1

The shock of Liu not making it to the Project Runway Australia, has now been ameliorated by the news Akira Isogawa apparently asking for the DVD of the show to look at this amazing designer.

I would still like to know the reasons they gave the third spot to Petrova.

Anyway it was time for the final three of Leigh, Juli, and Petrova to make 10 outfits to show at fashion week and they had $10,000 to do it with.

Henry Roth did the rounds to see the designers a few weeks before the final catwalk to see how their collections were going.

Juli was told to tone down the sparkles on her dresses. The diamante bow tie was so kitsch in a bad way. However she made Carrie Bradshaw from Sex In The City restrained when she showed Henry her boudoir with her $40,000 worth of shoes. Though once I heard she spent $3000 of her budget on crystals I was thinking more Rose Hancock.

Leigh when speaking about why he was not further into his collection said "If I cannot do something perfectly I either procrastinate or don't do it at all." Memo to self next time at a job interview and asked what is my worst characteristic use that will be answer.

Petrova's collection was a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity. It was worth going on the show for her because of the plug she got to give her shop Lady in Melbourne.

Then it was Madison Editor Paula Joye to look over their collections in Melbourne. She really liked Juli's however told her not to go to over the top. Leigh did not want to take her advice regarding removing the tassel from the cheongsam he had designed - he really needed to. Henry was gobsmacked at this.

And Petrova was not too impressed about the advice she received from Paula either. I think Petrova is the only person in the world who likes the lime green short sleeve leather jacket.

We have to wait until next week to see who wins.

I think the safe but well designed collection of Juli's will win.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Project Runway Australia - Petrova gets to Basque in the Myers glory

With the loss of the bigger personality Helen Manuell, and Leigh losing his mojo this week there were not as many laugh out loud moments in last night's Project Runway Australia's episode, however it was still entertaining.

This week's prize was a beauty as the winning designer would see their design sold in Myers under the Basque label. The Basque women is 30, career minded, likes black but also likes a bit of colour (how many times did we hear that said by the Myers lady?). The outfit was to take the women from the office to dinner.

Though I thought some of the designers were a bit perplexed by the Basque women. I am a Basque women, and indeed have a few well worn pieces in my wardrobe. Is it because they are designed for the 'real' women not the size 8's that most designer outfits are designed for. In fact I think Petrova was a bit scathing about the 30 something Basque women. She clearly thought we were borderline frumpy. I thought her winning design was lovely but I would not wear it.

I thought Juli's design was fabulous - the three quarter length jacket and pants would make a great summer suit, and the magenta lining was fabulous and thank god she took of her sparkles off the suit - they looked hideous or as stated "Mother of the bride".

Juli appears to be making her appearance on the show raise her profile she has just shown at Brisbane Fashion Week and got great reviews. Here is a link to a photo of her with one of her designs.

Leigh clearly lost his mojo this week but I thought if he had gotten black and changed the material of the shirt (florals are not Basque) the design would have been ok. Jayson Brundson was scathing when he said " Just add a scarf and corgi and you have the queen".

Lui's was struggling to fit is 'Akira' type style into the more conservative/commercial brief and took the Basque brief literally when he churned out an all black outfit. This did not go down well with the Basque women 'likes a bit of colour" Myers rep.

Brent's design was ok and I quite liked his much maligned floral and white tuxedo shirt, with the waist coat and pants. The judges just thought it did not bring anything new to the table.

I suspect the judges based their decision on who was to be eliminated not on who had the worse design (as Leigh would have been eliminated on that criteria) but on other factors. As Liu and Leigh are two of the more talented designers, and Brent has had his ups and downs, in fact I am surprised he made it this far, they decided it would be would more advantageous for the show to keep the former two in now we were at the pointy end of the competition.

Finally - Who is dressing Kristy Hinze? Most of her outfits are hideous last nights turquoise dress was just plain awful and made her look big if that is possible. It ranks up there with the night she wore a fake fluffy coat which made her look like she was on the streets of Kings Cross. Also she speaks in monotones - however she is innocuous and her role is small.
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Project Runway Australia - Petrova needs to get down and kiss Helen Manuells butt in gratitude.

Last nights episode on the fabulously entertaining Project Runway Australia was riveting as the designers had to work with the already eliminated designers as their muses to designer a winter outfit that was white, structured and tailored. The big carrot however was the eliminated designer in the winning team would be allowed back into the competition.

The much maligned Helen Manuell (yes I know she has her painful moments) had to take her partner Petrova to task as she was trying to take over the design by pointing out she was the designer still in the competition and Petrova was to assist her. She quite rightly pointed out she was the designer still in the competition so if she was going to be eliminated it would be her mistake that would do it. Also Petrova got into a funk when Helen unpicked her sewing and redid it. She was right and it was something Julie have heeded to by trying to satisfy the many whims of her partner Deb which almost saw her eliminated.

Anyway Helen designed a funky suit which matched the brief perfectly and Petrova is now back in the competition. I hope she gave Helen a big thank you.

This week TV Week had an interview with Helen Manuell which queried whether she was the new queen of mean taking over from Omarosa from The Apprentice. However Helen strikes back.

She states that she was presented as a diva. "Rightly or wrongly, I don't know, but at the end of the day, if the others can't do their stuff... well, of course they've got to blame someone. They've blamed me and I have to be honest - I'm getting a little sick of it."

On the suggestion she acted like a martyr by helping people finish their pieces she responded "I choose to help people. They can see me however they want. Maybe it's their shortcomings that make them see me as a martyr, but I didn't see myself as one. It's pretty black and white - if I want to help, I will."

Her response to why she rubs people the wrong way. "I'm larger then life and I say it how it is. If people don't like it, well, go and crawl back into bed. I've had a lot of diversity in my life, and if I don't trust my instincts at my age, I may as well not be there. Everyone else is stressing and I don't stress. If they see that as my shortcoming, good luck to them."

She was asked how she felt when people on the show saying they could not stand her. "I was surprised that there was that level of... that people didn't actually like me. And you think, "How much can you help people? Why not like people just because they're good at their job?" I did my job, I did what I was there for."

On the most hurtful things that were said on the show - "I know Leigh said quite a few things, and so did Juli and Brent, but they warned me things had been said. Leigh's "beached whale" comment in the second episode - he was mortified he said it. He told me it was tongue in cheek and I said, "It's OK love - if you didn't say it, I would be the first one to say it."

On the accusations she was a name dropper in the Brownlow Medal challenge - " It's all in the editing. I knew when I started doing the show I would be portrayed as the arrogant bitch, but it's a TV show and I was cast as a character. [The producers] knew my skin would be thick enough to cope with whatever dirt was thrown at me.

Helen is glad she did the show and would do it again but would go harder. "Go hard or go home! I'd be really catty. KNowing what I know now, I would give them so much more."

She will be at the finale and she is looking forward to it. "It'll be interesting. There'll be a few people who are a little sheepish. The fur will fly at the finale."

Villain or victim you decide.
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Monday, July 7, 2008

Project Runway Australia - Meet the Contestants


Here is a list of the Project Runway Designers/Contestants which will be hitting our screens tonight. Looks like the show is set in Melbourne but Sydney is punching above its weight with the number of contestants.


Actually to be fair so is Brisbane with three contestants in the show.
Official Project Runway Arena website here which provides better info on the designers then the above TV week one. However with the show starting tonight there are still some gaps on their website.
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Sunday, July 6, 2008

Project Runway Australia - Sarah Gale Apparently Gives Best Oneliners

In a big article in on The Age website here promoting the start of Project Runway Australia tomorrow night, it has been revealed that one of the judges Sarah Gale is the best undiscovered talent they have found. Sarah a Melbourne fashion forecaster, and a former fashion buyer apparently gives the best "soundbites".

Arena are hoping to make this a big ratings winner, hoping to take the mantle of most popular show on pay tv which is currently held by Australia's Next Top Model. One thing we can be guaranteed is the contestants in Project Runway will be far more interesting then the bunch of young models we have been watching over the past few weeks.
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Friday, July 4, 2008

Reality Tidbits

Interviews with ANTM winner Demelza and Runner Up Alex.

Here are links to interviews from TV Week for Demelza and Alex, all pretty dull a bit like the finale.

TV Week Article with Demelza

Interview with Alex.

Project Runway Australia - Interesting Article highlighting Henry Roth.
Henry Roth knows he has a crucial role to play in the inaugural series of Project Runway Australia as he takes on Tim Gunn mentoring position. This article in the on Fairfax Online here
reveals he will be the one giving the bad news to the designers about who is being sent home. A job that Heidi Klum executes very well in the US series.

The article also reveals some of the challenges and contestants.
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Project Runway Australia - Preview

Project Runway Australia starts on Arena TV at 8.30pm on 7 July 2008 which means the publicity machine has well and truly been cranked up.

An article in the Daily Tele reveals some insights into the first season of the Australian version of this highly popular show. Unfortunately I cannot find a link for the story so I will just summarise it.

On host Kristy Hinzes nerves:
"A few days before, I started practising reading lines in front of a bunch of people and I just felt really comfortable."

"I don't think I have felt nervous at any one point yet. I thought I would get nervous the first day, but I just walked out there and it felt great. I have been working as a model very comfortably and steadily for the last 14 years, but I really like this hosting caper. I feel like I have stepped into something I am meant to do. It allows you to be you , have a personality and put yourself out on the table."

How Kristy got the role:
"I was approached at first and then it was a long time where they were considering other people. I think Brian Walsh [Foxtel's executive director of television] got sent a tape of me hosting various things overseas and here and saw I could pull it off."

"He decided to go with me, thankfully, and I hope we have many more Project Runways to do. I am secretly hoping we get a few more seasons out of this, as it has been so great just doing this one."

It was also revealed that her and Henry Roth who will be the mentor (the Tim Gunn role) the contestants actually knew each other as they lived in the same apartment block in New York.

Roth said " I wanted to get through on my own terms so throughout the auditions I never mention that I knew Kristy."

"When I got through I told them about the connection and it's all worked out just perfectly. I can't tell you how excited I am for this show to start, and working with Kristy has been amazing. She has this intelligence and the way she carries herself is totalling inspiring. This has been a dream to work on."

The other two main judges are Sarah Gale who is a fashion buyer and trend forecaster, and Jayson Brundson, fashion designer who has just been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Hinze says it 's the mix of their four personalities, coupled with the very different personalities of the final 12 contestants that is the show's drawcard. From flamboyant Mark Antonio 22, to bubbly Petrova Hammond, 27 and Kiwi suit designer Brent Zaicek, all are vying for the prize of showcasing their collection at L'Oreal Fashion Week held in Melbourne next year.Also the winner will walk away with a car, a six-page spread in a fashion magazine and $100,000.

"You have a bit of everything. It's a real motley crew this lot, "Hinze says. "They are all fantastic, but it's been getting harder and harder for them as the series goes on. You have your gay guys, your kooky girls and then there are the more fashion types and the token straight guy. There is someone in there for everyone to barrack for."

The show will follow the same format as the US version but it will have a distinct Aussie flavour.

There will be the working around the clock to complete outrageous garment challenges, including designing an outfit from spare car parts, and living with their competitors 24/7.

Hopefully the Australian show will be just as captivating and entertaining as the US version as well as showcasing some major design talent.
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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Reality Tidbits

Project Runway Judge Jayson Brundson Has Testicular Cancer.

Rumours have been put to rest after the non-appearance of fashion Designer, and Project Runway judge Jayson Brundson from the social circuit last week. It has now been revealed that he has is suffering testicular cancer. He was diagnosed two weeks ago, but concluded filming his Project Runway commitments. He is now recuperating from his operation.


Article from the Sunday papers here.

Australia So You Think You Can Dance Now In Rehearsals For Top 10 Tour.
The top 10 from Australia's So You Think You Can Dance have now commenced rehearsals for the Australia wide tour. This commences next month on 5 July 2008. Daily Tele link here.

Simon Cowell Dating A 22 year old - That Is So Wrong.

An article in the UK Daily Telegraph here reveals that Simon Cowell has split from his long term girlfriend Teri Seymour, and apparently bought her a multi million dollar house as a payoff. But now is apparently seeing the 22 year old Jasmine Lennard. Isn't he close to fifty??? What do these men want in woman? He would be as old as her father. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Reality Tidbits

Project Runway Judge Jayson Brundson Missing In Action This Week.
Was filming Project Runway along with all his other commitments all to much for high profile fashion designer Jayson Brundson.

An article here in the Daily Tele suggests Brundson is dealing with some personal issues. At least his PR people did not trot out the usual "exhaustion" excuse.

However the good news for him his Project Runway commitments finished up a week ago with filming of the show now completed.

Project Runway Australia will start on Arena on 7 July 2008.

Not The Week For Fashion Designers Wayne Cooper on Domestic Violence Charges.
No I am not turning this into a fashion blog, however I am sure Wayne Cooper has been a guest judge on Australia's Next Top Model...

It was revealed yesterday he was arrested at his marital home after a domestic dispute. Wayne states he will be defending the charges and the AVO. Full story with some murky details from the Daily Tele here.

Big Brother Contestant In the UK Thrown Off The Show For Threatening Comments.
UK Big Brother has turfed out a contestant from the Big Brother compound due to threatening other inmates with "Gangsta type comments."

Alexandra De Gale said her threat to order her gangster friends to gun down those who had nominated her was just "teasing" and "clever editing" had made it look worse.

The full article about the incident is here.

Big Brother Australia must be wishing something as controversial as this would happen on the show here as the ratings are low and on week nights barely getting 800,000.

Help Required - Does Anyone Know How To Download Torrents.
I will be blogging for www.bloggingprojectrunway.blogspot.com on the Australian Project Runway series, and they would like Torrents to go with the recap so the US readers can see it.

Can someone tell me how torrents works? Do I need to sign up or be invited to join? And how do the shows get downloaded on Torrents? I presume there is some sort of lag time between the show being shown on TV and it being available on the web.

Any information on this would be gratefully received.
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Sunday, June 15, 2008

Reality Tidbits

Project Runway Host Kristy Hinzes Won't Be Taking Her Boyfriend To The Seniors Week Concert.

Kristy Hinzes billionaire boyfriend Jim Clarke has come out to Australia for a visit while she is fulfilling her Project Runway duties.

Kristy is 27 years old and Jim is 63. Now Kristy states that it is not his bank account that she finds attractive.

"He is charismatic, handsome, funny and down-to-earth," Hinze said recently of her 63-year-old beau.
"What more could anyone want in a partner?"

Somehow I think that if she had a met a teacher with those same characteristics she would not be dating him. But then again if Kristy did not have gorgeous long legs and a beautiful face, he would not be dating her.

Survivor Gabon is having Production Difficulties.
The next season of Survivor is already in production, even though Australian viewer are yet to see the Survivor Fan's V Favourites series. David Gyngell if you are reading this put it on instead of those hideous Bert Newton 20 to 1 shows.

Anyway Jeff Probst is now in Gabon, Africa and there have been problems from encroaching animals and late shipments. Full article on the logistical issues here.
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