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'Runway:' Thou Shalt Not Diss Tim Gunn

Posted by Joanna Weiss September 25, 2008 09:35 AM

leanne.jpg

I mean, really. I don't think I've ever seen a "Project Runway" contestant blow off Tim Gunn as blatantly as Kenley did last night, and I don't think I've ever seen Gunn look so irritated. I was irritated on his behalf: He's America's adopted gay uncle, and he deserves our adoration and respect. For that reason alone, I wanted Kenley to be told to pack away her vintage duds, and that's before getting into the floral print and the high-waisted "hip-hop" pants. Would it hurt the woman who dresses like Betty Draper to admit that she could use a little guidance as to what hip-hop means?

I'll avoid spoilers by putting the rest of my rant after the jump...

Of course, leave it to Suede to do something even more lame, which is to say, design something that's barely an outfit at all. You mean to tell me a guy with a blue streak in his hair has no idea what rock 'n roll entails? It was clearly Suede's time, and I suppose if it's a choice between hearing Kenley giggle next week and hearing Suede refer to himself in the third person, I'd have to go with Kenley. Especially because I want to see if she gets her karmic comeuppance.

As for the winner, Korto did a very nice job with Suede's punk look, though I'm inclined to give even more credit to Jerell, who actually managed to make Kenley look modern. Leanne had a hard job: There's absolutely nothing country about Korto. Although, isn't she from Little Rock?

Oh, and why go through all of that model drama at the start of the episode when the models weren't even used? And my goodness, why are they all crying next week? Does it have anything to do with Nina, America's adopted nasty great-aunt?

10 comments so far...
  1. I have to agree with your assessment of last nights show. I truly thought Kenley was gone...but it could have been either and the producers love drama...with Kenley they get the drama.

    My prediction for top 3 to the final show: Korto, Leanne, and Jerrell!

    Posted by Donna September 25, 08 12:07 PM
  1. That girl "blew off" Tim Gunn? "American's adopted gay uncle??" The nerve of her! Just thought you might like to read this..it does tell who the winner of last night's contest is though, so if you didn't watch it and want to watch it later, don't read the article! Ta Ta x0x0x Mom x0x0x

    Posted by katiedoe@gmail.com September 25, 08 12:26 PM
  1. Sure Kenley was disrespectful of Tim Gunn, but she is like that with EVERYONE. Her inability to accept criticism,or even redirection, is the personal flaw that will keep her from winning. It's too bad because she is quite talented...

    Posted by Paul M September 25, 08 01:16 PM
  1. Kenley's outfit was absolutely NOT hip-hop! As a (very) white, almost 50yo woman, I may not know hip-hop, but even I know P Diddy's women would NEVER be seen in that outfit! LOL Plus the pants fit like crap in the crotch. And she "hoped the judges wouldn't notice." Not bloody likely!

    I thought that the Magical Elves' previews and editing were showing that Kenley was being auffed. The entire focus was on her snottiness and unwillingness to listen. And then the look she gave Nina Garcia when Nina gave her criticism? Holy smokes I was surprised Nina didn't lash into her right then and there!

    Should have figured the Elves were doing a head fake with previews and the editing. Although Suede could have been gone a few weeks ago without any great loss. (Even Michael Kors said Suede wasn't famous enough to speak of himself in the third person!)

    However, it does look like Kenley's shooting herself in the foot next week in the previews as well. Jerrell's not about to help her. :-) I also think it'll be Leanne, Jerell, and Kotto as the final 3. Kenley's a one-note designer and doesn't deserve to be there. Jerell or Kotto should win IMO.

    Posted by Linda September 25, 08 03:03 PM
  1. if you go the mercedez benz fashion week website you can see the collectiions from this seasons Project Runway show at bryant park. They show the designs but do not list the designers. However, its easy to see who made it to the finals. I.e. Leanne and Kinley.

    Posted by nate September 25, 08 03:05 PM
  1. I believe Dolly Parton could have done a better hip hop outfit than that which was produced by Kenly! I fact "Lets get real" as M. Kor would say "That mess looked like a bunch of crap." Come on, not only where they tight and ill fitting, she put 3 huge good buttons on the fly and claimed she was making them look 'expensive.' Who with any fashion sense would buy those pants?

    And, I was dumb-founded at the judges making excuses for Kenly by saying she was overwhelmed because she was out of her 50's box. According to Kenly's mouth she wasn't overwhelmed. In fact, i think if one of the judges had dared implied to Kenly's arrogant, self-absorbed face that she could have been overwhelmed by any challenged she probably would have given them the same two guns she gave to Tim Gun, no pun intended.

    Of course, I did not how she cried (Boo Hoo) 'What I had to do was HARD!' but the whole time she was sewing up that crap she was"I'm the hip hop queen. What does Tim Gun know that Kenly don't know better!' "The judges have to love everything that Kenly does cuz Kenly does it better." Hmmm! Guess what? She must be right because as Heidi said 'Kenly, you're in," "Suede, you're out, Outsy Daisy!"

    Posted by Diana September 25, 08 08:59 PM
  1. Kenley's design was horrendously made and uninspired. It completely missed the mark, like she's done on previous challenges, designing what she wants, ignoring the rules. Her outfits are all garish costumes, and designing dresses from the 50s hardly constitutes a fashion forward new talent. Her behavior is appalling, and it's not empowering to see this 20-something brat throw tantrums, giggle poisonously at others while being judged, and have an ego the size of China. I saw her Bryant Park collection, and they were all silly pompous costumey amateur-looking trashy flops. The fact that she survived last night makes me doubt the integrity of this show. Her previous work was not consistently strong enough to merit her staying. It's so obvious that they chose drama over talent and decency. Can you imagine working with this monster?

    Posted by Jimmy September 25, 08 09:43 PM
  1. I love this show...this season, it's not so obvious of who will be crowned the winner...where as in last season, you knew from jump that Christian would take it. For Kensly to try to "step up" to the big dogs of fashion, it just goes to show her level of maturity. She's just an arrogant, ammateur stylist who has MOUNTAINS to learn about fashion and design!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by Tim's best friend September 26, 08 01:46 PM
  1. I agree with all the criticism of Kenley and was very disappointed that she was able to bluff her way past the judges one more time. Her high-handed dismissal of Tim's suggestions, brutal comments about the other designers, obnoxious and rudely inappropriate laughter, and one-note '50's style of design has worn thin for every challenge since she won. Since when is dressing women like Lucille Ball or Doris Day fashion forward. From other comments I get the impression she made it to Bryant Park. What a shame!!

    Posted by Lynne September 27, 08 01:18 AM
  1. The final six contestants showed at Bryant Park, because otherwise it would give away who the final three designers were. Bryant Park was a few weeks ago, and the show had only aired through episode 9 ("What's Your Sign?") with Jerrell, Joe, Kenley, Korto, Leanne, and Suede left. All six showed at Bryant Park, but only some of them were actually still competing.

    Posted by Nell September 27, 08 10:53 AM
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Matthew Gilbert is the Globe's TV critic.
Joanna Weiss is the Globe's pop culture reporter and critic.
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