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Fern Mallis

Playing Catch-Up

Fern Mallis answers our questions about the most recent episodes of 'The Fashion Show.'

May 28, 2009

Episode 2: All the Bang, Half the Bucks

Bravotv.com: Which designs stood out the most to you (for better or for worse)?
The outfit that still stays with me is Anna's purple straight skirt with the high waist and layers of  horizontal pleats  with the sleeveless chiffon blouse.... It was elegant, looked very expensive, and was perfect for a "ladies lunch"... and the worst was the dress designed by Laura, who was eliminated.

Her black dress was almost alright, but the additional details just ruined it — from the tacky red tulle ruffle at the hem, to the silly mesh netting on the back. What was too bad was later learning that she had been advised by all of her teammates to remove both of those elements and she still didn't.

Bravotv.com: What do you think the key to winning this challenge was? What’s the biggest challenge when working on a budget?
The key to winning is to accomplish the task. To please both the audience, the judges and in this case to get Tinsley's endorsement that she'd wear the outfit right away. When working on a tight budget it's always best to stay simple and more minimal — trying to add too many details only makes it look cheaper. Also fabric selection makes a big difference ....

Bravotv.com: What were the judges looking for for each “look” (the events Tinsley was attending)?
We were looking for outfits that fit the specific events and activities, which were a range of NY social events ... gallery opening, film event, luncheon, rock concert, and charity benefit. We were also hoping that each team would work closely enough together so that it looked like a collection that one person would buy. Each event required a very different design and attitude, and we were looking for the appropriate solutions. In fact, Kelly could have also been used as a model for these same types of events ... and if they had designed looks that Kelly would have worn to each of these functions, I bet it would also have pleased Tinsley.

Bravotv.com: When dressing a socialite like Tinsley, what should the designers really be focusing on?
I realize some of the designers were at a disadvantage if they didn't live or work in NYC, and weren't familiar with Tinsley and her very public and often photographed social life. However, she did meet them all in the workroom before the challenge, and they had a quick chance to sum up her looks, size, and the aura she conveyed, which is often as much time as a designer gets when meeting a client!

Next:
"Firm Fern" Fern Mallis describes her judging style and dishes on the first episode of 'The Fashion Show." May 28, 200939 Comments The Fashion Show Ultimate Collection Season 1 / Episode 1 / Fern Mallis

Comments

7 Comments

Dear Fern , you were wearing a fabulous necklace on show #10 Please tell me who the designer is and where I can shop for their designs. Thank you, Carol

I don't know who to address this to, but I am really disappointed with the photos on bravotv.com. I want to see the dresses better - up close and in detail. For instance, Reco's dress this week (4) won and I couldn't really see what everyone was raving about pn the TV, so I go to bravotv.com to get a better look, and it is a better look but it could be BETTER. If I wanted to buy it all I know about is the skirt -where's the bodice in the picture? I've noticed this before that the pictures on bravotv.com are very disappointing, poor quality, can't zoom, can't rotate, only 1 view. Can't you guys get it together? Zappos.com has great photos - I wish yours were that good.

Shame on the judges! Andrew should never have been in the bottom two to start with, his dress was very lovely and I would bet money that many women would purchase it, including myself. There were other more deserving disasters, like Merlin's disaster of a dress. Who would be caught dead in a get up like that? I like Lidia but her dress definitely deserved to be in the bottom two. Her poorly executed garment was a mess! Kudos to the guest judge for not rolling over and going with "the crowd". I guess that's why he's making the big bucks. Sorry Andrew, life never really seems fair.

Dear Fern

Here we go again - the final judgment perplexed me. Lidia's piece was poorly executed, period. Andrew's was well made and got kudos from the guest judge. Somehow, poorly crafted work was allowed to jump over the better made garment. Aaaarggghhh. Your decisions are nonsensical.

Hi Fern,

I also loved Lidia's coat. What a great color for a rainy day! I think the collar was great if you are just going from store to store or getting out of a car, in other words, a short distance. The best thing about the collar is that once you let go of it, the water slides off the back of the coat. Somebody mentioned that it was not practical because you have to hold it with both hands and women usually carry a purse. Well, zip up the purse and stick it in your arm (most of the designer purses, like Vuitton are vinyl, anyway). I don't think it was meant to be a "storm coat", for that you would need to go out with a strong umbrella.

You are a fantastic judge, always tactful.

The only construction that should go be completed is the show itself. Poor standards, poor construction and poor structure. Washed up Issac needs to go back to Target and figure out how to conquer the Wal-Mart clan. I don't care that he works for Liz Claiborne and working under Tim Gunn (All puns intended). And what does Kelly know about fashion? Thank you Bravo for showing her ignorance and lack of knowledge about fashion and clothing construction. I hope Talk Soup takes my request to shred this show on a weekly basis. I can see why Project Runway went to Lifetime...to have a life!

Fern, You are the only reason I watch this show. This show is really stupid, what happened to project runway? Fern, only you make it bearable.

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