By Rya Backer
Stella Zotis had long been a fan favorite on "Project Runway," what with her declarations of living and dying rock and roll, incorporating leather and grommets to toughen up an otherwise-mundane design for the show's challenges and her big, inviting personality.
"I'm living my proudest moment right now," Stella said of being on the show and the opportunities that have been presented since. "I'm putting pressure on myself to cultivate new ideas," namely, preparing a line to coincide with the opening of her store next month on the Lower East Side. Flanked by her boyfriend, Ratbones (yes, just Ratbones), and legendary photographer and close friend Mick Rock, Stella sat down in the Chelsea apartment she shares with Rat to talk "Runway" and how her lifestyle has affected her work. Read more...
I don't know what celebrating Yom Kippur entails, but apparently recapping "Project Runway" isn't part of it, which is why I'm your humble substitute for Rya Backer today. Rya could probably use a break anyway, what with her severe Stella withdrawal (symptoms: mood swings, the shakes, incessant grommet-hammering).
Just as Rya immediately latched onto the leatha goddess, I've been rooting for Leanne since the very first episode. I've always been one to back whatever reality-TV contestant I felt was most like me, which means that goodwill for quiet wallflower types emanates from my living room. So, of course, I think Leanne and I could hang out — exchanging awkward smiles without speaking, listening to nonthreatening indie rock (do you think she likes the Shins?) and creeping around pretending we were spies. And when that got old, we could venture out for some eco-friendly recreation.
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By Rya Backer
May I get those 60 minutes of my life back now, please? Funny story — last month, I saw this noise band (that shall remain nameless), and I thought they were so lame and droney, and their music literally nauseated me. But everyone around me was headbanging and really, really rocking! And that's how I feel about "Project Runway" at this point. Like, we're all watching the same show, right? And everyone's getting a huge kick out of it? So why am I inching away from the crowd, with my fingers in my ears, holding back vomit? OK, enough pouring out my soul — I'm starting to sound like Kenley. Ins and Outs!
IN
Stella Zotis: You guys don't get it, do you? In addition to being a personable, talented and whip-smart woman, Stella made great television. When I saw those digital cameras, I was reminded of her, and I poured one out. Admit it, you did the same. Actually, I take that back, because I don't drink on the job; though maybe if I did, this show would be bearable.
Tulle: In the world of fabrics, tulle is sugar. It's an essential ingredient that makes everything that much more flouncy, feminine and fun — take that alliteration, Cosmo. So for a minute — and really, only about a minute — I felt for Kenley, when she realized she forgot hers at Mood and had to use drafting paper to create volume in her gown. Then I caught myself and went back to wanting to chop off her bangs in her sleep.
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By Rya Backer
Hey, everyone. OK, seriously, how great was last night's episode? Oh wait, did you just hear that? The sound of a higher power smiting me from up above because I just lied? Listen, I'm toughing out the rest of this season for one reason only: you, my dear reader(s). And because I enjoy watching Kenley further prove herself as reality TV's ultimate villain week after week. Last night, the designers made clothes for each other, and the five remaining sashayed (or something like that) down the runway in their hip-hop, punk, rock, country and pop looks. Wow! What a totally fun show! Ouch, that one's gonna leave a mark. Ins and outs!
IN
Stella Zotis: Don't you feel like she was in the air last night? I mean, if there ever were a challenge for Stella to be a part of, it would've been to dress one of the other designers as "punk" or "rock and roll." Better yet, Suede both wore and made leather vests. That's something, right? No? Oh, who am I kidding? This show is nothing without her.
Going hip-hop: Korto threatened to "go hip-hop" on Kenley. While I'm not quite sure what that entails, I wish Korto had made good on her threat, as it would've made for better television than when the editors hacked away at Tim Gunn to make it look like he lost his cool on Kenley (more on that later).
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City's Bryant Park is one of the most important events in the fashion world. Filthy-rich designers debut collections for the following season, Rachel Zoe earmarks red-carpet dresses for Debra Messing, celebs like Mena Suvari get to play "dress up" and pretend they're tastemakers, careers are launched, blah blah blah. But since I don't know a Badgley Mischka from a Barnaby Jones, the coolest thing to me is that Fashion Week now serves as a high school reunion of sorts for "Project Runway" contestants.
Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying my favorite person on the planet, Sweet P, to this fall's (technically next spring's) FW. We hit up shows by former contestants, and I got a front-row seat to the beauty that is the "Project Runway" fraternity. No, really. Turns out that as soon as you "graduate" from "Runway," you automatically enter the "Runway" club. (Think of it like a regular frat but with less homoeroticism.) Although she appeared on the show years after, Sweet P is friendly with designers as varied as Jay McCarroll and Kara Janx. There's no bad blood. There are no "they're going to steal my thunder" attitudes. They really are one big happy family. Hey, "Road Rules" cast: Take note.
The night of Elisa Jimenez's runway show (remember her? She was the designer who spit on "imbibed" her garments) Sweet P texted all her castmates to ask if they were checking it out. Before you could say, "Niiina Garciiiia," the place was swarming with familiar faces. Kevin "I'm Straight" Christiana, Jack "I'm Not" Mackenroth, Kit "I'm Adorable" Pistol, Victorya "I'm Nice in Person ... Really!" Hong and even Carmen "No Comment" Webber popped in to show their support. All the more awesome considering Elisa's show was off-site, far away from the Bryant Park tent, at a funky spot called Country Club.
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By Rya Backer
Well, was last night something or was it something? I took to this week's episode for a wealth of reasons, namely that I'm a recent college grad (Let's go — wait, does NYU have any athletic teams?), I started working right out of college and, like most other members of the animal kingdom, I have an opinionated mother. That said, this episode was about as exciting as my morning subway ride, which is to say, not very riveting at all. Was Stella's absence to blame for the 60-minute snoozer? Certainly. But I also think it's worth pointing out how lame the entire challenge was. If I wanted to watch a "makeover" episode, I'd watch some "Jenny Jones" clips on Youtube. And if I wanted advice on office clothing, I'd refer to this: Unless you're physically given a uniform, you can probably wear jeans and the shirt you wore to sleep last night to work and no one will care.
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September in New York City means it's time for the fashion-week tents to go up in Bryant Park. And it means I am bound to geek out. Fashion week is a hot mess of fancy clothes, models, Anna Wintour, celebrities, fashionistas and drag queens. It's my dream come true!
This year, I had a very short time span to get myself, along with my fabulous fashion week crew, credentialed for the shows. I wouldn't have the opportunity to hit up my usual four shows a day, but it gave me the opportunity to chill with some of the coolest people around: MTV News' Jim Cantiello, Christina Garibaldi and our lovely shooter Mary Taylor, as well as our celebrity correspondent, the amazing Sweet P from the fourth season of "Project Runway."
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By Rya Backer
Remember that line in the hip-hop/Sting tour de force "I'll Be Missing You," when Puff Daddy (that's what he went by in those days) says he'd "give anything to hear half your breath"? Well, that's how I felt last week. I gave anything, and last night, I heard Stella take a victory exhale all over this week's episode. To put it in simpler terms: Designers were paired up (thanks to the help of Tim's magical, black velvet satchel) with the season's eliminated contestants. The partners had to put together an avant-garde look that corresponded with one of the designer's zodiac signs. Obviously. So, before we get started on this week's ins and outs, I've got a quick question.
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By Rya Backer
Hi, guys. Sorry if this post is a little terse. I have to get back to covering my mirrors, wearing all black, welcoming distant relatives from out of town and receiving elaborate gourmet food baskets. Stella's gone. Forever. Until the reunion. So, in honor of Stella's contribution to the show and — who am I kidding — my life, today's post is dedicated to her. Ins and Outs! And then ... we eulogize!
Ins and Outs and "Farewell, Stella" playlist after the jump!
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By Rya Backer
"Hallo, everyone" (that's "hello" in Heidi for the laymen in the audience). Last night's episode was, save for a few blips here and there, about as exciting as a carburetor. Which is an apt comparison because, whaddaya know, the episode involved making fashion out of car interiors! Not just any car interior, but Saturn View Hybrid interiors. Mmmm ... do you smell that? That's some soft, buttery product placement. But I digress! Alright, buds! Ins and Outs! Keith's gone! Let's rejoice!
IN
Stella Zotis: OK, so clearly, I'm obsessed. What can I say? The woman is slick and enchanting. She deserves props this week not only for being her but also for stepping outside her comfort zone. Stella refrained from crafting a leather garment to give the other designers a break, as she would've crushed the competition. Literally — with her hammer and grommets. While it wasn't the winning outfit, it was refreshing to see Stella display a knack for feminine pieces that are equally detail-oriented. Oh my God, I'm starting to sound like a fashion assistant again. Party foul! Read more...
