Jezebel: korto

The Ladies of Project Runway: Where Are They Now?

Dodai — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Maybe you're curious what the contestants from Season Five are up to, now that Project Runway is over? Winner and self-described "fashion dork" Leanne Marshall spoke to the LA Times and Entertainment Weekly; and EW also interviewed Korto and Kenley. So, Leanne: She won $100,000 which she says, "All has to go to the clothing line!" She muses: "Maybe I'll go and buy some crazy expensive fabrics that normally I can't go near. That's kind of my version of buying a fancy pair of shoes. It will be fun to feel like I can buy whatever I want in a fabric store." As for Ms. Kenley Collins, you're gonna love this: She's a teacher.

Kenley tells EW:

I teach sewing in New York. It's in the Fashion District, on 37th Street, called Sew Fast, Sew Easy. I teach a beginner's sewing class and intermediate pattern-making. I'm just trying to make some money right now. I lost all my money because I did Project Runway, and I'm just trying to get my money back, plus more. And it's working. I'm gonna expand my website and keep selling dresses.

Kenley swears her website, kenleycollins.com, where she sells headpieces, is doing really well, but it was down as of 11:15 this morning.

Kenley also knocks Korto's line: "Korto sent really bad, unfinished pieces down the runway, and underwear was showing, too. I don't care if you have the best line in the world, if your stuff is showing underwear, and it's unfinished, that's unacceptable at Bryant Park. That was really insulting, to have my beautiful, couture-made line come in third next to that was really insulting." Kenley also talks about the knock-off accusations (she thinks her floral dress looks "nothing like" Balenciaga) and says there's one good thing that came out of being on the show: "I came out of this competition with my two best friends, Stella and Daniel." Daniel is living with her, subletting her apartment. And Kenley talks to Stella every day!

As for Korto, who won $10,000 for being the "fan favorite," she says: "I'm still mad. I wanted to win… I'm glad that women got that I was fighting for the real women, women with curves, women that don't look like Heidi Klum. We need to go buy high-fashion stuff, and we want to look hot and sexy. Those are the people I design for. I represented for them, and I'm glad they got it." Korto is super close with Jerell, and fairly friendly with Leanne: "She's a classy lady. Kenley doesn't apologize for her statements." Korto's taking her family Liberia next year; she was invited to visit and design a gown for the president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. "Maybe I'll make Michelle Obama's inaugural dress," Korto sorta-jokes.

As for Leanne, she is super excited that Sarah Jessica Parker has asked for clothes. "I guess she watched the show […] and she wants to be my customer. It's amazing. When I was creating my collection, I listened to music all day, but at night I would kind of feel lonely and want someone to talk to, so I watched every episode of Sex and the City."

'Project Runway' Winner Leanne Dishes On Kenley And Her First Big Splurge [LA Times]
'Project Runway' Exit Q&A: Kenley Collins [EW]
'Project Runway' Runner-Up Q&A: Korto Momolu [EW]
'Project Runway' Q&A: Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall [EW]

Project Runway: And The Winner Is…

Dodai — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Last night's episode of Project Runway wasn't just the season finale. It was the end of an era. With the show (maybe) moving to Lifetime, an association with Marie Claire instead of Elle and a move to L.A., it will never be the same. It was interesting that there were three ladies as finalists, since there's only been one female winner in the previous four seasons: Chloe Dao. Most of the episode was actually rather dull: Model castings, dog poop, hair, makeup. Then the runway shows, which Bravo peppered with fake applause: Trust me, no one was clapping during each show, for any particular garment. And if you watched carefully, you could hear applause but see the crowd just sitting. In any case, the judges — Michael, Nina, Heidi and J. Lo-replacement Tim — had high praise for all three remaining designers. Clip above; collections after the jump.

(Click on any image to begin galleries)

Kenley's collection was first. The judges liked the bright color palette and the fact that each piece was unique and different. Michael Kors said it was "full of charm" and had "a lot of personality." Tim Gunn pointed out Kenley's "impeccable construction." Nina Garcia was worried that the floral dress was very Balenciaga and Kenley admitted: "I realized now maybe I need to do some research." Finally: Something got through that hard head! That said, I reluctantly admit that I liked Kenley's the best. It was whimsical and made getting dressed look like fun. Oh. But. At the runway show, when Kenley said, "No one touches my clothes," I was quoting Nell Carter. Gimme a break!

Korto's collection was inspired by nature. Michael Kors declared it "great." Tim Gunn said she "hit a bullseye." Heidi Klum thought some pieces were "overworked." My mom said she was the only one who made clothes women who are not stick figures could wear. I love Korto, but I didn't love this collection. I did feel awful when Korto did not win, and said, "My heart is bleeding."

Leanne, the slinky little Leanimal, was named the winner of Project Runway. Michael Kors said her "workmanship looked divine." Nina Garcia appreciated that her collection had diversity, showing skirts, jackets and long dresses. And honestly? Leanne created stunning, innovative pieces. Congrats, Leanne! And thank you, Project Runway, not only for being entertaining, but for showing the passion, craftsmanship and artisanal skills involved when people really love fashion. Get your shit together and come back in January.

Photography by Alex Wright.

Project Runway Season 5 [Bravo]

Project Runway: And Then There Were Three

Dodai — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT

On last night's episode of Project Runway the contestants had $8,000 and 2 months to create a collection — and a wedding dress to represent that collection, which the judges used to decide who went to Bryant Park. Tim Gunn visited each designer: Korto in Little Rock, AR, where she treated him to some drumming; Leanne in Portland, where they went riding on a bicycle built for two; Jerell in L.A., where he talked about growing up in South Central; and Kenley in Brooklyn (she cried). Anyway, when the gang got back to NYC, there was still a three-against-one feeling, but it defrosted a little when Kenley poured booze for everyone. The designers were given a last-minute challenge: To design a bridesmaid dress to accompany the wedding dress. Results were mixed, though Kenley actually redeemed herself. She went from being snippy with Heidi Klum to telling her, "I love you!" Clip above; dresses after the jump.
Okay, so Bravo usually puts up posed photographs of each ensemble from the challenge for its Rate The Runway feature, but this time around, the network just used blurry video stills. What's up with that? Are they already over this show? It's not on Lifetime yet! And this is part one of the finale! Ugh. Anyway. Crappy pictures = not my fault.
Kenley's wedding dress was a frothy, feathered confection, but Michael Kors frowned and proclaimed that Alexander McQueen had already done it. Looking at this dress from McQueen's fall 2008 collection, it's obvious. Oh, and this one:
Anyway. Here's Kenley's bridesmaid dress:
Heidi Klum said it was "crazy good."
Leanne's wedding dress was weird and divine; she was inspired by the architecture of waves. Too bad you can't see shit in this picture! (Get a better look here). Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and Heidi Klum all loved Leanne's dress.
Here's Leanne's bridesmaid dress, or what you can see of it.
Oh, Korto. This wedding dress was crazytown. Michael Kors called it overworked, I call it fugly. Sigh.
Korto's bridesmaid dress was grody too.
Here is Jerell's wedding dress. Michael Kors no likey. He thought it was "overwrought." I thought it was sort of a mess.
Heidi Klum called Jerell's bridesmaid dress "mumsy." In a crazy twist, Jerell, who'd actually won two recent challenges, was booted from the competition. As we all know, he showed at Bryant Park anyway, as a decoy. Click here if you want to see his show.
So yes, the final three are women: Leanne, Kenley and Korto. If you want, get a sneak peek of what you'll see next week: Project Runway Fashion Show: Leanne Project Runway Fashion Show: Kenley Project Runway Fashion Show: Korto Project Runway Season 5 [Bravo]

Project Runway's Kenley Cries On Regis & Kelly; Gets Group Hug

Dodai — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EDT

The final four contestants from Project Runway appeared on Live With Regis & Kelly this morning, and when producers showed clips of Kenley crying, she, well, cried. Korto tried to soothe her with a little side-hug, but Kelly suggested that all the contestants get a group hug from Regis. Regis (who is clearly not a fan, since during the show he called Jerell "Gerald") did not look thrilled. The designers hugged him anyway! Clip above.

Project Runway: The One Where Everybody Cries

Dodai — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The challenge for the final four designers on last night's episode of Project Runway was to design an evening gown inspired by nature. There was a field trip to the New York Botanical Garden, and the contestants took pictures of flora. Then the tears started to flow! Kenley cried while talking about growing up on a tugboat, and also, no one would give her any tulle. Leanne cried because she's wanted to show at NY Fashion Week since she was 12, and because she had a lot of work to do. Jerell cried because he was living all alone in an empty apartment in the sky. (He also cried while ironing.) Korto cried because she is married, with a kid, and this is her big chance! On the runway, everyone's dresses were crappy, but the big drama occurred when Heidi Klum asked each contestant why he or she should go to Fashion Week, and which other designers should go. Jerell spoke first, and Kenley totally interrupted him while he was talking. Clip above; hideous dresses after the jump.

Kenley's dress was inspired by purple leaves. Jerell said it looked like "Kenley the dragon slayer" or a "purplezilla costume." Tim Gunn thought the bottom of dress looked like fish scales, which Kenley took as a compliment. I wanted to smack Kenley when she said, "I wasn't going for elegance, Heidi." You do not get snippy with Heidi Klum!

Guest Judge Georgina Chapman (sure, she runs evening gown company Marchesa, but she's also conveniently married to producer Harvey Weinstein!) loved Leanne's gown, which was inspired by a blurry picture of lavender flowers. But Michael Kors thought there was no "joy" in the elaborate ruching.

Michael Kors thought Korto's evening gown contained "every cliché." Nina Garcia seemed angry, and Georgina Chapman looked disappointed.

Jerell was the winner of this challenge, even though his hem was totally unfinished, messy and wonky. Still, his gown inspired by layers of rose petals was one of the better ones on the runway.

So: The "twist" is that all four designers will go home and create collections, even though only 3 will "compete" on the runway at Bryant Park. When I was watching the shows during Fashion Week, I felt sure that the three ladies were the three finalists; now I'm not so sure!

In case you want to see the collections again, find them here:
Project Runway Fashion Show: Jerell
Project Runway Fashion Show: Korto
Project Runway Fashion Show: Leanne
Project Runway Fashion Show: Kenley

Project Runway Season 5 [Bravo]

Project Runway: Kenley's "Classy, Expensive" Hideous Hip Hop Jeans

Dodai — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The challenge on last night's episode of Project Runway was insane: The contestants had to design outfits for each other, inspired by musical genres. Kenley's genre was pop. Suede's? Punk. Korto's was country, Leanne's was hip hop, and Jerell's was rock and roll. In the workroom, Tim Gunn approached Kenley with his trademark diplomacy, saying, "Correct me. I'm an old fart." He was concerned about her "hip hop" ensemble. Kenley quickly became a defensive whiney bitch; Tim gave her the talking to we've all been waiting for. It was even more amusing when Jerell was all, "Kenley's ass is ridiculous," and totally agreed with her anytime she asked if anything was "hip hop." (So is a Beastie Boys track called "Sabotage"!) In any case, Kenley was also huffy with Nina Garcia on the runway, and seemed to blame everything besides her own shitty ideas and sewing for her icky high-waisted pants. Plus! She argued with guest judge LL Cool J. About hip hop. Clip above; all of the outfits from the runway after the jump.

Leanne designed this country look for Korto. Nina Garcia didn't love it. Michael Kors thought it was like "a woman going out to eat ribs."

Kenley said, "Being sexed up by Jerell is a little scary." But she looked amazing, when she kept her mouth shut! Coworker Jessica wrote an email to me: "So I was watching with my friend Leah tonight, and she freaked out because Jerrell said his outfit was like the 'budussy cat dolls.' Apparently in and around DC, budussy means a rank combination of butt, dick, and pussy, otherwise known as the 'after sex smell.' I think it got past the censors because they had no idea what it meant." Hahahaha, ew! Anyway, the judges loved this look. Nina Garcia said it was revealing without being trashy, and Michael Kors agreed that it was not "vulgar." Guest judge LL Cool J looked like he wanted to eat Kenley up with a spoon. I liked it without the blue vest but whatevs.

Here is the "hip hop" fiasco that Kenley created for Leanne. Kenley tried to say that hip hop is all about attitude, and Leanne didn't bring any to the runway, and that's why the outfit didn't work. Sure, sure.

Korto was the winner of the challenge with this punk look she designed for Suede. LL thought it was "authentic."

Suede made this "rock and roll" outfit for Jerell, which Nina thought was too safe. She's right: It's rock and roll, but like Lenny Kravitz on laundry day. Suede was auf'd, so we no longer have to hear Suede talk about Suede in the third person. Bye Suede!

Project Runway Season 5 [Bravo]

Project Runway: Suede's Disaster & Joe's Becky Home Ecky

Dodai — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The "makeover" challenge on last night's episode of Project Runway involved creating a look for recent college graduates entering the workforce. The young ladies showed up in the workroom with their mothers, which was supposed to bring some mama drama, but, as always, the true tension came from the designers themselves. Kenley talked shit about Suede, declaring his design aesthetic "horrible." Jerell also had nasty things to say about Suede, calling him "so 1992." But things really got ugly when the judges turned on the designs Suede and Joe had created. Guest judge Cynthia Rowley called Suede's garment a "disaster," and Michael Kors proclaimed Joe's pinstriped skirt suit was "full Becky Home Ecky." Clip above; all of the ensembles from the runway after the jump.

Michael Kors thought Leanne's ensemble was old-fashioned, but I thought her little dress/jacket combo was super cute. Maybe the jacket shouldn't have been so boxy?

While creating this dress, Kenley said, "I know I'm gonna be in the top three. I should!" She also proudly explained that she never heeds the advice of wise éminence grise Tim Gunn. Sigh. That said, her Mini-me looked adorable and ridiculously happy in this retro confection.

The judges liked Korto's ensemble. Guest Judge Cynthia Rowley thought that this jacket looked expensive.

Nina Garcia on Suede: "I don't like this kind of printed dresses with this shape of a jacket. I have a lot of problems with this, basically. You know, that's just the tip of the iceberg. I will say no more." Suede: "Ouch." I cannot believe he did not go home.

Jerell was the winner of this challenge. He did make something really elegant, cool and appropriate for his client, but I wish they'd deducted points for that horrid Jolly Green Giant vegetation on his head at the judging. Look for his outfit in Elle magazine.

Did anyone else laugh out loud when Jerell said, "Come on, Joe, you can work on Nancy Regan tomorow?" HA! Joe's clichéd, "out of touch," Becky Home Ecky look sent him home. See ya, Joe!

Project Runway Season 5 [Bravo]

Project Runway Fashion Show: Korto

Dodai — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Originally from Liberia, Korto went to fashion school in Canada. But now she lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband and daughter. This morning when she presented her collection at Bryant Park, she said she was inspired by nature, and there certainly were a lot of green dresses on the runway. But Korto's genius is in the details, and while you may not be able to tell in the pictures, she folded, pleated and twisted her rich fabrics in interesting ways to create a series of hot, tropical looks. Check it out: The show starts after the jump.

Photography by Alex Wright.
(Click on any image to begin gallery)