And the winner is… Project Runway Season 6 finale

By Craig Schrolucke | Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:09 PM

It’s down to the runway show for Season 6 of “Project Runway.” Local “Runway” fans have been cheering on Dayton native and University of Cincinnati graduate Althea Harper as she cut and sewed her way into the finale. Strong women of sci-fi inspired Althea’s collection for the Bryant Park show. Will this collection convey Althea’s point of view as a designer and be worthy of the top prize? Or, will Carol Hannah or Irina’s collection beat out our local favorite.

Part one of the finale featured video clips from Tim’s visit to each of the designer’s hometowns including stops in Oakwood and downtown Dayton.

Fourteen weeks after it all began, it all comes down to tonight’s show (Nov. 19).

As Tim makes his final trip through the workroom Carol Hannah is still sick, Irina is pretty quiet and Althea appears to be overwhelmed in the moment.

The pace in the workroom and behind the scenes quickens as the designers, the models and hair and make-up staff work their magic before the runway show.

This season’s Bryant Park tent is huge. Is it me or did the tent double in size this season? Seriously!

At Bryant Park, the Chaos continues. The behind the scenes views are chaotic at best. Even Tim Gunn is on edge with the runway show running late as the designers work to put their 13 creations down the catwalk. In fact, Tim is at the point I think he might loose it - for real. Tim tells the designers that the clock is now ticking backwards.

The Runway Show Photos from the show

Althea’s Collection - Althea describes her collection as, “what the woman of today will wear tomorrow.” The collection featured sleek and chic designs using knits, leathers, and satin in combinations of grey and taupe - modern and forward thinking. You could definitely see the sci-fi influence.

Carol Hannah’s Collection - was influenced by a trip to Duke University’s campus. The looks were elegant and sophisticated with enough edge to be the looks of tomorrow.

Irina’s Collection - Irina introduces her collection as a reflection of the New York and the home is where the heart is theme (I didn’t quite get that one). Her looks Black, black and black. Despite Tim and Nina’s warnings, Irina sticks with the black on black collection. Her looks are a mix of military meets dominatrix. She definitely has a point of view.

The Judges Nina Garcia - Michael Kors - Heidi Klum - Suzy Menkes

Irina - The judges are concerned that they’ve seen a lot of the warrior woman designs but like the cohesion of the collection. Michael suggests she Irina had a great sense of showmanship.

Althea - Michael Kors says, “bravo for seeing sportswear.” In general, the judges loved the work. Menkes was troubled by the knits and couldn’t quite see how they fit into the collections and Nina felt the last three pieces were a part of another collection. Nina and Michael get the sense that Althea is, “plugged into the street.” Michael and Menkes think she’s a great sportswear designer.

Carol Hannah - The judges loved the draping and Carol Hannah’s use of fabrics. Nina and Michael felt the collection wasn’t cohesive. As the judges deliberate, they love the way she played with color and the photogenic nature of her designs.

The Winner The judges come to a quick decision.

First out is Carol Hannah. So it’s down to Irina and Althea…and the winner is Irina.

And so it goes. Althea is a gracious second place winner and despite the outcome Dayton should be proud of Althea! Congrats.

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Shocker! Who made it to the ‘Dancing’ finals and who didn’t?

By Hillary McNabb | Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 11:31 PM

Alright ‘Dancing’ fans. Tonight we find out which of our four final couples is heading home and which 3 are in the finals.

We start things off with a repeat of Mya & Dmitry’s Salsa. Personally I still think it was way too stiff and just seemed like her shaking her backside a lot but not doing a lot of sexy salsa moves.

Now for a preview from the upcoming movie musical “Nine” starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Fergie, Kate Hudson and many other famous faces. I hadn’t heard much about this movie before now but between this performance and the trailer that aired during the commercial, I’m excited for it. The performance was the song “Be Italian” and it was definitely interesting.

After more commercials, we get to see Alicia Keys with the TV debut of her new single.

The song is pretty good but her outfit is terrible. She almost looks pregnant at times. Very strange.

Hello filler. The 4 finalists did a cheesy montage to the song “Under Pressure.” I’ll bet they’re under pressure. So are the producers, clearly “under pressure” to sell ads and fill an hour of TV.

Joanna & Derek and Mya & Dmitry (last night’s highest scoring couples) get called to the front… are they safe?

Mya & Dmitry are safe and in the finals. And… Joanna & Derek have to wait a little longer.

Leona Lewis performs her song “Happy.” Wow what a spectacular looking show. She makes singing look so completely effortless. She is so talented.

Now it’s time to find out the fate of Donny & Kym and Kelly & Louis.

The next couple in the finals is Donny & Kym. I am shocked. I thought for sure he would be going home tonight.

The Bee Gees sing “You Should be Dancing” to celebrate their 50th anniversary. One of last season’s most talked-about contestants, Melissa Rycroft comes back to dance with a group of pros while they sing. She didn’t do bad, but she wasn’t spectacular. The Bee Gees sounded pretty good.

OK. It’s time to find out who’s going home and who’s going to the finals.

And leaving tonight… another commercial. Sigh.

After an excruciating commercial break (enough with this already!) we learn that Joanna & Derek have danced their last dance which means that Kelly & Louis are safe and dancing in the finals.

Joanna & Derek

Breaking with tradition of a quick twirl around the floor while the credits roll, Joanna & Derek take to the floor to perform their full Viennese Waltz again.

I am so angry with these results. Joanna & Derek deserved to be in the finals. Donny & Kym however, did not. In past seasons there have been weeks where the results felt more like a popularity contest than a dance contest, but it usually evened out by the semifinals. This time around it feels like that is all this has been. It’s enough to make me not want to watch the finale next week and really, next season.

How about you? Are you happy with tonight’s results? Who do you think will go home with the Mirror Ball Trophy next week?

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‘Dancing’ semi-final night means 3 dances per couple

By Hillary McNabb | Monday, November 16, 2009, 11:10 PM

We have finally made it to the Semi-Finals! At the intro all of the stars look lovely tonight. I’m guessing there are a few romantic numbers tonight based on costumes alone.

For the 1st time ever each couple will have to perform 3 routines tonight.

First up…

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

DANCING: Tango

MY TAKE: The very sexy and talented Gilles Marini (who was on DWTS last season and is currently starring on the ABC show “Brothers & Sisters”) came into help Donny find the passion. Now for their dance. Uh oh. Kym’s dress is falling apart at the bottom. Even if they hadn’t had the wardrobe malfunction (no, not that kind), this was not very good at all. At least he realizes how bad it was.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: The judges all seem to agree. This was no good at this stage in the game…

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 7, Len Goodman: 7, Bruno Tonioli: 7. Total=21

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough

DANCING: Viennese Waltz

MY TAKE: Wow. I love this song (“Hallelujah”) they look like dolls in a jewelry box. That was amazing. I think they’re gonna win the Mirror Ball Trophy when this is all said and done.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: The judges liked it but they all had a nitpick or two. SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 9. Total=27

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

DANCING: Rumba

MY TAKE: Wow. That was pretty great. Her solo was a little lacking for content, but the rest was pretty good! She’s so adorable.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: The judges all feel it was pretty good and agree that Kelly brings them in, but that it wasn’t her best dance (though not her worst either).

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 8, Len Goodman: 8, Bruno Tonioli: 8. Total=24

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin

DANCING: Waltz

MY TAKE: This was good but it wasn’t move me to tears good. Her skills are great but there was little emotional connection between them.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: Judges loved it. Carrie Ann loved it too, but as usual, she has a “but…” I see 10s in her future.

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 10. Total=28

Time for Round 2.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

DANCING: Samba

MY TAKE: This was definitely better than the last dance. He looked like he was having a blast. His solo was pretty good too. Lots of content.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: Bruno says he nailed it. Carrie Ann thought it was a little sloppy. And tie-breaker Len goes with Bruno.

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 8, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 9. Total=26

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough

DANCING: Cha-Cha-Cha

MY TAKE: Fantastic as usual. That’s a girl that owns the dance floor for sure. Derek is just decoration at this point. Cute decoration, but decoration nonetheless.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: Judges loved it. Umm. Bruno has one thing on his mind tonight clearly. “I just can’t get you out of my bed. You are just natural sex!”

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 9. Total=27

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

DANCING: Quickstep

MY TAKE: Love her dress and the energy of this dance. She has come so far in this contest. I am very impressed. It’s hard to believe this is the potty-mouthed, formerly drug-addicted Kelly Osbourne. She’s truly transformed.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: They loved it. They were all very happy and impressed as well.

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 9. Total=27

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin

DANCING: Salsa

MY TAKE: This seemed a little stiff and sped up like we were in fast forward or something. It was good, but off somehow.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: They all liked it, Len was “mesmerized by her buttocks.”

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 10, Len Goodman: 10, Bruno Tonioli: 10. Total=30

I don’t think this was even close to worthy of 10s… 9s maybe but not 10s. It seems like the judges have already picked their winner. Not fair.

And finally, Round 3

This round is the “knockout dance” which each couple created (they picked the song and style) to save them in a dance off, but now they get to dance them anyway.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

DANCING: Jitterbug

MY TAKE: They are really in sync. This is pretty good.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: Judges liked it.

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 9. Total=27

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough

DANCING: Salsa

MY TAKE: Wowza. That was a HOT, hot pink number! Derek reminds me a little of Patrick Swayze in that outfit and the way he dances.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: Loved it. Thought it was hot.

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 9. Total=27

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

DANCING: Cha-Cha-Cha

MY TAKE: That was cute and quick. I liked it.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: All 3 liked it. Len’s been pleased with all 3 of her dances tonight.

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 9, Bruno Tonioli: 9. Total=27

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin

DANCING: Cha-Cha-Cha

MY TAKE: That was better than their previous dances tonight. It was pretty good.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: Len & Bruno liked it, Carrie Ann wasn’t as impressed.

SCORE: Carrie Ann Inaba: 9, Len Goodman: 10, Bruno Tonioli: 10. Total=29

That wraps up the Semi-Final night of dancing. My favorites of the night would be Joanna and Derek’s Viennese Waltz and Kelly and Louis’ Quickstep.

My least favorites would be Donny and Kym’s Tango and Mya and Dmitry’s Salsa.

It’s a tough competition. Performance-wise I think Donny & Kym are headed home tomorrow night unless the Osmond family’s phone calls and online votes can save him.

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Tim Gunn visits Dayton during part 1 of ‘Project Runway’ finale

By Zack McGhee | Thursday, November 12, 2009, 11:36 PM

This week is the first part of the season six finale on “Project Runway.”

Part one of the finale follows Tim Gunn as he visits the three final designers to check on the progress of their respective collections for New York Fashion Week.

Tim’s first stop is Carol Hannah in a suburb of New York. He seems excited about her collection and remarks that she is taking risks but points out that she wants to add just one too many enhancements to some of her designs. Her problem has always been editing her work. Tim meets her family and even helps make biscuits for dinner.

Tim’s next stop is to visit Irina who is living in Manhattan. He is impressed by some of the hand knit items she has created, but isn’t too thrilled about some of her fur choices. Irina seems visibly nervous to see Tim which is surprising due to the confidence she has shown up to this point. Tim goes to dinner with Irina and meets her family and friends.

Tim’s final stop is to visit Dayton native and University of Cincinnati graduate Althea Harper. Althea lives in New York as well but has chosen to work on her Fashion Week collection in Dayton. From the footage, it appears that she worked on her collection in a loft on Front Street in downtown Dayton.

“Dayton isn’t exactly the fashion capitol of the world,” Althea says as she rolls her eyes.

Althea says that she watched a lot of sci-fi movies to get inspired for her designs. Tim seems to like some of her creations, but fears that she is getting too costumey.

There are several shots of Dayton as Tim and Althea drive out to visit Althea’s family in Oakwood. We see shots of a train over the tracks at the entrance to the Oregon District. We see the Armory building (the big red building in the Oregon District). And of course we see a couple shots of homes in Oakwood as they go to visit with Althea’s family and friends.

Three things unique about this season’s finale:

1. All three final contestants are female
2. All three final contestants live in New York
3. None of the contestants got to watch episodes of their season on TV before meeting up again for the the finale

After the designers’ time is up for them to work on their collections, they travel to New York to prepare for Fashion Week.

Althea is the first to arrive, followed by Irina. There is still some awkwardness between them since Irina accused Althea of copying one of her designs on the runway in front of the judges several episodes prior.

Hours go by, and Carol Hannah still hasn’t arrived to join the other two designers in the hotel in New York. Tim visits Althea and Irina to inform them that Carol Hannah has fallen ill and it’s contagious. She won’t be joining them until she is feeling better.

Four days until Fashion Week, Irina and Althea enter the work room and silently begin finishing their collections. Carol Hannah eventually arrives before Tim stops by to do another run through with the designers over their collections.

First, Tim feels Althea is having a problem with cohesion in her collection. Second, he still thinks there are elements to Carol Hannah’s collection that need edited or removed. Finally, Tim is concerned about the lack of color in Irina’s collection. Some of her pieces are far from completion.

After Tim leaves, it’s time to pick the models they want to show off their looks at Fashion Week.

In a surprise, both Nina Garcia and Michael Kors stop by to give the designers advice. The designers are relieved to talk to them without the pressure and criticism that comes with standing on the runway.

Irina remarks to us that she isn’t going to try and inject color into her designs. Will that hurt her when it comes time for Fashion Week?

Another day comes and goes and the designers now must decide which look they want their muse model (the model with whom they’ve been paired in the competition) to wear during the finale.

The next guest to drop by on the designers is Heidi Klum and she comes bearing one final surprise. They each have to make a 13th look for their collection and their muse model will be casting the model for the 13th look. But the designers won’t be alone, they bring back Christopher, Logan and Gordana to help finish the final three with their collections.

Althea picks Logan (which is who I would pick, but just because he is fun to look at), Irina picks Gordana, and Carol Hannah is left with Christopher.

I don’t know what happened after that because our stupid Time Warner DVR didn’t record the last five minutes of the episode. Perhaps you can fill me in?

So, from what you’ve seen of the designers’ collections so far, who do you think will win? Before this episode, I felt Irina was the strongest contender, but after this episode, my money is on Carol Hannah. Despite the flaws in her collection, I think she’ll do crucial editing with Christopher’s help and win.

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Michael Buble, Susan Boyle, Sabrina Bryan… oh and a ‘Dancing’ elimination

By Hillary McNabb | Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 10:28 PM

Tonight we find out which couples are heading into the semi-final on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Len picks Joanna and Derek’s futuristic Paso Doble for the repeat performance.

Without too much drama we get right into the results.

First couple safe? Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough.

After a quick recap of last night’s dances (OK it wasn’t quick…) Michael Buble performs his new single “Just Haven’t Met You Yet.”

Pros Cheryl, Anna T., Maks and Jonathan accompany Michael during the song from his new album “Crazy Love.”

Next couple safe? Mya and Dmitry Chaplin.

Now for the annual “favorite” “Dance Center” with Len, Jerry Rice, Kenny Mayne and also Stacy Keibler. Personally I kind of hate Dance Center. I just wish they’d ditch the extra junk like that and get on with the results. People have things to do… Oh well.

Time for this season’s last Macy’s Stars of Dance presentation with this year’s “Design a Dance” competition. The dance features former celebrity contestant Sabrina Bryan dancing a dance picked by voters to a song picked by voters, with a pro, you guessed it… picked by voters.

Sabrina and Mark Ballas (her original partner) dance the Paso Doble to “Eye of the Tiger.” Wow. That was fantastic! I still can’t believe how early she was voted off when she was on the show in season 5. I think that will remain one of the most shocking moments in DWTS history.

And Michael Buble is back with a song from one of his earlier albums, “Feeling Good’.

Now to find out who the bottom two are and who the next safe couple is.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are safe which means Kelly & Louis and Aaron & Karina are in the bottom two.

But, before we find out which couple is out, we’ll have a performance from Britain’s Got Talent standout, Susan Boyle, singing “I Dreamed a Dream,” and more “Dance Center.”

Aaron & Karina

Wow. She has such control over her voice. The woman is a complete powerhouse but the most amazing part is how well she can maintain it and keep from overdoing it just because she can.

“Dance Center” continues and predicts Mya to run away with it all. We shall see. Their prediction tools are less than scientific.

And the couple leaving tonight? Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff.

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Disco, the 80s and the future make for a fun night on ‘Dancing’

By Hillary McNabb | Monday, November 9, 2009, 11:27 PM

Alright, folks. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is starting to wrap up. We’ve got 5 couples left. Tonight each couple will dance two routines: 1 Ballroom, 1 Latin.

Instead of a play-by-play of the dances (you watched, did you not?) I’ll give my ranking for each round tonight and then an overall ranking for the night and a prediction for who will go home.

First up, the Ballroom Round.

5) Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
4) Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
3) Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
2) Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff
1) Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

Pretty opposite from the judges leaderboard.

Round 2 is the Latin round. Each couple will pick an era to theme their dance.

My rankings?

5) Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
4) Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel
3) Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff
2) Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
1) Mya & Dmitry Chaplin

Overall my top pick for the night would be Joanna and Derek. They were great in both dances and are generally exceptional.

Tomorrow night will have 1 elimination. I think Donny & Kym should be worried. But Donny’s fans might save him. If that happens I think (sadly) Aaron & Karina are in danger.

Also on tomorrow’s results show will be singer Michael Buble and Britain’s Susan Boyle.

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Does Althea make it through to Fashion week? - Project Runway

By Craig Schrolucke | Thursday, November 5, 2009, 11:27 PM

With just five designers left before the New York Fashion Week and the Bryant Park event, the question for this week is - Who will remain to show their work on the runway during Fashion Week?

Regardless of who wins, a few things are pretty certain. Irina is likely to make a few mean and snippy comments. Christopher is likely to tear-up during the runway and Gordana is likely to love everything she does regardless of how 1980s Eastern Europe drab the design ends up being.

For the final challenge, the designers are off to get inspiration at the Getty Center, the art and culture center of L.A.

Althea, the Dayton native in this year’s challenge, is inspired by the architecture of the Getty Center. Irina chooses a painting entitled Mischief and Repose as her muse. Carol Hannah finds a French bed with feather and ruffles as the source for her runway look. Gordana finds her look in a Monet while Christopher is nearly speechless about a fountain and algae.

The workroom heats up this week as the designers sense the tension and the sense this is the last challenge before the Bryant Park.

The Workroom Tim Gunn makes his way through the workroom to inspire the designers. First stop is Christopher’s station where Tim is concerned that Christopher’s embellishments look like stalactites. Tim warns Carol Hannah not to lose the sophistication as she aims to interpret a French bedroom.

Next stop, Irina’s station where Tim says of Irina’s design, “It’s looking a lot like road kill…. it worries me… it’s like a post apocalyptic moment…” Althea gets a wow from Tim, followed by concern about the methods she’s using to create the “pebbly, puckery effect.” Last stop is Gordana’s station, where Tim heaps on praises for her interpreting her inspiration in the design.

The Runway For this pre-Bryant Park runway challenge, Nina Garcia and Heidi are the two resident judges and are joined by Cindy Crawford and Cynthia Rowley.

Althea’s design is the first down the runway, and in my opinion, she might be in trouble. The short, shear and satin cocktail length dress was confused and puckery and gave the appearance that the model had just rolled out of bed wearing the design.

Carol Hannah’s off the shoulder satiny number looked inspired and glamorous but perhaps a little too mother of the bride or prom dress for this reviewer.

Christopher’s design was an off the shoulder grey on grey satin and shear gown that was surprised those watching the show with me - He apparently lost the stalactites. Gordana’s design flowed down the runway. The crinkled crepe fabric came together to reflect her inspiration - but will it be enough to win the challenge?

Last up is Irina. This bouncy, loose fitting, satin and of course it is exactly what

The Judging The judges are pretty kind to Althea, although tonight’s design garners a “this is a bit of a mess fest” from Heidi.

Nina thinks Irina’s look has a nice element or two but the length is “a bit old ladyish.”

Gordana’s silk organza design gets high marks for interpretation, although the judges are concerned that they’ve yet to see the real designer in her work.

Carol Hannah’s French bed inspiration failed to hit the mark with the judges and again, Nina is concerned that Carol Hannah might be playing this challenge a little too safe.

Christopher’s algae inspired rock fountain number hit rock bottom with the judges. When Heidi asked Christopher if he was confident in his final design the designer teared-up.

So who is Auf’d The judges dis and banter about the designs and designers as they work to make the final choices.

The designers going back to New York to show their work at Fashion Week are Irina, Carol Hannah and Althea.

Unfortunately, this is the final runway show for Christopher and Gordana.

Do you think that the judges made the right choices?

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