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CelebNews@Usmagazine.com! - Project Runway 2008 Recap: Go for the Gold

When I first learned that an opening ceremony outfit for this year’s Olympic games was the challenge for this week’s Project Runway episode, I immediately felt patriotic pulses running through my veins. Secretly hoping ruby and sapphire rhinestones would have regaled one of Season 5 hopefuls’ creations, this episode left me feeling a little lackluster. I mean we are the U.S. of A for goodness sake! Any second grade student would tell you the first element you have to have is the colors red, white, and blue.

I actually spent two weeks in China in mid-June, working with the factories that produce my WOW! Prom line and Johnathan Kayne Eveningwear line. I was only a short distance from Beijing and can tell you it is hot and humid. So I can only imagine the August weather. One piece of advice for the designers – many of whom didn’t take it to heart - would be not to design pants! We do not want athletes dropping like houseflies. These athletes are in the best physical condition of their lives, so show some skin and intimidate.

How did the designers’ final looks rate? I would like to play a game I call Project Runway designer Word Association. I list the designers name and my first thoughts when I saw their garment:
Blayne: chic
Daniel: Mary Tyler Moore
Jennifer: Hamptons
Jerell: Little Bo Peep
Joe: Striking!
Keith: Busy
Kelli: Mary Tyler Moore
Kenley: Jackie O
Korto: Expensive
Leanne: “If I see this collar on PR one more time…”
Stella: Drab
Suede: Cheerleader
Terri: Ralph Lauren

Overall, I really felt Joe did an amazing job and was my pick to win, because his outfit screamed ‘powerful’ and ‘confident.’ Also, there was no doubt in my mind which country would sport this design. I did like Korto’s winning design, but felt it was not bold enough. I also feel a high-waisted trouser looks good on Twiggy-type models with 5” Christian Louboutin heels, but not so much on muscle bound athletes in sneakers.

ABOUT THIS BLOGGER: Kayne Gillaspie, 29, is a fashion designer and Season three Project Runway contestant who currently lives and works out of Norman, Okla. He designs for for WOW! as well as launching Kayne9 in September 2008, which is a couture line for dogs. Gillaspie is also on the board of directors for non-profit organization, FOR HEALTHY KIDS and organizes a yearly runway show for Purple Sash, which benefits the Oklahoma City YWCA Domestic Abuse program.

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