Real News

The Real Housewives of Atlanta are back in a big way! What did you think about last night's episode?

In case you missed last night's fight, here it is in all its glory:



Here's a recap of the episode from Access Atlanta...

And a blog on RHoA by RHNY Bethenny Frankel at E!

The Fashion Show - PostMortem

The first season of The Fashion Show ended a week ago today; it's about time to take a look back and tear it apart make a critical assessment. A postmortem, if you will.

The show had both good and bad points. While I think we all were expecting it to be a real replacement for Project Runway, sadly, The Fashion Show did not deliver. Not that it was a bad show - I think if we didn't make comparisons to that other show, it could have seemed pretty fabulous. It gave us a bunch of talented up-and-coming designers, showing off their design skills while vying for both a cash prize and national recognition. But somehow it didn't seem to rouse the same passion in the viewer, didn't make us fall in love (or hate) with any one designer in particular. From what I can tell, it evoked a lot of general ennui. And some downright dislike.

What I Liked:

...Isaac Mizrahi being involved with the show, and the influential and knowledgeable Fern Mallis as judge.

...having a "quickfire"-type mini challenge and an elimination challenge.

...the home audience choosing the winner - as Issac says in the intro, TFS is about "real fashion for real people" and who is more real than those of us watching?

...the winning outfit available for purchase.

That's a pretty short list.

What I Disliked:

...Isaac Mizrahi as judge. While we like him in general and enjoyed watching him on his own show, he came off as a bit catty - ok, bitchy - on TFS. This is a man with a wealth of knowledge about the fashion industry and he could have been an enormous help to the designers as a mentor.

While we're on the subject of catty, I wasn't that crazy about the little conversations Isaac and Kelly would pretend to have after paying a visit to the designers in mid-process. "OMG! did you see that?" seems more appropriate coming from the NYC Prep kids than from professionals in the fashion industry. Well, Kelly isn't a professional, which brings us to...

...why Kelly Rowland? Because she sat in the front row at fashion shows? Wow, that makes me just as qualified! I think it would be fine if she were merely the hostess, but she is also a judge. I consider her neither a fashion professional nor a "real person" (she's a celebrity). I don't dislike Kelly, but I don't find her to be of much use to the show in general.

...while I did like the two-challenge-per-episode format, the time spent on the first challenge took away from time that could have been spent watching the designers interacting. Other than the bitchery between Daniella and Reco, we didn't get to see much of the designers' personalities, or how they bonded, something we're all used to on shows like PR and Top Chef. Face it - human interaction is part of the "reality" in a reality show.

...the overall look of the show was a bit drab and depressing. The workroom seemed gray, and was it really always night outside the windows? The lighting on the runway was also somehow off. The judging room was positively funereal.

...the cute catchphrases the Isaac and Kelly used when they cut a competitor. On Project Runway, Heidi's "auf wiedersehen" is natural - it means farewell, or until we meet again, in German. Heidi is German. Makes perfect sense. Every show now has to have its own version, and most are cheeseball. TFS is no exception, "we're not buying it" - ugh. And if that's not bad enough, Kelly has to say to the penultimate loser, "you're hanging by a thread." Or does she say...

That's what it sounds like to me.

Those are some of my thoughts. I also, for the most part, agree with Tom & Lorenzo's "Mid-Term Report." They have really contemplated the show and give some fabulous suggestions on improving things.

So what do you like and dislike about The Fashion Show? Do you want to see it come back for a second season? Would you make changes? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

From the Mailbox

Express Night Out has five questions they expect to be answered in the upcoming season of Real Housewives of Atlanta (which starts tonight!)

Here's NY Mag's weekly recap of NYC Prep, and here's another one from the Wall Street Journal.

Michael Cohen talks about Miami Social in his column for the Huffington Post.

And TV Squad has a nice long interview with D-Lister Kathy Griffin. (Check out Team Griffin's fabulous photos for Adam Bouska's No H8 campaign here.)

Real Housewives of Atlanta 2 - This Week!

Catch the premiere of The Real Housewives of Atlanta 2 on Thursday July 30th @ 10/9c.

Sheree is already bringing the drama! Check out this video of a party planning meeting gone wrong -- the party planner calls Sheree's mom a b*tch:



More b*tchtastic previews here.

Tonight - NYC Prep and Miami Social - Previews

This week on NYC Prep, PC invites Taylor and her boyfriend to come to a fashion show, but when Taylor starts flipping out over spotting celebrities, an embarrassed PC pretty much tells her to quit acting like a groupie.

And later on Miami Social, it's all about opulence when Ariel shows off his divo tendencies as he goes to check out the extravagant new desk that's being custom built for his office.

Catch NYC Prep tonight @ 9/8c and Miami Social directly following @ 10/9c.

Launch My Line Premieres September 16th

A new Bravo fashion reality show premieres on September 16th.

"Launch My Line" features ten well-known professionals who are highly regarded in their own field of expertise, and have always dreamed of having their own clothing lines. These professionals will be paired with ten established fashion designers who will help them execute their dream clothing line. The ten pairs will be put to the test, as they have to rely on one another to produce a cohesive fashion line. Some teams form a natural connection while others have instant tension, but at the end of every episode a complete look from each team must walk the runway and be judged in front of a live studio audience. In the end, the winning professional will have his or her clothing line "launched." The professional designer who works alongside of the winner will receive $50,000.00.

Click here for more information.

Blogging Bravo Interview with Anna McCraney

Photo: Bravotv.com

The Fashion Show winner, Anna McCraney talks about her experience on the Bravo show and her plans for the future. Thank you, Anna!

Click here for the podcast.

Click here for Anna's website.

From the Mailbox

Here's Reality Wanted's interview with TFS winner Anna McCraney.

Fern Mallis participated as a judge in the Rio Tinto 2009 Champagne Diamond Jewelry Design competition. She gets around!

Isaac Mizrahi will narrate Sergei Prokofiev's children's story Peter & The Wolf, December 10-14 as part of the Guggenheim's "Works and Progress" series.

Additionally, QVC has tapped Isaac to host a show that's "part pitch, part reality show." The shopping network will air eight hours of "Isaac Mizrahi Live!" a month beginning in December.

That's enough of The Fashion Show for the moment. Moving on to other Bravolebrities....

Make Me a Supermodel finalist Jonathan Waud is on the cover of Bello Magazine.

Real Housewives of Atlanta's Kim Zolciak says her "Housewives would whoop NJ." Check out the interview with this outspoken...lady.

Miami Social's Michael Cohen speaks out about the show on the Huffington Post.

Recapalooza - The Fashion Show, Reunion/Finale Part 2

Aren't you glad one of our favorite recappers has hung in there until the bitter end? Thanks, Eric 3000, for your hilarious take on the show.

Here are a few more recaps:

Rochester City Newspaper,

Buddy TV,

Swagger Style,

Television Without Pity,

Fans of Reality TV,

Yahoo TV,

and...Charlotte Style Magazine

Inside the Actor's Studio Previews

Gonna go old-school Bravo here and offer up some previews for Inside the Actor's Studio. On Monday, July 27th, James Lipton has movie-maven Judd Apatow in the hot seat.

Lipton grills him on behind-the-scenes stories from his most popular hits like 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, asking for the inside scoop: whose idea was it to wax Steve Carell's chest? Judd also talks about his latest comedic venture Funny People; wife (and co-star of the film) Leslie Mann chimes in with what it was like to film a love scene with Adam Sandler while her husband directed.

Blogging Bravo Interview with James-Paul Ancheta

"The Fashion Show" finalist, James-Paul Ancheta describes his experience on the Bravo reality show. Thank you James-Paul!

Click here for the podcast.

Click here for a slideshow of James-Paul's Finale collection.

Shop the Winning Collection - Anna McCraney

Five looks from Anna's winning collection are available for purchase at BravoTV.com.

From left:

Fuchsia pleated dress, $140.

Midnight blue petal dress, $225; with modern woman's motorcycle jacket, $125

Rainbow knit dress, $175

Layer cake evening gown stunner $275

Breastplate navy dress, $195; with solid gold coat, $225

All items available in sizes 0 - 14

Blogging Bravo Interview with Daniella Kallmeyer

The Fashion Show finalist and "Judges Choice" winner Daniella Kallmeyer describes her experience on the show and discusses the creation of her finale collection. Thanks Daniella!

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Click here to visit Daniella's website.

Click here for a slideshow of Daniella's finale collection.

Congratulations Anna!

The fans have spoken, and the winner of The Fashion Show and $125K is Anna McCraney!

Anna was the only contestant who never finished in the bottom two; additionally, two of her designs won the weekly elimination challenge. Anna's final collection was gorgeous, well-crafted, and retail-friendly, which resonated with 56% of the voters. Some viewers said, "I'd buy every one of those pieces."

Blogging Bravo wishes a hearty congratulations to Ms McCraney. We hope to see a lot more of you in the future, and we hope you have a fabulous career in fashion.

See more of her work at her Web site, AnnaMcCraney.com.

This post is only for positive words for Anna. If you have anything negative to say about her or another designer, please click here.

Reactions to The Fashion Show Reunion/Finale Part 2

Anna Wins!

What did you all think of this hybrid reunion/finale show?

theminx: I felt the reunion part of the show was dull. No need to give us a rehash of the top designers' looks. Yawn. Where were the outtakes? The funny stuff? The stuff that shows us that these designers actually had some personality? Oh, that's right - The Fashion Show is about fashion, not entertainment. My bad.

I am happy that Anna won - she was my favorite. Although I could appreciate what James-Paul was trying to express, I wasn't sure how to wear many of his pieces. I know Daniella's collection was the judges' favorite (winning her a check for $10K) but I wasn't feeling it. The bad 80s styling turned me off, as did those creepy peach shoulder pads. Like someone ripped the shoulders off a mannequin and hot-glued them to a top.

Anyway, I hate to admit it, but I'm glad the show is over. I hope, if it comes back for another season, that we see some major changes.

Now tell us what you thought....

The Fashion Show Reunion/Finale Part 2 TONIGHT!

Are you all ready to find out who wins The Fashion Show? Will it be James-Paul, Daniella, or Anna?

Tune in tonight @ 10/9c to find out.

Here are a few previews to whet your appetite:



See three more previews here.

Check Out the "Cribs" of the Real Housewives of Atlanta

To help get everyone hyped for the Season 2 premiere next week (Thursday July 30th @ 10/9c!), the Hotlanta housewives wanted to give us a tour of their homes, Cribs style!

Sheree's Crib


Check out the other ladies' homes here.

Bravo's "Untitled Art Project" Draws Plenty of Hopefuls

In New York City, this past weekend, hundreds of artists lined up outside of White Columns Gallery in hope of being cast for the art world reality show hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker on Bravo.



Video is from New York Art Beat. Thank you!

Click here for the New York Times article about the auditions.

Click here for more from WNYC.

Right now there is no title or official start date for the show - but it sure looks like fun.

NYC Prep and Miami Social Previews

This week on NYC Prep, PC has another visit with his therapist, where she pushes him to confront his choices and his lifestyle of "sex, drugs and rock and roll" -- you almost want to feel sorry for him.

Catch NYC Prep, Tonight July 21st @ 9/8c

Later, @ 10/9c on Miami Social, Michael and Katrina hang out in the dog park and while Michael gripes about being "pathetically single" -- Katrina mentions that you can spot a gay guy a mile away because they all have little dogs, like Michael.

Blogging Bravo Interview with Reco Chapple

Reco describes his experiences on The Fashion Show and reveals his plans for the future.
Click here for the podcast.
Click here for Reco's website.

Thanks Reco!

My Life on the D-List Preview

Tonight, Kathy plays at the famed Apollo theatre. And of course, hilarity ensues.

Recapalooza - The Fashion Show, Episode 11

So what does everyone else have to say about the finally finale? Read 'em and weep. Or laugh. Both are appropriate.

Eric 3000

Swagger Style

Reality Wanted

Yahoo

Fans of Reality TV

Buddy TV

Television Without Pity.

Real News

The Real Housewives of NY has been picked up for a third season, but the cast might be changing. Bravo is currently casting for additional housewives, and the New York Post is reporting that RHNY Bethenny Frankel is getting a show of her own, entitled Skinny in the City.

Jill Zarin and Alex McCord of RHNY and Caroline Manzo and Teresa Giudice of RHNJ will be participating in a "no-holds barred" discussion and debate followed by an audience Q&A session at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, on Saturday, October 17th, 2009.

De Shawn Snow dishes about life after Real Housewives of Atlanta....

...and Kelly Bensimon dishes on the Housewives' fashions.

Jill Zarin is selling her NY apartment. It can be yours for a mere $3.2 million.

SJP Watch What Happens Booty Call

In cased you missed Andy Cohen talking to Sarah Jessica Parker on 'Watch What Happens,' here's the video.


Click here for his interview with Danielle Staub of Real Housewives of New Jersey.

BB Love to Reco

Reco made it all the way to the final four before it was announced that the audience would vote for the winner of a field of only three. His collection was beautiful, sexy, and chic, but maybe a few pieces were a little too theatrical for the judges: the feather dress, the wedding gown.

Reco clearly worked hard all season toward his goal. He has great technical skills and a good sense for making clothes that a woman would want to wear. We are sorry to see him eliminated before the vote, but know the raw talent of one Reco Chapple will take him far in this world.

This post is only for positive words for Reco and his work. If you have anything negative to say about him or other designers, please click here.

Reactions to The Fashion Show Finale Part 1

theminx: Well, the finale was both shocking and expected. Expected, because I had already seen the collections a few weeks ago at the finale taping (including decoys Merlin and Johnny). Really, there's nothing like seeing a fashion show live and in the flesh - photos don't reflect how fabrics moved and shimmered on the runway. And shocking because...there was an elimination. And it was Reco. From the first episode, I was pretty certain we'd see Reco go all the way to the finish, and I was sad to see him stop just short of that point.

For the first time, I thought the judges gave some really useful constructive criticism - mostly because the criticism part of the show was a bit longer than in prior episodes. I didn't like that they made Anna cry, but they were right that her collection wasn't coherent. Still, it was beautiful.

Laura K: Going in to the show I would say that I expected Anna's collection to be my favorite. Her designs have been consistently excellent all season. Also, interesting is my daughter's comment, "I love all of her stuff." "Really?" "Yes, all of the stuff that she WEARS."

I also expected Reco to create exuberant and dramatic pieces and James-Paul to create incomprehensible pieces that Isaac would describe as "genius."

The designer who surprised me was Daniella. Sitting at the actual show I was unable to grasp the details of her garments, but watching at home last night in front of my high-definition television screen - I'll say that I was very impressed. Her collection is my personal favorite.

Thank you for voting in our "Who will be eliminated this week?" poll. You predicted that James-Paul would be out, with Reco coming in second. Hardly anyone believed that Daniella or Anna would be eliminated.

If you want to see the fashions again, here are the links to still photos.

See James-Paul's finale collection here.

See Daniella's finale collection here.

See Reco's finale collection here.

See Anna's finale collection here.

What did you think about the show? Did you vote? For whom and why? Tell us in the comments.

Vote For The Fashion Show Winner

You have until 5:30 Eastern on Friday, July 17th. Click here to vote online.

You can call 1-888-I-WEAR-01 to vote for the collection of Anna McCraney. You can see her collection by clicking here.

You can call 1-888-I-WEAR-02 to vote for the collection of Daniella Kallmeyer. You can see her collection by clicking here.

You can call 1-888-I-WEAR-03 to vote for the collection of James-Paul Ancheta. You can see his collection by clicking here.

You may also text your vote which will cost you $.99 per vote. You either text ANNA or DANIELLA or JAMESPAUL to 27286. You can click here for the voting rules.

Tell us whom you voted for and why.

Watch What Happens Premiere Tonight

It is no secret that here at Blogging Bravo we are Andy Cohen mega-fans. We couldn't be happier to watch his new series 'Watch What Happens' tonight at midnight Eastern on Bravo; that's right, this is not a web show! He will have as his guest tonight the polarizing Real Housewives of New Jersey breakout star Danielle Staub. You can send your questions to Danielle here, or on Andy's Facebook Fan site or via his Twitter. The eliminated designer from The Fashion Show will also be featured. And as an added treat, Andy will have Sarah Jessica Parker as his very special call in guest.

Congrats to Andy on his new show and we can't wait to 'Watch What Happens!'

Images courtesy of BravoTv.com

The Fashion Show - Finale Part 1 Previews

Tune in tonight at 10:00 for part one of the Fashion Show Finale. Each of the four finalists will present ten looks. After the show, the judges will eliminate one designer and then the public will vote on the favorite of the remaining three.

Click here for more previews.

From the Mailbox

New York Magazine had an interesting article in the July 2 issue about the way Manhattanites are portrayed on NYC Prep and Real Housewives of New York.

The father of NYC Prepster Sebastian speaks up in this interview.

Have you seen the Kooba bags inspired by NYC Prep for sale at the Bravo shop? I like the Jessie bag, but they're a wee bit spendy @ $595.

Speaking of shopping - want to see what the Prep girls buy when they go shopping on a budget?

RHNY Bethenny Frankel talks to the Miami Herald about her book.

RHOC is coming back for another season with a new rich blonde in the cast.

Field Report from The Brownstone

New Jersey-based field reporter and good friend, Trish O brings us this fabulous field report from a charity event with The Real Housewives of New Jersey - Thanks Trish!

The Brownstone in Paterson, NJ, better known as “the catering hall owned by the Manzo family," played host to a “Celebrity Meet and Greet” to benefit ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) on Saturday, July 10.

Although The Brownstone was fabulous and the three “soap stars” on hand (Austin Peck, Judi Evans, and Sean Kanan) were very good-looking, it was obvious that the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” stole the show!

Click here to continue.

NYC Prep Episode 4 Previews

The NYC Prepsters gear up for a classic NYC dinner party: Camille decides she wants to host the group to a formal sit down dinner, but when Taylor shows up with her ex-turned-current boyfriend Cole, how will Sebastian react? PC continues to create conflict wherever he goes: When he leaves Jessie ­yet again­ waiting for him for a coffee date, Jessie runs into Camille who recounts PC’s inappropriate behavior at her dinner party. Will PC ever learn to be civil and polite?



Find two more previews here.

Don't forget - directly following NYC Prep comes the series premiere of Miami Social @10/9c!

Video - LuAnn de Lesseps Talks Class

The always captivating Real Housewives of New York star Countess LuAnn de Lesseps gives advice.

Which Designer Will be Eliminated on Thursday?

poll by twiigs.com

Somehow I assumed that there were four "Fashion Show" finalists. But I was wrong, there are three. So - one of these talented designers will be eliminated in Thursday night's episode. Who will it be?

If you don't mind a spoiler - here are short video clips of the final walk from these collections:

Reco

Daniella

James-Paul

Anna

Also, the eliminated designer will be on Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens" show this week along with RHNJ Danielle Staub. Sounds like fun!

Recapalooza - The Fashion Show, Episode 10

Here's this week's sparse-yet-entertaining selection of recaps, starting with the funny and fabulous Eric 3000, and going on to...

Buddy TV,

Reality Wanted.

Swagger Style, and

Fans of Reality TV.

Miami Social Previews

Next week, Bravo is heading to the city the brings the HEAT to explore the lives of a group of sexy, young professionals ­ corporate types by day and party animals by night ­ as they navigate the sometimes murky waters of Miami's hottest locales. Two of them USED to be married...but now the guy is with another chick and they're all in the same circle....DRAMA!

Catch the premiere Tuesday, July 14th @ 10/9c only on Bravo:



Check out two more previews here.

Blogging Bravo Interview with Johnny Rodriguez

"The Fashion Show" designer Johnny Rodriguez describes his experiences on the show. Johnny is a huge Bravo fan and admits that his favorite housewife is Nene Leakes. Johnny also reveals that the finalists each received $7500 and "about a month and a half" to create their finale collections.

Click here to listen.

Click here for "Grandma's Glock."

Click here for "House of Bare."

Shop the Winning Look - Episode 10

Daniella's grey gown is available for purchase at Bravotv.com. It is available in sizes 2 - 12 and costs $225. Click here to buy.

Congratulations to Daniella!

Congrats to Daniella on winning both the draping and the evening gown challenge! And especially for making it into the Top Four!

We were a little worried that she was having problems with getting the gray fabric into just the perfect configuration, but still confident she would pull it off in the end.

Daniella is a excellent young designer with good instincts and the skills to make it to the top. We know everyone is excited to see her final collection.

This post is only for positive words for Daniella or her work. If you have anything negative to say about her or other designers, please click here.

BB Love to Johnny

Johnny made it so far into the competition, but unfortunately fell short of the Final Four. Although his evening gown design was chic, flirty, and would be right at home on the red carpet, it was considered to be a knock-off by the judges and for that Johnny was sent home.

Inspiration comes from many sources, and often from other designers. Ironically, Johnny's big win in this competition came from his interpretation of a Versace look.

Johnny has a unique and somewhat unconventional fashion point-of-view that has already led to success with his own line. We wish him lots of continued success in the future.

This post is only for positive words for Johnny or his work. If you have anything negative to say about him or other designers, please click here.

Reactions to The Fashion Show Episode Ten

Ooohhh....scandal! Oh, not really. And yeah, I get bored too sometimes, Isaac.

Scary-looking Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar magazine, Glenda Bailey, and even-more-scary-looking designer Isabel Toledo (what's with the eyebrows?) judged the HB Mini Challenge this week which was all about drapery. Shades of Rami Kashou! Wait...wrong show. Anyway, I liked the challenge because it involved actual design. And I thought the results were pretty good, even Johnny's twisted-not-draped number. I liked Anna's more than Daniella's, but both were well done.

For the Elimination Challenge, the designers finally got to do evening gowns. I was skeptical about Anna's choice in fabric, but lining the shoulder bow with crystals was genius. I agreed with Fern Mallis' remark that she should have incorporated a few crystals into the centers of each flower on the dress, but otherwise thought the dress was stunning. I did not like Reco's dress at all - it looked cheap and a bit tawdry. And why was the torso so lumpy? James-Paul got excoriated for his dress, but I liked it! I think it was my favorite thing he's created all season. I liked the fabric choice and his subtle use of crystals. But he made it into the Final Four and that's what counts. What he produced for the final show is another matter altogether. :X

As for Johnny - his Maggie Gyllenhaal dress was great. Probably the best thing he's done yet. Unfortunately, someone did it first. And the prevarication! We all heard him mention Maggie and the leopard print Lanvin at the fabric store, although he said something about the print being red, didn't he?

Left: Johnny Rodriguez; Center: Maggie Gyllenhaal in Lanvin at the 2009 Golden Globes; Right: original Lanvin from Spring 2009 collection.

Actually, I like Johnny's dress better than the original Lanvin, especially the elongated version that Gyllenhaal wore.

What do you think?

Real Housewives of New Jersey - The Show That Keeps on Giving

As far as I can tell we are now on episode 10 of a six-episode season. Tonight there is even more "explosive" footage from the RHNJ. These women are fabulously entertaining. Don't miss the bonus episode at 9:00 followed by The Fashion Show at 10:00.

The Fashion Show - Episode 10 Previews

Tomorrow night's episode of The Fashion Show is called "Blood, Sweat and Sparkle."

Click here for more videos.

From the Mailbox

Stylecaster offers a designer profile on TFS' Keith Lissner.

Everyone wants more money from Bravo, including the Real Housewives of New York and Kathy Griffin.

Speaking of Housewives, have you read RHNY Jill Zarin's blog? In this entry, she talks about The Fashion Show finale taping, and seems disapproving of NYC Prep.

This Publisher's Weekly article mentions how well Bravolebrity books have been doing. Apart from Bethenny Frankel's book, make that not so well.

NYC Prep Episode 3 Previews

This week, the NYC Prepsters are all on break for the holidays and that one means one thing: vacation getaways! Jessie meets up with a family friend in Palm Beach, where she is inundated with questions about her and PC’s “platonic” relationship.



More previews here.

And catch the rest of this episode tomorrow, Tuesday night @ 10/9c only on Bravo.

Recapalooza - The Fashion Show, Episode 9

Here are this week's recaps of The Fashion Show - enjoy!

Eric 3000 gives us two recaps for the price of one.

While Buddy TV,

Zap2It, and

Fans of Reality TV each offer one recap this week.

And did you know that Fern Mallis has a "blog" too?

From the Mailbox

Model Coco Rochas interviewed Isaac Mizrahi for E!


Real Housewives of Atlanta's Nene Leakes dishes on Season 2 and her upcoming book.

And...does anyone remember RHNJ's Danielle Staub from her brief 2001 appearance on All My Children?

New York Magazine Looks at Bravo's NYC-Based Reality Shows

Photo: Bravo/Virginia Sherwood

Click here for a look at Manhattan morality on the NYC-based reality shows. Don't miss the excellent comments.

More here.

Memo to Real Housewives of New Jersey

Ladies, we love us some Real Housewives but I have to admit that after the first episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey I was more than a little bit bored. We learned that Dina Manzo has to balance having a blossoming daughter with a growing career and running a charity. We discovered that Jacqueline Laurita was attempting to conceive another child. We witnessed that Teresa Guidice was trying to get her adorable daughter a modeling/acting career while building a mega McMansion. And, well, Caroline Manzo loves her family. This is not the stuff of riveting television. Why should we watch? It is because of Danielle Staub that we tuned in each week and the rest of the cast had better accept that she is the star that gets them on talk shows and magazine covers.

Danielle Staub is the train wreck gift that keeps on giving. In the first episode we were treated to her 'relationship' with "GucciModel" and in later outings we found out about 'Cop Without a Badge' and her former name and her sleazy much younger boyfriend and her sleazy ex-husband. We saw a woman that wanted to be friends with Dina who thought that she wanted to "skin her and wear her like last year's Versace." What would the 'Last Supper' episode be without "Pay attention, puh-leaze" and Teresa's table flipping and Caroline's denouement? We would have a group of ladies talking endlessly about Teresa's bubbies and her husband's insatiable libido while they noshed on raw oysters.

Last week Danielle was conspicuously seated across the aisle at Cipriani Wall Street from her other cast mates during the taping of The Fashion Show finale and today she was snubbed from 'Live with Regis and Kelly.'



Ladies, pay attention, puh-leaze. Danielle will be the reason to negotiate a more lucrative contract. She brings the drama and drives the story. Think of that when you are considering an onyx bathroom or a new pair of Louboutins. You don't have to love Danielle to respect that she makes your series as interesting as Kim Zolciak makes Real Housewives of Atlanta. You might find yourselves uncomfortable with her but that is the point, isn't it? Reality shows thrive upon tension. If you squirm at least you're taking us along for the ride. We wanted to love RHoNJ and Danielle delivered the goods.

And, seriously, what did you think she was going to do to you on Regis and Kelly?

Blogging Bravo Interview with Merlin Castell

Merlin has a lot to say in this brief interview...

Who is his dream client? His hopes and aspirations for the future? What TFS designer does he admire? Who is his best friend from the show? What was his biggest disappointment? Advice for other designers? Merlin tells all.

Click here for the podcast.

Shop the Winning Look - Episode 9

Anna's winning dress is available for purchase at Bravotv.com. It's available in sizes 0 - 12 for $145. Click here to buy.

Congratulations to Anna!

A hearty congratulations to Anna on winning both the Harper's Bazaar Mini Challenge AND the Elimination challenge.

Anna is definitely a gal with her eye on the prize, and every week she gets closer and closer. Her interpretation of loungewear was young and cute and perfect for a summer's evening; the tarot-inspired dress was a real work of art.

This post is only for positive words for Anna or her work. If you have anything negative to say about her or other designers, please click here.

BB Love to Merlin

Merlin is such an interesting character but he is also a fine designer. Throughout the competition, he displayed a lot of skill from both execution and design standpoints.
Unfortunately, neither his two-piece loungewear solution nor his interpretation of the tarot card won him any fans this week.

Merlin, we're looking forward to seeing many interesting things come from you in the future. If your finale collection is any indication, we sure will!

This post is only for positive words for Merlin or his work. If you have anything negative to say about him or other designers, please click here.

Reactions to The Fashion Show Episode Nine

Well, that was an interesting episode, wasn't it? A Mini Challenge that involved sewing, and a visit to the tarot card reader....

theminx: I really enjoyed this episode. So nice to see the designers whittled down to a handful, so we can spend more time on each design (hate that we get only cursory glances early in the season because there is so little time/too many designers). I liked that the Mini Challenge had actual design and sewing content this week, but that guest judge - she had quite the sourface, didn't she? The looks of disdain she threw the designers as she looked at each of their offerings - wow. I knew Anna would win because she was the only one that didn't get a sneer.

The tarot card reading field-trip was a nice touch - something they should have done more often. The field trip, not the card reading.... It was interesting to see how the designers chose to interpret the cards. Personally, I loved Merlin's yellow coat; the sweatsuit, not so much. But his interpretation - something to wear while taking a trip - was apt. And he ended up taking a trip - off the show.

Anna's dress was - wow! Loved the fabric she chose, and the shaping on the skirt was beautiful. It looked like a good choice for gals who are not curvaceous. (Remember the week Keith got eliminated? Had he done something like this, shape-wise, he might still be around.) Bravo is offering the dress on their site, but they've changed the fabric to something resembling clown barf. Unfortunate.

Laura K: I have never been to a psychic and after seeing this episode, I never want to. That place was CREEPY. It must have been warm in there too. Ick.

Also, after interviewing many of the eliminated designers, not one of them had anything nice to say about Isaac. I think he has a favorite and his favorite is James-Paul. Isaac is always commenting on JP's "genius" and his "talent" but frankly, I don't see it. Is THIS genius?



On the other hand, James-Paul is adorable and most if not all of the designers have mentioned him as a true friend.

Finally, I really like Anna, and I think she would be a great "Winner" for the show. She is talented, lovely, likable and articulate, but I'm just going to say it...

Her winning dress reminds me of something from Leanne Marshall. I can't be the only one to notice....am I?

So what did you think about the episode? Please post your thoughts in the comments.

Flipping Out Returns!

Fans of "Flipping Out" need only wait 47 days, 8 hours and 37 minutes to get their new fix of obessive-compulsive Jeff, Jenni, and Zoila! The economy has taken its toll on his business, but if anyone can figure out a way to flip things around and go from chaos to clarity, it's Jeff Lewis and his team.

Lewis makes his living with the help of a group of diverse and often disgruntled employees he counts as friends. These include his incredibly patient assistant Jenni Pulos, who still dreams of making it as an actress, despite seven years at Jeff's side, his beloved housekeeper Zoila, newly empowered and suddenly more flirtatious and feisty, and his business partner and former boyfriend, Ryan Brown. With the total collapse of the real estate market, Lewis finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to take on design clients, while taking orders and being nice to people. This season Lewis will help Zoila date, reluctantly empowers Jenni, while managing the revolving door of colorful characters that staff his office. How does a house flipper, who can no longer "flip," keep from flipping out?

Tune in August 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT to find out.

Real News

Photo: F. Harrison

Four of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" attended the 2009 BET Awards on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles. Sheree Whitfield, Lisa Wu-Hartwell, Nene Leakes and Kandi Burruss all looked fabulous. Where was Kim Zolciak?

Here's a Shocker: RHNJ's Jacqueline and Danielle are "no longer friends."

There's lots of speculation about season two of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Nothing "official" yet though. Stay tuned.

In the meantime enjoy another look at Dina Manzo's Wedding. We see Caroline and Lexi as well. Fun!

New Episode of "The Fashion Show" Tonight

IT'S IN THE CARDS
The remaining designers are challenged to create loungewear to complement designer Fernando Sanchez’s top selling luxury robes. The winning creation will be sold at Saks Fifth Avenue and that designer will have an advantage in the elimination round. Questioning their fate, the contestants are whisked to a Tarot card who predicts their future in the competition. They come to find that this experience will have more of an effect on their resulting design than they originally imagined. The winning design will be available for purchase on BravoTV.com. Vivienne Tam sits in as guest judge.

Click here for more preview videos.