Katherine Gerdes

I actually liked Malan’s design, and I really didn’t like Vincent’s. I think Malan and your design was at least somewhat original. I don’t know who I would have sent home if I was one of the judges though, it definately wouldn’t be that Katy girl, she’s amazing!

So far, you’ve been great on the show, and I thought you handled a tough challenge very admirably—working to realize someone else’s vision, particularly a vision that you don’t share, is rarely easy or satisfying. You handled yourself with great poise, and I think both Vincent and Angela could learn a little something from you! I hope your upbeat attitude remains intact throughout the season, whatever challenges are thrown your way, and I can’t wait to see what else you came up with as the challenges progressed.

The top of Malan’s gown was a beautiful sculpture; however, not so wearable. I was sad to see him go.

Keith and Bradley’s dress looked like a tent. Tara would have been carrying half the fabric from Mood.

Uli did another rope strap like Santino and Chloe from last season (I’m not saying Uli copied). Uli went the path of Santino and made the rope too thick. It overwhelmed the entire design and negated its femininity.

Malan’s dress with that hairstyle made the model look like a cavewoman. However Vincent should have gone, his designs are not attractive or wearable. Wearing a paper bag over your head would be an accessory to all his designs.

Hooray for Kayne and Robert they were a great team!

I love hearing all your opinions and feedback! Please keep them coming.

Citrusy – I thought it was apparent from the show that Vincent was pushing Angela away and was not interested in her help. Again, I’m not saying she’s not at fault for anything, but Vincent wasn’t a team player either!

John Doe – I agree with you on Keith’s dress. I think it was very pretty, but it was a lot of fabric and probably the reason it wasn’t in the top 2.

I thought Malan’s design sketch was fantastic (I didn’t even like him at that point and I was still excited to see what would come of it), but executing it might have just been too much for the time constraints. I thought you guys worked well together, though.

If teamwork was half the points I can’t help feeling like Vincent or Angela should have gone. Vincent was a complete failure at leadership, at least from what we viewers got to see…he kept pushing her off. And Angela just seemed petulant and annoying, although she did at least try to participate once or twice. Although buzzing around Kayne like she was really turned me off—maybe she doesn’t sketch, but he does, and 30 minutes isn’t a long time to come up with a solid design pitch and sketch! Common sense should have told her to say her piece fast (if at all) and leave it be, and that she didn’t makes her seem awfully thoughtless.

Of course, you guys get to see so much more than we do, so it’s hard to know if we’re getting the right sense!

Thanks Karuna! I tend to get a lot of crap for not dressing like a typical fashion girl…but that’s just not me! If you liked the shirts, you should check them out at www.twinsix.com It’s my friends company and they are pretty cool!

I was sad to see Malan go, and I agree that it was the wrong decision. This task was judged on design and teamwork. I think you and Malan both excelled at the teamwork aspect. Also, Malan’s design concept was hreat, which is why Tara selected it. However, the execution was poor.

In contrast Vincent and Angela failed miserably when it came to teamwork, and also in the execution of Vincent’s design.

Personally, I think Angela should have been Auf-Wiedersehen-ed. She contributed absolutely NOTHING. No design ideas. No hard work. No effort. Only negativity.

At least Malan tried his best.

“I did not sell him out and took responsibility for my part of the team.”

I thought you were very honest but fair when the judges asked you who should go. You didn’t seem like a sell out at all and Malan (what a dear…wish he hadn’t been auf’d) backed you up. All in all, you two possessed all the class and poise that Angela and Vincent lacked. I’m really rooting for one of that gruesome twosome to get the auf next ep.

Janet- Good observations, I do think you really need both to make it in this industry as well as Project Runway. I think the biggest helper for me was how I manage stress. I’m fairly good at handling stress and in a time crunch I’m able to work fast and steady, rather then get all nervous and start making mistakes. I adore Malan and don’t mean to put him down, but I feel that he didn’t handle the stress well and that was his biggest hurdle in this challenge. Actually, our lack of hem length was due to a rushed decision on his part and something that could have been avoided. Without the stress, I think the two of us could have made a fantastic dress…but then it wouldn’t be project runway!

You have a solid fan base here in Minneapolis, Katy! My friends and relatives are bitterly disappointed that we did not get to see more of the designs that were rejected along with the pitches. We feel that we have learned much about design and fabric watching the first 2 seasons and we would have welcomed the opportunity to discuss the problems/strengths of all the designs. Since the pitch was crucial, as well, that would have been interesting to watch. Why do the producers not extend the episodes to 1 1/2 hours or 2 hours? Surely, there is enough tape?

Hi Katherine!
I agree with you in that you shouldn’t have been auf’ed because of someone else’s design. What I didn’t like about the gown was the color… had it been a lighter tone I think it would’ve been okay.
I hope you keep kickin’ butt on the show, I LOVE what you did for the first challenge.

PS: It nearly broke my heart when your model for the 1st episode, Candance, was eliminated… why on Earth did you pick Amanda instead of her?

Katy, reading your blog is so interesting. Thank you for keeping it. I’m wondering what you mean when you said Vincent’s design was too “dressmaker-y”. I remember Michael Kors using the same expression for a design in (I think) season 2. I’m just curious because I’m a home/hobby sewer and it seems like something I want to avoid.

I also thought the elimination was unfair. I thought Vincent’s dress looked very prom-y or bridesmaid-y…except for the weird shoulders. I applaud Malan for having a unique vision that, though it failed, showed vision and creativity. Because of that dress I really wanted to see what other designs he would come up with in future challenges.