Amanda's Take - Season 8 - Episode 12

Photo: Emil Couture

Project Runway Season 3 model, Amanda Fields returns with her "Model's Perspective" on episode 12. Thank you Amanda!

This episode gave me goosebumps! I absolutely loved it from beginning to end. The moment when the five designers walked out to receive their fate from the judges, they embraced in a group hug that was genuine and touched my heart, as I am sure it touched yours.

Last week we saw the designers (finally) choosing their models! The only catch - they had to pick new ones. This was unfortunate for two ladies: Mondo's model Eyen and Gretchen's model, Alexandra. They have faithfully strutted down the runway all season and have now been reassigned or aufed. Gretchen's model was chosen by Christopher and then subsequently "eliminated." I thought she was one of the best the whole time! At least these ladies made a wonderful impression on the fans as well as the modeling world, and I am sure they will be very busy with bookings because of their experience on PR! However - this is fabulous news for Tina Marie because she is now with the fabulous Mondo! (And because of Valerie's elimination she would have just been out too.)

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Amanda's Take - Season 8 - Episode 10

Oh my goodness, BPR's! I have been a busy bee in New York City as well as California! Here I am to offer up my humble opinions yet again!


The seven remaining designers did a fantastic job designing their prints. I believe, of course, that the deeper the inspiration, the more beautiful the design. Although California is beautiful and an incredible source of inspiration, it just didn't feel very personal in the way Christopher portrayed it. However, I am not here to critique design elements, I'm here to discuss the models.


Season eight has so many gorgeous, graceful, talented models, yet I couldn't tell you their names. Except for Eyen, Mondo's model and Rose, Christopher's model, because they have talked about them a little bit in their one-on-one interviews. Cassie is memorable too because she seems to allow more of her personality to come out on the runway. I like her little grin sometimes, but this week I felt it was because she knew her outfit wasn't flattering. Even though she may not have been very comfortable in Andy's design this week, she tried to appear as though she loved it, and may have helped him not get sent home.


April's model, Millana looked stunning in her dress. I really like the way she swayed her hips to create more movement in the bottom half of the dress. I also think it was smart of Millana to leave the printed sleeve arm straight for the walk down the runway, this way the judges were able to get a streamlined view of the print. I just wish she would have turned up the energy when the judges were critiquing the look. I am well aware of how much time the models and designers are up there during the taping of the judging, but when it is your designer getting the attention, you'd better perk up!


I really love the way the editors included the close-ups of the prints as each model made her way around the scrim. It was a beautiful reminder of not only the hard work they put into this challenge, but the inspiration and the additional element the designers would be judged on this week.


Mondo is such a brave soul. I am excited to see what else he creates, not only on the show, but in the years to come. I believe he is a designer who is here to stay, and a person with beautiful honesty. The way he bared his soul to the judges and to America is inspiring!


Stay tuned, my friends!


xoxo Amanda

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Amanda's Take - Season 8 - Episode 6

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Amanda Fields attends the LakayPAM Awareness & Fundraising Event for the Haiti Earthquake Relief at Opera Gallery on September 7, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Dario Cantatore/Getty Images)

I love it when the designers are thrown off balance. It gives them a chance to step outside their comfort zone and for the judges, viewers and themselves to discover untapped potential that they may not have even been aware of. I, of course, love watching the models work it, it's always fun. I appreciate how they not only had the new models be former bridesmaids, but also had a variety of body types - skinny included. I am not a fan of people saying "real women" and not including the real women who happen to wear a size 2 or 4. I think all of the bridesmaids had fun on the runway, and really did their best to sell their new look to the cameras and the judges. As Michael Kors would say, "kudos" to the production team of not only this season's runway, but all PRs, past and present, for incorporating different body types, from petite to tall, voluptuous to skinny minnie.

This season's remaining cast were so gracious to these lovely ladies. Sure, there was opportunity for drama, but they didn't take the bait. And to think back to episode two when Jason had such trouble with a runway model who was maybe one dress size above the rest of the girls! Michael D worked with a beautiful curvy model and he did so with charm. She was so sweet and had a great attitude and seemed to have fun with the whole thing. Bravo to Michael D for this respect! Christopher had already begun his sketching/design plan when he discovered he would have a different model and dress to re-design! He just went right along with it, gracefully and skillfully, winding up in the top three.

As for Michael Costello, he is a great designer and deserved his win. Yes, I also loved Mondo's dress, and it could have gone to either one of them.

See you next time! Stay stylish, you wonderful Project Runway fashionistas!

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Amanda's Take - Season 7 - Episode 4

Amanda Fields at the HauteLook Suite during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

I'm in New York and today (February 11th) is the first official day of the LAST fashion week in Bryant Park! Next season will be in the beautiful Lincoln Center and will be a fun, new experience. I've already booked a few shows and I'll keep you posted as things are confirmed!

Tomorrow morning (Friday) I will be walking the runway in Bryant Park for my 5th Project Runway Finale! I think the only person who can beat that is Heidi. ;)

I have been running into a few PR models from this season as well as other seasons! I have to say, the girls I've met from this season are all really sweet!

This week's challenge was to create a red dress for a fashion week gala event, for the Cambell's Soup AdDress your heart program! I love when PR partners with something really inspiring and beneficial!

...and I LOVE a red dress. Yes, even being a redhead, I still love to wear red. :)

These women are so inspiring, it was incredible to see them telling their stories to the designers. I actually really like it when the designers have to design for women that aren't the typical model size, because most people aren't!!

I never like to critique women who appear on Project Runway who are not professional models, because they do not do this for a living. I was just looking for the ladies to have fun and they did!

I love how Amy's model, Kasey, was so supportive of her win, even though she didn't walk for her this week. SO sweet. I want to work out with that trainer!!

Alexis doesn't come across as anything other than a sweet model who is a little outspoken - and prodded by producers. I think she meant well and is trying to have fun with the show. We shall see, but I still think she is a good model!

Looking forward to the show tonight!

xoxo Amanda

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Amanda's Take - Season 7 - Episode 3

Project Runway Model, Amanda Fields returns with her take on episode three. Thanks Amanda!

Are the opening credits different? I love it; it feels more personal and fun.

My jaw dropped looking at the clothes from the curatorial department of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My goodness. Simple fit with exquisite detail is breathtaking. That billowy pink Balenciaga coat reminded me of Chloe Dao's finale collection! I love high end looks! Drama!! When Tim called out the team leaders.. I was thinking: obviously one of these people will be out! (They always eliminate the leader of a team!) Jesse saying "I don't want Ping to pick me..." I can already tell they are in the bottom three.

A great model would never sell out a designer. As I have said before, sometimes I may not understand or necessarily like an outfit that I'm modeling, but I wear it as if it is the hottest new thing. Oh Megan WHY!? (PS I wrote this BEFORE Models of the Runway came on!) After understanding that she is new to the modeling world, I will cut her a little slack. I am sure she won't make the same mistake again. I know I have always been talkative, but not negative.

After seeing the outfits this week (not made out of burlap) I can see that the eliminated designer, Pamela, from the last episode was not to blame for making the model's butt look big. You can see in the form fitting dress this week. It is a matter of opinion as to her body being runway material, I am simply stating that Pamela should not have been blamed.

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Amanda's Take - Season 7 - Episode 2

Project Runway Model Amanda Fields returns this week with her take on episode two. Thank you Amanda.

Hello again!!

Potato, potAto... to each his or her own!
Creating looks out of a potato sack was definitely a challenge, and very entertaining to watch! I love that this episode was entitled, "The Fashion Farm" because, in a wonderful way, isn't that what Project Runway can be? I mean that in a positive way, they are in a closed, enriching environment, they are being trained and prodded by Tim Gunn and then the judges determine what gets to be the winner.. the pick of the litter! It was quite the twist to have the models choosing designers AFTER the designers has selected their models for this week! Ha ha.. I liked it. (As you could have guessed.) "She's so beautiful, she'd even look great in a potato sack!" I love that. And the models DID look great!

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Amanda's Take - Season 7 - Episode 1

Season Three Model, Amanda Fields returns to BPR with her take on the models each week - thanks Amanda!

It is so incredibly refreshing to see the designers on Project Runway walking and sashaying down the street in New York into the Atlas Apartment building and into the Parsons School of Design. This is the show we all love and have a soft spot for in our hearts. There is nothing at all wrong with doing the show here in LA, it's just not the same show.

Simply based on personalities, I think the final three (I only have it narrowed down to 4) will be the girl from Portland (Janeane), Maya, Emilio and Amy Sarabi...

After seeing the clothes on the runway, LOVE Jay Nicholas! LOVE Emilio! LOVE Janeane! LOVE MILA! Like Maya...


MODELS I LOVE Holly, Alexis, Brittany.



"She looks like a Hershey Chocolate Bar!" Oh Nina. Hilarious.



And the winner of the challenge is.. EMILIO! WITH HOLLY! Dream team to watch!





Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com.

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Amanda's Take - Episode Twelve

Seriously - I can't believe we are at the end of yet another season of Project Runway!

How much fun was it to see more of the models this go-round? I really appreciate the decision to give us runway-walkers a voice. I couldn't be happier with the final three models! It speaks highly of the models this year that I couldn't tell who was from the show at the finale.. meaning.. they blended in with the other pros perfectly. In seasons past, there were the occasional models who you knew were from the show because they weren't necessarily up to par.

Can you imagine how it felt to walk in to the casting for the season 6 project runway finale and see these three beautiful young women sitting behind the casting table? Back in February in New York, I was thinking ... wow, these are some hot designers.. they could model in their own shows! I remember the runway Casting Director saying to the designers, "Amanda's great, she was on the show in season 3." And Carol Hannah said, "Wow, back for more?!" And then giggled! So cute. It was hard to keep it a secret! Two seasons in a row with a final three of all female designers!

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Amanda's Take - Episode Ten

Project Runway Season Three model, Amanda Fields returns with her take on this season's models. Thanks Amanda!

I love challenges like this where you get to see what the designers do with an amazing inspiration - a fabulous location! It's down to 7 designers and models.. it's starting to get really serious now and this is where is gets GOOD!

I thought the best model this week was Kalyn. Irina's Aspen look was incredible already and it just shined on Kalyn! She has the special quality of making an entrance you can't ignore. Whenever she is on screen my eyes go to her first. I love how the judging team was all together again. Thank goodness.. it feels right this way! Milla Jovovich was a very insightful judge and how sweet was she tearing up when Nicholas left?

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Amanda Fields Update

Project Runway Season Three model, Amanda Fields, has been very busy in Central Florida. Thanks for the update, Amanda!


Hello, BPR land!

I have been busy but I didn't forget about you! As a matter of fact, I had the busiest 10 days of my life, and loved every second of it. If you are a Central Florida resident, you have seen the commercials on tv, heard the ads on the radio, and now have seen me on local tv and heard me on local radio in Orlando and Tampa!

What am I referring to? The House of Vayne at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2009 event! The designer is Ms. Vayne and she has three runway models, me with another girl and guy. What you discover is that we are all vampires and coming to see her collection is quite a draining experience... (cue evil laughter.)

My vampire name is Elsa and I LOVED being her. I was a little sad to leave the fangs behind to come back to Hollywood! Here are a few photos and video clips from my vampire press tour! I can't believe I finally have my very own billboard! It was the coolest experience to see that.. something I have dreamed of and worked towards for a very long time!!



Click here to continue and to read Amanda's Take on Episode 9. Thanks Amanda!

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Amanda's Take - Season 6 - Episode 7

Woo hoo!

I love the team challenges. It shows the designer's true colors. This time they got the blues! Ha ha - I know I'm cheesy.
I was so happy to see that Althea was able to work with Logan without there being any inappropriate flirting. They were respectful of each other and true professionals!
When a designer says that the dress looks a lot better on the model than on the mannequin that means you've got a great girl! I have definitely had to "sell" a garment that maybe wasn't my favorite. That's the model's job, though! You always hope to have the most beautiful outfit on - it makes your job much more fun - but if it isn't your favorite you've got to just walk out there and love it like it's the dress you'd choose to wear all the time! That means holding your head high, "working" the features of it: pockets, swinging a drapey skirt, and have an overall good attitude while walking the runway.Woo hoo!


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Amanda's Take - Episode Six

You can definitely see how the models had a huge role in the judging this week because not only were they modeling - they were acting too! I have to say, my favorite this week was Lisa wearing "Action and Adventure" by Carol Hannah. When she walked out, I just said "oooohh" and "I want to wear that!" You could definitely see who the character was right away and it made a strong presence on TV. I also loved Althea's "Film Noir" look!! Tanisha embodied what it was all about! When she did the little dabbing with the handkerchief I was blown away! I don't know why these designs were overlooked here.. I agree that the snow queen was pretty fabulous, but the others I mentioned were as well, and seemed to be wearable - maybe they wanted more "costumey."

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Amanda's Take - Season 6 - Episode 4

The designer I would want to work with is Irina, because she seems to be very talented and easy to be around and I loved her work in the last challenge! I am always happy to see the models being utilized more heavily in the challenges! My favorite episode of the season I was on was "Iconic Statement" when we got to pick an icon for our designer to modernize! So much fun!

But then we got.. Jen Rade. WHERE were Michael and Nina!!? The show is Heidi, Tim, Michael and Nina. That is what makes it fun, informative and hilarious.

"That's why Valerie's not a designer."

B!tch, please! Jen Rade, come on.. don't pick on the model for having her own style. It might not be what you like, but give me a break! That comment made me frustrated! I don't think Michael or Nina would have gone that far. They would have probably made the point that as a designer you need to pull your own weight, stay true to who you are but cater to the needs of your client. They would never have been that disrespectful to a model!


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Amanda's Take - Season 6 - Episode 3

Amanda Fields returns with her look at "Rumble on the Runway." Thanks Amanda!

Model Behavior!

In the industry, models are often booked for things that may overlap and you've just got to make an executive decision. What's better for what I want for my career? You can also ask your agents. I think Erika is probably happy modeling but is excited about pursuing acting so she took the commercial. I can relate! Also, I know that you cannot be in the Screen Actor's Guild AND be on Project Runway. That is the real reason she couldn't come back. But being in SAG brings you to a whole new level in an acting career! I am excited for Erika! I'm also glad they chose to bring back Valerie because she is a great model and seems to have fun being on the show.

Max Azria! Rachel Bilson! Surf wear! Avant GARDE surf wear!? Oh I really liked this challenge. That macrame look was also my favorite and I would have loved to model that! And, as much as I like to say that models are supposed to wear whatever they are given and work it like it's amazing.. there are some pieces that - no matter how good you are - the dislike for the outfit will show through!

Awww Mitchell! He was adorable and funny, great for tv! He should definitely go into hosting!

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Amanda's Take - Season 6 - Episode 2

I have worked with Monique Lhuillier many times and was so happy she filled in for Michael Kors on this episode! She is a wonderful Mom and always talks about her little boy, Jack!

One thing you can really see on the runway is that how a model feels in her clothes directly reflects how she will walk in them for the judges. Even if it may not be the best look of the episode, if SHE likes it, she will make it look good. There aren't any models this season that are disastrous. Thank goodness! See? Offer the models a prize at the end that involves money and see who wants to participate NOW!

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Amanda's Take - Season 6, Episode 1

I went to a little party for the premiere of PR6 and it was also my friend Lisa Blades' birthday! One of the designers from the show was there too.. Carol Hannah! As soon as I found out she was from South Carolina I had to take a pic because I'm from North Carolina!



Oh, BPRs, how I have missed you!

As excited as I am for this season, it must be noted: the show and promotional advertising and the extra show, Models of the Runway - it is all a little... "overproduced"-feeling. The actual first episode of Project Runway 6, however, was fantastic. I was completely relieved that it was the same format, albeit no panning up and down the dresses during the judging!

Let's get to what you really want to hear from me, opinions on the catwalkers, those runway MODELS!

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Amanda's Take

Is it just me, or does the winner of Project Runway just not seem as important during the most important election of our time? And of course, the night of the big finale is the same night as the final Presidential Debate. Intelligent programming situation there...

Every model left is qualified to win. Whichever designer takes the title will have a great model to show off their clothes in Elle. As you have read in my previous takes, I have explained that the great runway models know how to sell the clothes, adding the right attitude to go with the look they are wearing. I still miss Karalyn being on the show. She was fantastic at that!

Click here to continue reading Amada's Take. She's asking for reader questions before her finale take next week!

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Amanda's Take - Episode Eleven

Hi there BPR!!

Two challenges in a row without the models, but I loved seeing the designers walk the runway! How cute was Kenley? She worked it! I also loved Leanne in that crazy hip hop outfit.

Model picking drama. At this point in the season we have so many good models that it was inevitable that some great ones would go. Karalyn and Polina! Of course we saw them walking in Bryant Park for Joe, he didn't let these beautiful, talented girls go to waste!

Leanne didn't seem like the kind of gal to switch to another model when Karalyn had done so well for her. She is a little more ruthless than anticipated! It seems Karalyn has a long, wonderful career ahead of her beyond the show, she is so smart and funny on her blog and I definitely think she can become a tv host! (That is what she said she would love!)

It is odd to watch the show knowing who the final three are. Don't worry, I'm not saying a thing!

So, there's not much more to add about the models this time, since they didn't take the runway. I, of course, will have a lot to say next time they walk! They will be walking for their places in the finale next week.. so you KNOW they will be workin it!

But, as you can see from the runway pictures, Jerell, Kenley, Korto and Leanne have the same models as who they have just chosen. It's basically up to the judges now, models!

Love you guys!

Amanda

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Amanda's Take - Fashion Week

Amanda walks for Korto Momolu, Season Five

Fashion Week Madness, Finale fun and oh yeah - my take on the Zodiac episode!!

My dear BPRs!

Oh my. The gossip backstage at the Project Runway 5 Finale was that Jennifer Lopez was, for sure, INDEED the guest judge. We were all excited. Then, Heidi walked out and announced what all of you already know - Miss JLo couldn't be there because of a "foot injury." Right. I bet Heidi was thinking something along the lines of, "If her foot isn't injured, I will make sure it is! Someone get Tonya Harding on the phone..."

I am kidding, of course. I adore JLo! I just am disappointed I couldn't strut my stuff for her. Is that weird?

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Amanda's Take - Episode Seven

NOOOOOO!!!!!!! Not Shannone! Of course, my favorite model opted to do the paying job over project runway. Her appearance on the show will be well remembered!

Jerell's model Nicole, Leanne's model Karalyn, Suede's model Tia, and Joe's model Topacio embodied what this challenge was about when walking the runway. They had FUN. Their walks were sassy and playful, while still maintaining a fierce runway attitude.

Stella's model Kendall is stunning, but she is not my favorite walker. If she added a little 'tude she would be much improved!

My favorite model now is... Karalyn. Girl, I am rooting for you!

Meanwhile.. has anyone else noticed that there are only 2 more episodes of Project Runway until the fashion show in Bryant Park? THERE ARE 9 DESIGNERS LEFT!! What are they going to do? If only one designer goes in each episode they will be left with 7 to show in the tent. I say.. WHAT? Perhaps they will eliminate one designer next week
and then the week after do something they have never done and eliminate three!

Or.. perhaps Bravo is not that concerned. Let the finalists show and spoil the suspense.

I hope not!

I am lucky to get to go to the casting and see who the final 3 or 4 are before it is televised. It's fun to have a secret!

Guess who I ran into on the street yesterday? Christian Siriano. :)

Guess who else I ran into on the street literally 30 minutes later? Malan Breton. Ah, I love castings in the fashion district!

The photo is of me waiting for the subway while going on many many castings for fashion week! (Don't worry, I brushed my hair before I saw the next client!)

<3 Amanda

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