I always think the 'real women' challenges set some of these designers up for failure. There's blame to share but one of the reasons these women were chosen was that they needed a makeover. Yet the consult starts with "what do you like?" "What do you want?" Haven't we established that these women cannot be entrusted with their own taste/style? The consultation usually yields uninspiring info (e.g., I like blue - wow, really!! blue piping + dominatrix!) or the wrong approach (e.g., cover me head to toe w/flow-y fabric...).
This is all a good point, especially the bolded!! I do think taking some of what the client wants into account is good - you don't want them to be entirely uncomfortable.
BUT this is a chance to try something new. Plus - the challenge was ENTIRELY open ended. It could be dressy, casual, etc. Which I know, for ME, if I was the one getting the makeover, I'd be overwhelmed with options. "What kind of outfit do I even want?!?!!".
I'd rather it be "XYZ event - work w/ the client" so that there is SOME focus for both sides.
I always think the 'real women' challenges set some of these designers up for failure. There's blame to share but one of the reasons these women were chosen was that they needed a makeover. Yet the consult starts with "what do you like?" "What do you want?" Haven't we established that these women cannot be entrusted with their own taste/style? The consultation usually yields uninspiring info (e.g., I like blue - wow, really!! blue piping + dominatrix!) or the wrong approach (e.g., cover me head to toe w/flow-y fabric...).
I agree completely. Sometimes the judges get mad at the designer for not listening, and sometimes they get mad at the designer for not pushing back when their client demands something hideous.
Really, all it boils down to is that sometimes the designers are paired with unreasonable clients. Yes, being a good designer requires customer service skills, and in the real world, you have to work with some real jerks who you have to try to make happy. But the winners of these challenges are always, always people with reasonable clients.
I'm kind of disappointed with everyone this season. I'm pissed Swapnil just didn't have the passion. I liked some of his stuff and wish that he gave it his all.
Kelly could be goood, if she just stays away from junior stuff. Edmond is ok, but kind of boring.
I agree with most of this, though not sure about your first sentence. Right through the tech garbage challenge, I was like, "this season is awesome!" The last two weeks have been so meh. I'm hoping they turn it around. Candace is probably the most consistent, but her range is so limited. I used to want to bang Swapnil, but he got way too annoying for me.
I'm rooting for Kelly now because she is from my hometown.
This is the first week I've liked what Kelly produced.
Edmond bores me. I know Merline isn't a favorite but I feel like at least her designs have visual appeal whereas his are just blah.
I was so jazzed about this season too but it has become painfully clear that most of the remaining designers are one-trick ponies. Candace does black leather. Ashley makes circle skirts. Edmond makes tight-fitting stuff. Merline likes strong shoulders. If Kelly can work on her taste level (like she did this week) then she's sitting really pretty going into the finale.
But the winners of these challenges are always, always people with reasonable clients.
Yes!! I feel like the unreasonable ones just don't have a vision or are SO set in 'their' way that they just can't see past that to open up their minds. And in turn, the designer either can't produce a good product OR it's so not what the client wants, they lose points because of that. (Not absolving the designers, though, of being hard to work with too!)
As all the clients were pre-assigned to the designers, I do wonder how much "on purpose" the pairings were. Did they purposely give Swapnil the client they knew would be difficult.
I'm kind of disappointed with everyone this season. I'm pissed Swapnil just didn't have the passion. I liked some of his stuff and wish that he gave it his all.
Kelly could be goood, if she just stays away from junior stuff. Edmond is ok, but kind of boring.
I agree with most of this, though not sure about your first sentence. Right through the tech garbage challenge, I was like, "this season is awesome!" The last two weeks have been so meh. I'm hoping they turn it around. Candace is probably the most consistent, but her range is so limited. I used to want to bang Swapnil, but he got way too annoying for me.
I'm rooting for Kelly now because she is from my hometown.