Korto and Joe

Darlings, before we get to Korto's dress, let's put on our Lois Lane pillbox hats or our Nancy Drew sweaters and do a little sleuthing, shall we?

Some people online have made the point that a dress very similar to Korto's appeared in DVF's Amex commercial and some have even surmised that Diane may have been "inspired" by Korto's design. The dress in question:

While there are some similarities, it really comes down to the fact that Korto used the same fabric in her design. Besides, the point is moot because the DVF dress walked down the runways in February, 4 months before Korto ever set eyes on DVF or her fabric.

What REALLY reminds us of Korto's dress are these looks from DVF's Resort 2009 collection:

As you can see, the black and white fabric paired with the bold yellow really call to mind Korto's dress. But once again, these looks walked the runway before S4 S5. Similar designs, but that's not really unheard of in the trend-driven world of fashion.

Now, on to the ripping.

Kittens, this was gorgeous, no two ways about it.

Girl knows her shit. The proportions, the use of color, the construction - all letter perfect.

We absolutely loved the shape of this jacket. Granted, Korto could rightfully claim the Princess Puffysleeves tiara at this point, since she returns to that voluminous well again and again, but we can't say we mind. The volume of the sleeves is offset by the tight, cropped bodice on the jacket. We love the little tied sash holding the whole thing together, too.

We hesitate to say this because the dress itself is so beautiful, but the jacket really makes the look here. Without it, this would look like a fairly basic DVF-style gown - not that there's anything wrong with that.

Although we have to say, that hint of yellow under the split skirt was pretty masterful.

Really, the only thing we didn't like was the yellow up near the top. Tim was right. It looks like bra straps. Besides, what with the halter top on the dress and the wide collar on the jacket (not to mention the big sleeves) there were enough elements going on up around her neck and shoulders that the yellow only served as a distraction.

Still, it was gorgeous and could have easily taken its place in a DVF collection. Unfortunately, Leanne also produced a worthy frock and it was really a tossup as to which was better.

Then there was the decidedly NON-gorgeous entry:

Jesus, this was AWFUL.

First, take a look once again at the collection from which they were supposed to be drawing inspiration. There is NOTHING in that collection that looks like this.

Leanne and Korto received such high marks because they acted as if they were junior designers at DVF and came up with something that fits seamlessly into her existing collection. This just doesn't.

And the colors on this thing were vomit-inducing. And the proportions! Skirt too short, top too tight, weird vest/hood thing too big and overwhelming. Take each element on their own and you can see the problems. Put them all together on one outfit and ALL you see are the problems.

Joe sez: "It's a very polished look. So much so that it might get lost amongst the crap that's going down the runway."

Really, Joe? Really? Designers constantly talk smack about each other but that comment borders on the delusional.

It's most definitely NOT a polished look. It looks sloppy and mismatched.

LOOK AT THAT.

THAT'S polished?

Joe also sez: "I truly think that this represents me as a designer."

Honey, think about what you're saying here.


[Photos: Barbara Nitke/Bravo/Style.com - Screencaps: Projectrungay.blogspot]