Mondo Wuz Robbed

Michael Kors & Nina Garcia lose their minds; Gretchen wins Project Runway

Gretchen Jones
Would you wear this? Gretchen Jones' first look
Mondo Guerra's first look - much more polished and fun
This is the gown that offended Kors & Garcia
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz
In comments section, a CultureMap reader asked to see this incomprehensible lookfrom Jones' collection. Kors & Garcia thought it was cutting-edge.
Mondo Guerra might actually get more attention by coming in No. 2

Project Runway has always been the reality show that made sense, with a string of winners, including Houston's Chloe Dao, who were talented and deserving.

But the show lost all credibility when "Granola Gretchen" Jones was named the winner of Season 8 Thursday night.

Blame it on Michael Kors and Nina Garcia.

The duo, who have reached celebrity status as judges on Project Runway, are usually right on in their fashion assessments. But as they piled praise on Jones' embarassing sportswear collection, I wondered if their fashion sensibility had been abducted by aliens — or buyers at Marshall's.

Kors and Garcia argued that Jones' dour collection — autumn-hued dresses, ill-fitting hot pants, slacks with faux-lizard cutouts around the crotch and inside of the legs — is where fashion is headed. They praised Jones' forged silver jewelry — something you might find at a weekend swap shop — and tired-looking fedoras as examples of exemplary styling.

Their illogical but fierce arguments seemed to finally wear down host Heidi Klum and guest judge Jessica Simpson, who much preferred the whimsical styles of season favorite Mondo Guerra.

Guerra's wild collection is what fashion should be — fun, exciting, eye-catching — and wearable. Kors and Garcia seemed to be mightily offended that Guerra hadn't removed a sensational, slinky black-and-white polka dotted gown that was the highlight of his collection. Guerra stuck to his guns, which was probably why he lost out in the shocking outcome.

I'll admit that Guerra has done better work throughout the season, but his cohesive collection was head and shoulders over Jones's effort and everyone else's.

Garcia, fashion editor at Marie Claire, complained that Guerra's collection was "too young" — a surprising complaint from a magazine that regularly dresses up teenage models to look far older than their years.

Kors, whose collections have grown increasingly more conservative during the recession, touted Jones' collection because he believes it is more saleable.

I guess it's a sign of the times. Why award creativity? Much better to play it safe and encourage mediocrity.

They could have encouraged a budding John Galliano.

Instead they championed Dress 4 Less.

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RODEO ROYALTY

Bun B debuts exclusive Western streetwear collab at RodeoHouston

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

Houston's rodeo scene got a hefty dose of Western-meets-streetwear flair as Bun B took the RodeoHouston stage in style during his highly anticipated concert on March 7. Since 2022, the rap icon has been turning heads with custom outfits styled by Luke Cosby, co-founder of Purple Brand. But this year, some of Bun B's looks weren't just exclusive; they inspired his capsule collection with Purple Brand and Crown Royal, making his performance a combination of music, fashion, and culture.

"Performing at the Rodeo is an honor, and I love every aspect of creating that show. I look forward to my on-stage look every year, and trust Purple will create something that I love," Bun B shared in a statement. "Being able to bring two brands I respect together to form this unique look and create a collection inspired by those looks, made this Rodeo even more special."

The capsule collection, available at Purple Brand's Galleria boutique and online, consists of three pieces, including the Crown Royal x Purple Brand Jeff Hamilton Varsity Jacket, Crown Royal x Purple Brand Bun B Signature Poncho, and Crown Royal x Purple Brand Graphic Tee. According to Cosby, every detail was carefully curated for a one-of-a-kind look. Premium wool, leather accents, and bold embellishments blend rich texture with modern streetwear elements.

The collection is available online and in Purple Brand's Galleria boutique. Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"The collection was heavily inspired by Crown Royal and Bun B himself, his dynamic stage presence, his legacy in Houston, and the Western aesthetic that defines the Rodeo," Cosby tells CultureMap. "We took cues from classic rodeo fashion, Crown Royal branding and colors. The poncho, for example, is a recreation of the standout piece Bun wore on stage last year, blending tradition with contemporary design. Each piece reflects Houston's culture while feeling fresh and elevated."

Net proceeds from the collection and other events in the Crown Royal Saloon & Showroom during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be donated to Soldiers' Angels' LA Wildfire Relief Fund, supporting fire relief efforts for veterans in the Los Angeles area.

The Crown Royal x Purple Brand collab features luxe textures, bold embellishments, and undeniable Houston energy.Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"As a long-time sponsor of the RodeoHouston, it was important to elevate our presence by extending our partnership to leaders in the community. Bun B is a Houston legend. His presence at RodeoHouston and annual Birthday Bonanza is a highly anticipated moment that unites the city," Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, tells CultureMap." In our second year partnering with Bun B, we are thrilled to evolve our partnership in a way that pays homage to rodeo tradition and the Houston community."

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

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