Hotwire barista Blayne on “Project Runway,” week 5

We’re still in the “no spoilers on the home page” mode for those who recorded the show but haven’t watched it yet, so click ahead to see how Blayne did tonight, and what his Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) boss has to say about it:

The past two weeks, the final segments of the show were Blayne-free, as he wasn’t in the top three or bottom three. Tonight – a nailbiter – he not only was in that final six, after a few pronouncements of the judge, he was in the “one of you stays and one of you is out” final two.

Didn’t look good when he was told his creation for guest judge Brooke Shields left the judges “speechless,” and clearly not in a good way. But then – he got the reprieve, and Kelli got “auf’d.” After the weekly viewing party at Ginomai, around the corner from Hotwire, here’s what Hotwire’s Lora Lewis told us:

Click pic to play vid

The viewing parties will continue as long as Blayne remains a contender, so you’re invited next week (bring a dessert to share); Ginomai (one of the sites in tomorrow night’s West Seattle Art Walk!) is on the southwest corner of 42nd and Genesee, with its own (free!) parking lot off 42nd – doors open 8 pm next Wednesday, show starts at 9 pm. The challenge next week – Design an outfit for a drag queen! Meantime, here’s what bloggers are saying about tonight’s episode.

BJ August 14, 2008 (7:04 am)

I was impressed that Blayne stepped up and offered to leave if his team lost – supporting his design and role as the project leader. Takes guts and displays classy character.

MN Girl August 14, 2008 (9:54 am)

That impressed me also – way to go Blayne.

bj August 14, 2008 (10:16 am)

This is the worst season ever. Can hardly stand to watch/listen to Blayne’s antics!

Bonnie August 14, 2008 (1:38 pm)

I thought that Kelli proved she deserved to go home when she said she was better than her partner and that he should go when it was her design that sent them to the bottom two.

Teri August 14, 2008 (4:48 pm)

Blayne…you are my new Hero. You showed a level of maturity, integrity, ethics and leadership that [most of] the other designers should learn from. Hope Leanne appreciates your integrity…I certainly do.

OP August 14, 2008 (11:38 pm)

Maturity? Integrity? Leadership? Which episode were you folks watching?
Blayne’s outfit was 1986 minus Cindy Lauper.

bj August 15, 2008 (2:01 am)

Thanks OP I was beginning to think I was the only one watching a different show.

jazz August 15, 2008 (9:05 am)

maturity, integrity, ethics and leadership or a narcissistic two year old……

miles August 15, 2008 (9:10 am)

Maturity, integrity, ethics and leadership of a narcissistic two year old……

westello August 15, 2008 (11:13 am)

I really think that Project Runway is starting to keep contestants based on personality. Blayne has talent (but doesn’t listen). Kelli won a round. Her dress was not great but given her talent, she, not Blayne should have stayed. I believe his antics are what kept him there.

Daniel was another good candidate to leave. You can say you have good taste until you are blue in the face but if it is not reflected in your designs, then it’s just words.

It’s very disappointing.

Teri August 15, 2008 (1:14 pm)

Let me rephrase my previous statement: In episode 5, Blayne was one of the few designers that did not backstab or criticize his teammate. He stood up for his design when B. Shields seemed surprised by the outfitâ€”when it was spot on of the design he had pitched to her and she choose. Also, when faced with saying which of them should go home, as the Leader, he said it should be him. Blayne took the high road. That would be my point. He showed integrity and leadership.

You certainly do not have to agree with my point of view. It would be nice if your comments were a bit more respectful. I have a great respect for all of the designers on the show. It takes courage to put oneself in any public situation where criticism is given in such a brutal, nasty manner. It must be a big part of the showâ€™s appeal to their demographic, however, as a manager, I find it highly inappropriateâ€”which is why I usually avoid â€˜reality TVâ€™. The only reason I am watching PR is because Blayne is my friend and he has a chance (as do the other designers), to further is career. He is talented, kind, caring, easy to get along with and a wonderful person.

miles August 15, 2008 (9:56 pm)

That’s all nice and fuzzy but he has been anything but “respectful” to most of the other designers.

If he can’t take criticism from the WSB he might as well give it up…

My comments are not directed to him as a person, but as a designer. He has shown himself to be his own best critic when he should be his own worst critic. He is obviously (in his youth) not hard on himself. There is nothing wrong with (or disrespectful) critiquing in no uncertain terms an artist’s work.

As a designer for 20+ years my customers don’t hesitate ripping me when my work is not to their liking and the last thing I think is they are being disrespectful.

This criticism he’s getting is the best thing for him right now. He’s put himself up for critique. He’s obviously very talented. Talent means nothing without hard work and understanding those who have come before him creatively in a very broad sense (not knowing The Beatles?!?……not acceptable.)

I have no idea if he’s won it all already on Project Runway. More power to him if he has. It won’t make him a good designer.
I hope he works as hard as he possibly can to be as powerful a designer as he can. Doing strong, powerful, original work.

That’s the only thing that counts in terms of the subject at hand.