As my cohort the Prince of Kabob introduced in a previous post, one subject that has received much of my ire lately is the recent (though not new) trend of wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh, apparently known to Urban Outfitters (among other retailers) and clueless wearers as a "desert scarf," as a casual clothing accessory. My opinion on the matter began as interested, became conflicted, and eventually has evolved into straight-up anger. When I first began to see people wearing the keffiyeh a couple of years ago-- here and there, not very often-- I would think that it was maybe kind of cool, that maybe they were wearing it as a political statement of being down for the Palestinian cause-- but mostly, I wondered why 21st century San Francisco hipsters were interested in dressing like my deceased great-grandfather and his peers, the keffiyeh being first and foremost just a regular old traditional Arab scarf that farmers and other men used to wear (and still do) to protect their heads from the sun and dirt and sand, which has also evolved into a symbol of Palestinian nationalism and culture. I too have worn the keffiyeh, before this "desert scarf" business came about, both as a symbol of my activism and heritage, and as a means of keeping warm.
Within the past couple of years, though, more and more people-- namely those trend-focused persons whose numerous atrocities in the name of "fashion" I will refrain from detailing at the moment-- have been wearing the keffiyeh, to the point at which it has evolved into a simple, mass-produced, completely inauthentic, trendy piece of clothing that has lost its meaning. I have seen it sold, in many ridiculous colors, by Urban Outfitters (as mentioned before), at army surplus stores, and at shops in trendy neighborhoods.
My issues here are severalfold. First, it makes me laugh that people will pay eighteen dollars (!) for this mass-produced item, when the real thing (which is much more attractive, incidentally) costs much less. Second, it irritates me that people are appropriating this piece of Arab culture without having any idea at all what it represents, or what it means to wear this, or caring to find out, or even knowing its origin-- in essence, being very ignorant about what they choose to put on their bodies. I realize that some non-Arab people do wear this while participating in acts of activism or in support of the cause, and I accept this as long as they educate themselves on the keffiyeh and its meaning and do not fetishize it or the Palestinian/Arab people. If you like the scarf and want to wear it, fine-- just know what it's all about.
Perhaps most of all, it angers me that Arab culture is being commodified and sold by a capitalist and colonialist nation which dares to accuse people of terrorism while unapologetically committing horrible acts of terrorism itself (see previous post for an example). Essentially the commodification of the keffiyeh is an act to discredit the Palestinian cause, making it something to take lightly via the mainstream misappropriation of one of its most recognizable images. That a nation's retailers would promote the production and sale of this imitation item while simultaneously condemning those who have worn it and brought it into the public view as an item of both culture and the cause (Leila Khaled, Arafat, the Palestinian people and most Arabs) is outrageous and hypocritical, but, sadly, not surprising. Why not make a few bucks off the people who we work hard to keep ignorant (Americans) and who we work hard to disenfranchise and destroy (Palestinians, Iraqis, etc...)? It is, after all, the American way!
Yes, I do think it carries much different meaning when an Arab-American wears the scarf as opposed to other types of American. I will bet you that 99 percent of the time, when an Arab wears this scarf, this person will know exactly what it means to do so, whether culturally or as a sign of solidarity, or both. I know that this is not the case with most of those who wear the sweatshop-made, mass-produced imitations in such fun colors as pink and yellow. If somebody likes the appearance of the keffiyeh and chooses to wear it, they are free to do so, but in my opinion should at least be aware of the connotations, and if they do not agree with them, or do not care either way, should not wear the keffiyeh. It troubles me to have my heritage and my people's struggles commodified and trivialized in such a way, and that is exactly what is being done, whether the wearer is aware of it or not.
And for the record, it's not called a freaking "desert scarf."
Monday, March 17, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Berkeley Hippie and People's Park
It's not like Berkeley and San Francisco are that much different. In both places you have every kind of person out there ... so diverse and so beautiful, yet my friends in San Francisco insist that I am "Sooo Berkeley!" They always reinforce this by calling me a hippie, labeling me "Berkeley", and insisting that I take a shower ... Who needs showers anyway? I take pride in my Berkeley roots, as I'm from here (and Palestine, of course) born, raised, and now as a scholar. They perpetually label me and even introduce me to new people as a Berkeley hippie! Come on guys ... that's so unfair. (I don't really mind this label, but sometimes they take it to extremes!) I don't have dread locks, I'm not sleeping in the trees (though I support the people sleeping there's cause and give them food or beanies, blankets, etc. when I can), and I do make it to the shower every so often. I'm not saying all hippies are what I just described, but that is the common stereotype.
So yesterday at this event I was a part of planning, we had an excess of food left over and didn't know what to do with it. I said load me up, let's give it to homeless people. I'll leave it in People's Park. They, not knowing much of Berkeley, asked me what People's Park was. People's Park is a park built by and for the people and lits of homeless people reside there and the non-homeless of Berkeley always drop off free food there. So, I went to People's Park carrying trays of food. The homeless people I walked by were talking to me, "Good Morning," "How are you," and other things of this sort. Someone asked if that was free food, and I said "YES! Free Food!" As soon as I set the food on the picnic table, I see this flock of socializing homeless people briskly making their way toward me. I smiled and left before I was trapped in a mob of homeless people. I felt bad that some of the food was soggy due to the rain falling on the bed of my truck where I stored the food on the drive back to Berkeley and People's Park. I was happy that at least the food got there right though. They seemed to appreciate it. Besides, you know what they say ... beggars can't be choosers!
So yesterday at this event I was a part of planning, we had an excess of food left over and didn't know what to do with it. I said load me up, let's give it to homeless people. I'll leave it in People's Park. They, not knowing much of Berkeley, asked me what People's Park was. People's Park is a park built by and for the people and lits of homeless people reside there and the non-homeless of Berkeley always drop off free food there. So, I went to People's Park carrying trays of food. The homeless people I walked by were talking to me, "Good Morning," "How are you," and other things of this sort. Someone asked if that was free food, and I said "YES! Free Food!" As soon as I set the food on the picnic table, I see this flock of socializing homeless people briskly making their way toward me. I smiled and left before I was trapped in a mob of homeless people. I felt bad that some of the food was soggy due to the rain falling on the bed of my truck where I stored the food on the drive back to Berkeley and People's Park. I was happy that at least the food got there right though. They seemed to appreciate it. Besides, you know what they say ... beggars can't be choosers!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Project Rami! FINALE
This week we saw the finale of Project Runway, season 4, and thus the end of our weekly television-based dose of one of our favorite wayward Middle Eastern boys, Rami Kashou...
We'll be brief. As you may know by now, Rami came in second this season, following the young and sassy Christian Siriano. There's a lot we could say about this situation: how Rami's collection was actually the most beautiful and diverse and didn't look like Shakespeare on crack, how a woman whose idea of a good accessory is grapefruits implanted under her skin is probably not the best choice for a guest judge, how Michael and Nina-- as experienced and talented as they are-- are still kind of boring, and, ultimately, how this is just television and probably had as much to do with months of producers' planning as it did with the actual designs and designers... but, you know. What we will say is that Christian was not a horrible one to win if Rami couldn't-- his designs have been consistently well-made and innovative, and he exudes potential, and already has a fashion-industry attitude-- and, frankly, seeing him a bit vulnerable and emotional at the end was actually rather nice. (We felt this way about Jeffrey Sebelia last season, too, which made it a little better that he won instead of our fave, Mychael Knight... except his final collection actually was better than Mychael's, but whatever.) Nevertheless, coming in second in a show full of lots of talent is nothing to scoff at, and Rami will still be getting plenty of publicity and attention and hopefully financial support, which is really all he'll need because he is amazingly talented and has already been very successful. And, bottom line, we are so proud that another ambitious young Palestinian man has transcended circumstance and done so well-- and will continue to. That's true reality right there.
We'd like to direct you to Project Runway's "Rate the Runway" page for this last episode, in which you can view, and rate, the looks from each final designer's collection, including Rami's, which was positively gorgeous. And here, you can watch Rami's (highly edited) exit interview, in which he exhibits a lot of poise, class, and graciousness. We'd especially like to ask all those who have been hating on him all season-- and we know there are a lot of you out there-- to watch, because you get a better idea of who Rami really is.
Bottom line, this is television. Even reality shows are not reality. We'll miss watching the show (and Rami) every week, but we also got plenty else to do. Like save the world! We hope you'll join us.
(P.S. Rami, if you ever decide to make anything in our size and price range, give us a call.)
xoxo,
WMEG
We'll be brief. As you may know by now, Rami came in second this season, following the young and sassy Christian Siriano. There's a lot we could say about this situation: how Rami's collection was actually the most beautiful and diverse and didn't look like Shakespeare on crack, how a woman whose idea of a good accessory is grapefruits implanted under her skin is probably not the best choice for a guest judge, how Michael and Nina-- as experienced and talented as they are-- are still kind of boring, and, ultimately, how this is just television and probably had as much to do with months of producers' planning as it did with the actual designs and designers... but, you know. What we will say is that Christian was not a horrible one to win if Rami couldn't-- his designs have been consistently well-made and innovative, and he exudes potential, and already has a fashion-industry attitude-- and, frankly, seeing him a bit vulnerable and emotional at the end was actually rather nice. (We felt this way about Jeffrey Sebelia last season, too, which made it a little better that he won instead of our fave, Mychael Knight... except his final collection actually was better than Mychael's, but whatever.) Nevertheless, coming in second in a show full of lots of talent is nothing to scoff at, and Rami will still be getting plenty of publicity and attention and hopefully financial support, which is really all he'll need because he is amazingly talented and has already been very successful. And, bottom line, we are so proud that another ambitious young Palestinian man has transcended circumstance and done so well-- and will continue to. That's true reality right there.
We'd like to direct you to Project Runway's "Rate the Runway" page for this last episode, in which you can view, and rate, the looks from each final designer's collection, including Rami's, which was positively gorgeous. And here, you can watch Rami's (highly edited) exit interview, in which he exhibits a lot of poise, class, and graciousness. We'd especially like to ask all those who have been hating on him all season-- and we know there are a lot of you out there-- to watch, because you get a better idea of who Rami really is.
Bottom line, this is television. Even reality shows are not reality. We'll miss watching the show (and Rami) every week, but we also got plenty else to do. Like save the world! We hope you'll join us.
(P.S. Rami, if you ever decide to make anything in our size and price range, give us a call.)
xoxo,
WMEG
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Project Rami! Week... um... semifinals
Rami! Rami! Rami! We can't express how excited we are for you right now! And very proud. You have withstood the lustful/envious gaze of Michael Kors, the overly critical gaze of Ninagaahceea (as Heidi calls her), and the, frankly, quite frightening gaze of Heidi Klum, all to make it to the pinnacle of the Project Runway Experience: Bryant Park! Bravo! (Ha, ha.)
Of course, we're not too surprised Rami made it, but we had our doubts for a little while-- namely, when he created yet ANOTHER, however immaculate and gorgeous, draped evening dress (right) for the final regular challenge, inspired by the artwork found in the Met. And really, when we saw him looking so intently at the Grecian statues in the classics room, we practically saw the show's producers licking their chops, and we wanted to scream at him not to take the bait. And he did, and the judges called him out for draping again, but it all worked out because they (very wisely) decided to give him AND Chris another chance. But, unlike last season, only one of them would progress to the finale-- after, of course, creating an entire collection and showing their best three looks to the judges. Sneaky, sneaky!
Cut past the rather uneventful reunion special to this week's episode, in which Tim Gunn visited each of the final four to check on their progress, as he does every season. Nutshell: Christian works out of a closet, essentially (no pun intended) and appears to have a rather lonely private life; Jillian still makes us feel tired and her entire family is more interesting than her; Rami's house is just as tasteful as his designs and his life story was, of course, heartbreaking (though we wish he would have mentioned Palestine...); and Chris remains wacky and fun and sweet and has friends who appear to be just the same (what was UP with that guy's apartment?). Focus now on Rami and Chris' designs: Rami's have been inspired by Joan of Arc and appear quite intriguing, except such oddities as a mustard-colored coat that Tim identified as very heavy, and Chris' heavily made use of-- yes-- human hair as trim. WTF? Suffice it to say, Tim was weirded out, and so were we. And although the designs he ended up showing the judges were actually quite nice, we couldn't get over the hair part (I don't think they could, either-- their expressions were priceless) and did, for the first time, agree that they were actually quite costumey. Thankfully, we won't have to hear the judges utter that word again, because poor Chris got auf'd in favor of our boy Rami, whose three looks didn't really offer too much to criticize save for the overdone-ness of the teal coat, which was still very well-made. See the three looks Rami offered up below:
(Credit to this third one goes to ProjectRunGay, with our thanks, because Bravo's image of the dress really sucked. And, coincidentially, it was our favorite look out of the three.) Best of all, Rami LISTENED to the judges, and although we often suspect they've been smoking hashish, it really paid off this time.We can't let Chris go, though, without saying how good of a job we think he did and how much we have really come to like him over the season-- even more so than his designs, which we never actually thought were as questionable as the judges seemed to. Chris has a bright future ahead of him, whether he chooses to spend it desgining costumes or clothing.
And so, we look forward to next week, in which we will get to watch the runway show (and Posh's grapefruit-like boobs popping out of whatever she wears-- best guest judge EVER), and find out who the winner will be. Truly, we think Rami has an excellent chance, based on what we've seen of the collections so far and on the fact that he is a true talent. Good luck, Rami!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Vay...
Dear readers (all three of you), we apologize for the dearth of posts lately. While this blog is extremely important to us, we have been crazy busy doing thousands of other things, including but not limited to working, dancing, drinking coffee/tea/vodka and plotting the revolution, reading, planning adventures in Middle Eastern travel, and studying (sort of). All while looking fab. So you see, this blog has fallen to the wayside a bit amidst the craziness-- we haven't even had time to watch Project Runway. Insane, we know. Good thing it was just the reunion (our guess: Heidi laughed like a crazy, Ricky cried as usual, Rami defended the draping, Christian was a droll bitch, and Jillian and VictorYA rolled their eyes a whole lot, while Tim Gunn was very tactful though silently wishing he could tap his ruby Prada slippers together and be transported back to his apartment with a cup of Constant Comment and the latest issue of the New Yorker). Anyway, no worries, because the wheels of thought have still been turning, and we should be posting again soon. We love you!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Bush-Capades
I am finally posting my long-awaited review of the day in Palestine when ...
On Thursday, January 10th, 2008, George W.B., along with 1700 US Soldiers, took their 1st trip to the WB, the West Bank, Palestine, the place over 4 million refugees and expatriates, including myself, call home. Not only did Bush bring 1700 US personnel along, but all the employed Palestinian police, army, and security forces were on duty that day. It was like a national holiday. All shops in downtown Ramallah (Al Manara) were required to close. The forces roaming Ramallah were doing everything at all costs to stop opposition to the President we all hate, not just in Ramallah, but in all the West Bank.
Those living in the streets surrounding the Muqat'a, the Palestinian President's headquarters, were forbidden to leave their homes or even look out the window. They were warned that they would be shot at if they did so. All the nearby streets were closed. Oh, yes, and schools were closed as well for this ... day.
As I woke up late and began walking toward the center of town with my laptop bag, sans laptop, I was stopped by a jeep full of Palestinian army men. They asked if they could talk to me for a minute and then the man in the passenger seat got out and asked if I had anything in my bag. I said yes. (I don't normally carry big bags without anything in them, I was thinking.) He asked me what was in it. I said notebooks (telling the complete truth), want to see? I opened my bag, looked at him dumbfounded, and then he appologized and returned to his seat. I set off walking, a bit frazzled, as they drove away. (At this time I was unaware of the security measures I described above).
As I walked on, I realized, a bit slow on hte uptake as usual, that my big bag had suspect written all over it and that I could have possibly been plotting to kill Bush or something. I guess it's a good idea I didn't plot ahead of time, as much as it sounds like a great idea looking back. I've never been that close to Bush! I arrive uptown disappointed ...
Not only was there no protest, which I later found out the reason for, but the only people who were there silently holding up signs were foreigners. Obviously non-Palestinian, native speakers of English, German, etc., and they were holding up signs about peace, "Bush = Terrorist," and one that completely irritated me which said, "Our Freedom Is NOT For Sale." A great message, yes, I agree, but shouldn't that message be coming from Palestinians who actually own the land that should not be for sale and not foreign activists? I was PISSED! Where were the PALESTINIANS??
I later found out where they were. The Palestinian protesters were stopped before they could even start. Two of my friends were planning to just pump up hundreds of black balloons to release upon Bush's arrival around 11am, but they were stopped in the place that was pumping them up, were physically searched, and had their hawiyyas (or ID cards) taken; all this dome by Palestinian police. (How did they know where they would be pumping?? Talk about secret service ...) All of the protests throughout the West Bank were instantly smothered, Gaza being the only region to take a stand against Bush's visit. Could this be a divide and conquer tactic? I am uncertain, but now I will pose more questions for you to ponder.:
On Thursday, January 10th, 2008, George W.B., along with 1700 US Soldiers, took their 1st trip to the WB, the West Bank, Palestine, the place over 4 million refugees and expatriates, including myself, call home. Not only did Bush bring 1700 US personnel along, but all the employed Palestinian police, army, and security forces were on duty that day. It was like a national holiday. All shops in downtown Ramallah (Al Manara) were required to close. The forces roaming Ramallah were doing everything at all costs to stop opposition to the President we all hate, not just in Ramallah, but in all the West Bank.
Those living in the streets surrounding the Muqat'a, the Palestinian President's headquarters, were forbidden to leave their homes or even look out the window. They were warned that they would be shot at if they did so. All the nearby streets were closed. Oh, yes, and schools were closed as well for this ... day.
As I woke up late and began walking toward the center of town with my laptop bag, sans laptop, I was stopped by a jeep full of Palestinian army men. They asked if they could talk to me for a minute and then the man in the passenger seat got out and asked if I had anything in my bag. I said yes. (I don't normally carry big bags without anything in them, I was thinking.) He asked me what was in it. I said notebooks (telling the complete truth), want to see? I opened my bag, looked at him dumbfounded, and then he appologized and returned to his seat. I set off walking, a bit frazzled, as they drove away. (At this time I was unaware of the security measures I described above).
As I walked on, I realized, a bit slow on hte uptake as usual, that my big bag had suspect written all over it and that I could have possibly been plotting to kill Bush or something. I guess it's a good idea I didn't plot ahead of time, as much as it sounds like a great idea looking back. I've never been that close to Bush! I arrive uptown disappointed ...
Not only was there no protest, which I later found out the reason for, but the only people who were there silently holding up signs were foreigners. Obviously non-Palestinian, native speakers of English, German, etc., and they were holding up signs about peace, "Bush = Terrorist," and one that completely irritated me which said, "Our Freedom Is NOT For Sale." A great message, yes, I agree, but shouldn't that message be coming from Palestinians who actually own the land that should not be for sale and not foreign activists? I was PISSED! Where were the PALESTINIANS??
I later found out where they were. The Palestinian protesters were stopped before they could even start. Two of my friends were planning to just pump up hundreds of black balloons to release upon Bush's arrival around 11am, but they were stopped in the place that was pumping them up, were physically searched, and had their hawiyyas (or ID cards) taken; all this dome by Palestinian police. (How did they know where they would be pumping?? Talk about secret service ...) All of the protests throughout the West Bank were instantly smothered, Gaza being the only region to take a stand against Bush's visit. Could this be a divide and conquer tactic? I am uncertain, but now I will pose more questions for you to ponder.:
- Why can foreigners speak on behalf of Palestinians, but Palestinians can't speak on behalf of Palestinians?
- If the Palestinian President, or anyone in the world for that matter, came to DC to speak with the US President, would work close? School close? Would people be threatened of leaving their homes or looking out windows? Would protests be stifled? (Shu? Bafakruna klab? - What? They think we're dogs?)
- Why does the US worship Israel when their government allowed and didn't stop protests against Bush's meetings with Palestine and Israel? Why were Israelis allowed to work and go to school?
- Why did Bush go out of his way to pay a visit to the graves of Israelis but refused to visit Yaser Arafat's grave when he was only 15 meters away? (It was literally 15 meters, for I was in the headquarters with a Presidential guard member just days after his arrival where he showed me how everything happened.)
- After Ramallah Bush went to Bethlehem. Actually, he went to the Church of the Nativity. When asked cordially but the Minister of Tourism on Palestine multiple times to walk around Bethlehem, take a look at the wall, and get a better feel for what Palestinians live like, he REFUSED! Not that I'm optimistic in any way, but how much can Bush help the Palestinian people if he doesn't even care to know their conditions?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Project Rami! Weeks 9 and 10
Hello, dear readers, and welcome again to Project Rami!
Various busy events in our lives, including the dispatch of our dear friend Hector Bouvier to al-Misr (that's Egypt for you gringos), and the return of our own lovely al-FallaHa from the homeland, have prohibited us from reporting recently on the adventures of our Rami. Nevertheless, we only have two weeks with which to update you, as last week aired, unfortunately, a repeat of the previous week's episode.
Now on to the previous new episode. The ladies and, uh, "ladies" were taken on a fi
eld trip, which had them shaking in their Prada shoes. Fortunately they were not taken to a garbage dump (as you may remember took place in a season long ago and far away-- last year) but to a warehouse full of Levi's jeans, in which they were instructed to grab as many denim items as possible in order to design an iconic yet fashion-forward look. Our clever boy ran around grabbing as many pairs of dark denim as possible, knowing it would help him convey the sophisticated look he loves. And it paid off! Rami's design (at right) was gorgeous, and certainly the one we'd most like to wear. And we'd rock it! (This is the royal we, of course, as our Prince of Kabob wouldn't be caught dead in anything resembling a skirt.) The zippered detail is gorgeous and unique (I'm surprised nobody else thought of that, but that's one reason why Rami is so good, I guess!) and the buttons give a very subtle pseudo-nautical touch that is light enough to remain classic. Also, the consistency in the color and texture makes it look classy and quite high-end. We think our boy should have won, but instead the judges picked... Ricky?! This wasn't completely out of left field as his strapless tube dress, with button detailing down the center and a generous r
uffle at the bottom, was indeed very cute and could be considered iconic. But I don't know, as far as fashion goes, Rami's just stood out more. Though I do give Ricky props for nearly giving Christian an aneurysm with his surprise win! The auf went to Victorya, no surprise, for her embarrassment of a "coat" (really, I could sew some scraps of denim onto a jean jacket too, girl). We're gonna show it here on the left because it's really just too bad... needless to say, we're not too upset to break up the Sullen Sisters, though now Jillian has to frown and furrow her brow all alone...
Regarding this week's episode, we'd like to convey this message to Rami: draping is not for spandex, and draping is definitely not for wrestling! Yes, friends, wrestling. The challenge this week was to create a look for a professional female wrestler to wear in the ring based on her personal taste-- and, um, the fact that pro wrestling is incredibly tacky. Chris almost cried tears of joy, as to him, this was the next best thing to dressing a drag queen (which they initially suspected the challenge would be about). Our BFF Tim Gunn, meanwhile, good-naturedly called himself "grandpa" while attempting to climb into the ring in his impeccible suit. What a sweetie!
Poor Rami was a little frustrated with this challenge, as someone who is accustomed to designing high-end outfits and sophisticated eveningwear might be. And we really felt for him, and didn't mind his choice of hot pink spandex, either-- the girl looked like a Barbie doll, so what else would be more appropriate? But when we saw him starting to drape that
fabric over the shoulder of the dress form, we wanted to scream-- and would have, if our mouths hadn't been full of brownie at the moment (oops). Rami, please! No more draping, at least until you get to do an evening look again. We don't want to see you go!
Fortunately, our boy did not go, as his look turned out all right after all (at right) and other designers appeared to fare even worse. Sweet P, although she dramatically rescued her outfit at the last minute, managed to create something more suited for the boudoir than the ring. And Ricky, last week's unexpected winner, decided to make a bathing suit for Jennifer Lopez. Granted, his model, Layla, worked it to no end (girl has a head of hair we envy!) but unfortunately, could not conceal the fact that it was, um, not a wrestling outfit. And so, poor Ricky, we say auf to you. Now your tears can flow freely and in peace! The winner for this week was Chris, we are glad to report. Each week makes us more fond of him, and it is only fitting that someone who designs outrageous looks for drag queens and stage shows should win this tacky challenge. Plus, who didn't love it when he said his ideal superhero would "crush men between her enormous breasts"? Oh Chris!
And with that, friends, we conclude this week's Project Rami, looking forward to another week with our boy who has remained in the game thanks to his talent and tact (and, we'd like to think, maybe a little of Michael Kors' drooling over his muscular physique). Next week looks like it should be a good one, too, so don't miss it!
xoxo,
WMEG
Various busy events in our lives, including the dispatch of our dear friend Hector Bouvier to al-Misr (that's Egypt for you gringos), and the return of our own lovely al-FallaHa from the homeland, have prohibited us from reporting recently on the adventures of our Rami. Nevertheless, we only have two weeks with which to update you, as last week aired, unfortunately, a repeat of the previous week's episode.
Now on to the previous new episode. The ladies and, uh, "ladies" were taken on a fi
eld trip, which had them shaking in their Prada shoes. Fortunately they were not taken to a garbage dump (as you may remember took place in a season long ago and far away-- last year) but to a warehouse full of Levi's jeans, in which they were instructed to grab as many denim items as possible in order to design an iconic yet fashion-forward look. Our clever boy ran around grabbing as many pairs of dark denim as possible, knowing it would help him convey the sophisticated look he loves. And it paid off! Rami's design (at right) was gorgeous, and certainly the one we'd most like to wear. And we'd rock it! (This is the royal we, of course, as our Prince of Kabob wouldn't be caught dead in anything resembling a skirt.) The zippered detail is gorgeous and unique (I'm surprised nobody else thought of that, but that's one reason why Rami is so good, I guess!) and the buttons give a very subtle pseudo-nautical touch that is light enough to remain classic. Also, the consistency in the color and texture makes it look classy and quite high-end. We think our boy should have won, but instead the judges picked... Ricky?! This wasn't completely out of left field as his strapless tube dress, with button detailing down the center and a generous r
uffle at the bottom, was indeed very cute and could be considered iconic. But I don't know, as far as fashion goes, Rami's just stood out more. Though I do give Ricky props for nearly giving Christian an aneurysm with his surprise win! The auf went to Victorya, no surprise, for her embarrassment of a "coat" (really, I could sew some scraps of denim onto a jean jacket too, girl). We're gonna show it here on the left because it's really just too bad... needless to say, we're not too upset to break up the Sullen Sisters, though now Jillian has to frown and furrow her brow all alone...Regarding this week's episode, we'd like to convey this message to Rami: draping is not for spandex, and draping is definitely not for wrestling! Yes, friends, wrestling. The challenge this week was to create a look for a professional female wrestler to wear in the ring based on her personal taste-- and, um, the fact that pro wrestling is incredibly tacky. Chris almost cried tears of joy, as to him, this was the next best thing to dressing a drag queen (which they initially suspected the challenge would be about). Our BFF Tim Gunn, meanwhile, good-naturedly called himself "grandpa" while attempting to climb into the ring in his impeccible suit. What a sweetie!
Poor Rami was a little frustrated with this challenge, as someone who is accustomed to designing high-end outfits and sophisticated eveningwear might be. And we really felt for him, and didn't mind his choice of hot pink spandex, either-- the girl looked like a Barbie doll, so what else would be more appropriate? But when we saw him starting to drape that
fabric over the shoulder of the dress form, we wanted to scream-- and would have, if our mouths hadn't been full of brownie at the moment (oops). Rami, please! No more draping, at least until you get to do an evening look again. We don't want to see you go!Fortunately, our boy did not go, as his look turned out all right after all (at right) and other designers appeared to fare even worse. Sweet P, although she dramatically rescued her outfit at the last minute, managed to create something more suited for the boudoir than the ring. And Ricky, last week's unexpected winner, decided to make a bathing suit for Jennifer Lopez. Granted, his model, Layla, worked it to no end (girl has a head of hair we envy!) but unfortunately, could not conceal the fact that it was, um, not a wrestling outfit. And so, poor Ricky, we say auf to you. Now your tears can flow freely and in peace! The winner for this week was Chris, we are glad to report. Each week makes us more fond of him, and it is only fitting that someone who designs outrageous looks for drag queens and stage shows should win this tacky challenge. Plus, who didn't love it when he said his ideal superhero would "crush men between her enormous breasts"? Oh Chris!
And with that, friends, we conclude this week's Project Rami, looking forward to another week with our boy who has remained in the game thanks to his talent and tact (and, we'd like to think, maybe a little of Michael Kors' drooling over his muscular physique). Next week looks like it should be a good one, too, so don't miss it!
xoxo,
WMEG
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