Last night's episode of Project Runway, entitled "Rings of Glory" showcased the 13 remaining designers patriotic side. The challenge was to create an outfit for the U.S. Olympic Team to wear to the opening ceremony of the Summer Games. The episode started off with yet another renowned Tim Gunn field trip which led the designers to New York City's enormous Armory Track and Field Center. There they met with guest judge and five-time Olympic medalist, Apolo Ohno, who described the opening ceremony as "the Olympians version of a catwalk." The designers also learned that although both menswear and womenswear are traditionally featured at the opening ceremony that they would only be designing womenswear. Next they had 30 minutes to explore the Armory's museum for inspiration and to sketch their ideas. The designers were given a $150 budget and one day to pull their look together.
This episode was marked by plenty of drama and bickering amongst the contestants. First Keith took Terri's fabric, then Daniel re-threaded Joe's machine, and everyone was annoyed because Kenley could not stop laughing. Meanwhile, Blayne was experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from his lack of tanning. Quite a kooky bunch we've got this season!
On to the runway! Chicago based designer, Terri Stevens, climbed her way into one of the top two spots with her well-tailored multi-piece stripe outfit. Her look prompted top American designer and judge, Michael Kors to exclaim "hoorah for American sportswear!" In the end though it was Liberia native, Korto Momolu who deservedly claimed victory with her uber-chic light weight leather vest and wide legged pant ensemble. Korto will receive immunity for next week's challenge and cannot be eliminated.
While many of the designers chose to create very retro-inspired looks that immediately qualified them to move forward in the competition, Daniel Feld and Jennifer Diederich weren't at fortunate. According to the judges, both contestants "missed the mark entirely." Massachusetts local, Daniel, did not have his heart in this challenge, and it showed. Michael Kors remarked that his model looked like she was from "the republic of cocktail land." Ouch. But it was fellow East Coast designer, Jennifer, who was Auf'd for her bland design that hostess Heidi Klum stated was "not modern, not Olympic, and not American." And sew it goes.
To view other designs from this challenge including FIDM grad Kelli Martin's fabulous, retro, red polka dot dress and fellow FIDM grad, Leanne Marshall's super-chic and magnificently tailored blouse and short ensemble, visit the Rate the Runway section of Bravotv.com.
Next Wednesday's episode entitled, "Welcome to the Jungle" challenges the 12 remaining designers to create a look for a high-powered professional woman. The guest judge for this challenge will be none other than the ever glamorous Brooke Shields, star of the popular television comedy-drama Lipstick Jungle. Sounds like we're in for a walk on the wild side!
Until Then, Stay Tuned and Stay Fashionable!
-- Alaythia
Comments