Project Runway: Transformation

Last night's episode of Project Runway, entitled "Transformation" challenged the 6 remaining designers to create an outfit that was sophisticated, yet age appropriate. Hostess Heidi Klum began the episode by announcing that she had some "special ladies" to introduce. Much to the surprise of the remaining designers, out walked six middle-aged, average looking women. Klum continued, however, by explaining that the contestants would not be designing for them. Instead, they would be working with their daughters, who were recent college graduates! The challenge was to create a head-to-toe makeover to help them transition into their lives as independent, professional women. The designers were then randomly paired off with a mother-daughter duo.

Back in the workroom, mentor Tim Gunn joined the designers and explained that in addition to meeting the daughters' specifications, the contestants would also need to satiate the parents of the graduates, whom he described as having "no doubt, an opinion on the direction of the look." He further stressed that in a way, the mothers were partially the designers' clients. He went on to reveal that the budget for their garments would be one hundred dollars, and that they had two days to pull it all together. It was also an unspoken requirement that the looks be appropriate to the field that the young ladies would be entering.

Michigan based designer Joe Faris, was among the first to run into conflict with his mother-daughter team over the course of the challenge. Selecting an older, more mature looking pinstripe, Joe was immediately confronted by the daughter who objected. Unable to correct the fabric, and unwilling to lose his vision, Joe pressed on with his design.

FIDM Grad Leanne Marshall, meanwhile, was being berated by a controlling mother who declared that the dress made for her daughter, made her look "flat-chested." She went on to say, "if we tried this on in a store, we would say that we could find something more flattering." Taking the criticism to heart, Leanne scrapped her work, and chose to start over. Leanne's client Holly, and her mother, Ellie were dubbed the "Hedda Lettuce Clients" for this challenge, because of their difficult demeanor.

Florida native Kenley Collins, antagonized much of the workroom, both with her loud voice and her elitist attitude. Tim Gunn's suggestions for Kenley's design were taken smugly with a grain of salt by Kenley who remarked behind Gunn's back, "I'm not going to listen to that, I never really change anything for Tim." Third person aficionado Suede, however, took the brunt of Kenley's insults with her comment, "he is not a good designer." She went on to say that she thinks Suede is a "poser" and that his outfit is "horrible, horrible!"

During day two of the challenge, Tim Gunn introduced the TRESemme leading creative team stylist, Jeanie Syfu. Syfu explained that she was there to consult with the designers about their clients' makeovers. Syfu also divulged that the winner of the challenge and their model would grace the pages of Elle Magazine in a TRESemme ad! "It's all about head-to-toe transformations," she said. With immunity no longer in play, this was a reward worth working for!

On to the runway! Narcissist Kenley Collins, grabbed herself a spot in the top two with yet another retro-inspired floral print dress. Her client, Anna, seemed to suit her style well and the judges agreed saying Anna was a Kenley "mini-me." Editor at Large for Elle Magazine, Nina Garcia felt that the dress was "charming."

But Kenley's one trick pony act fell far short of victory as Los Angeles based designer, Jerell Scott rightly claimed the win for this challenge. He truly transformed his client, Caitlin, from an awkward, lanky girl into a mature, savvy woman capable of being an artist's assistant. Hostess Heidi Klum exclaimed "I love this look, you're hired!" We couldn't be happier that this duo will be featured in an upcoming TRESemme ad in Elle Magazine!

 

Now for the bad news. Ohio based designer Suede, landed himself a spot in the bottom two with a purple print dress accompanied by a wackadoodle jacket for his client, Avital, a would-be photographer. Heidi Klum stated that the design was "dated, overworked, and completely impractical." Nina Garcia felt that the jacket was "shocking" while Guest Judge and noted Fashion Designer, Cynthia Rowley sighed, "it's just a disaster."

However, the judges felt that Joe Faris's look for his client, Laura, a prospective graphic designer was the worse of the two, and Joe was auf'd because of it. Top American designer, Michael Kors mocked, "it's a 60 year old's idea of looking professional." While, Heidi Klum added that Joe "took a beautiful girl and aged her twenty-five years" with a look that is a "drab cliche." Sew it went, Joe is "Outsie Daisy," and we are one step closer to the finale!!

To view the 2 remaining designs from this challenge, belonging to lovely FIDM Grad Leanne Marshall and Liberia native Korto Momolu, visit the Rate the Runway section of Bravotv.com.

Next Wednesday's episode entitled "Rock N' Runway" challenges the 5 remaining designers to tune in to their musical side for a musical genre challenge. The episode promises to be jam-packed with drama as the possibility of sabotage arises, and everyone, including Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia, are fed up with Kenley's childish behavior. "Rock N' Runway" will boast multi-talented hip-hop artist and actor, LL Cool J as guest judge!

Whose runway look will hit a musical high note and who will fall flat just short of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

To find out, Stay Tuned and Stay Fashionable!

-- Alaythia