Last night's episode of Project Runway, entitled "What's Your Sign?" showcased the 8 remaining designers ability to think outside the box and be fashion forward. Hostess Heidi Klum explained to the designers that for this challenge, there would be some very special guests. To the chagrin of the remaining contestants, out walked the 8 previously eliminated designers. Klum then told the remaining contestants that each of them would be working with a previously eliminated designer to create an avant garde look. Klum also made it explicitly clear that this was not an opportunity for the eliminated designers to get back into the competition, and that they were merely there to help and inspire the current designers.
Back in the work room, mentor Tim Gunn elaborated on the designer's challenge, explaining to them that they would be working in teams of two to create an avant garde look inspired by the astrological sign of one member of their team. The remaining contestants were lined up according to their birth date, and were randomly selected partners. The teams were then given a dossier containing all of the astrological signs, and thirty minutes to decide which team member's sign would be used for the challenge. The designers were given a budget of 250 dollars, and two days to pull their look together.
While most of the auf'd contestants were welcomed back with open arms, Keith's reunion with Terri soured before it even began. Still sensitive about the judges harsh rebuke just two episodes ago, Keith quickly released all liability in the challenge, volunteering to "sew whatever" in order to avoid confrontation. Considering Keith's skill level inferior to her own, Terri could only think to remark "maybe he can count the pins that fall on the floor." Tensions also ran high between roommates Kenley and Leanne over Kenley's increasingly arrogant attitude and obnoxious behavior. Mild-mannered Leanne remarked to her teammate, Emily that Kenley "never shuts off." Kenley overheard this statement, and was furious. I've gotta say, if just watching Kenley on t.v. gives me a massive headache, I can't even imagine being in the same room with her... yikes!
The beginning of day two brought many surprises. A note from Klum invited the designers to a party at the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History to showcase their zodiac designs for a "select audience." The time of the party left the designers with four fewer hours to work than they had anticipated, which caused them to all rush about furiously, trying to complete their look before the soiree. The designers also learned that two of them would be eliminated in this challenge.
Arriving at the planetarium, the designers were astounded at the beauty of the cascading lights and overall appeal of the space. Waiting for the designers, was their special audience, which consisted of past contestants from previous seasons of Project Runway. The past designers were Daniel Vosovic, Christian Siriano, Carmen Webber, Alison Kelly, Robert Plotkin, Jay McCarroll, and Kara Janx. Klum then told the current contestants, that their special audience was responsible for choosing the winner of this challenge. How's that for a twist? Klum went on to explain that there would still be a runway show the following day, and that the winners wouldn't be announced until then, so everyone should try to enjoy their evening. The past contestants along with Klum and Gunn took a critical eye to all of the garments. Some looks garnered praise while others fell completely flat.
This challenge was structured very differently than any other to date, as the judges chose a top four and a bottom four. The top four looks belonged to Korto, Jerell, Leanne, and Joe. Because second place was never announced, shown below is one of my favorite garments from the top four belonging to FIDM Grad, Leanne Marshall. Leanne's strong and structured Scorpio inspired look with mesh veiled headpiece was lovely. The design prompted mentor Tim Gunn to say that he "loved the idea" and Season 3 contestant, Alison Kelly, to remark that the garment was "absolutely stunning and mysterious."
First place in this challenge belonged to Texan designer, Jerell Scott. His armor inspired floor-length gown complete with multi-trimmed jacket definitely said Sagittarius. Although mentor Tim Gunn initially felt that he was "totally perplexed" and that the garment looked as though Jerell "took an old schoolmarm's winter coat and tried to make it into a couture dress," the past Project Runway panel chose his garment as their favorite. The judges didn't have much to say about the look only that the "Project Runway Alumni liked your design the best, and we did too." However, Jerell will not receive immunity for this win, as it will no longer be offered in any future challenge.
In contrast, when it came to the bottom looks, the judges certainly had a lot to say and did not hold back! The bottom four places belonged to Suede, Terri, Kenley, and Blayne. Although the judges had serious issues with both Kenley and Suede's Aquarius inspired garments, the two were pardoned, and will continue to sew on.
Because this was a double elimination challenge, both Illinois based designer Terri Stevens and Washington native Blayne Walsh were auf'd for their ridiculous designs. Terri's Leo inspired form-fitting dress with leather bustier and massive bubble sleeves prompted editor at large for Elle magazine, Nina Garcia, to say that she "really hated this outfit" and that it just looked "overall cheap." Terri then tried to blame her failure on her partner Keith's absence, but the judges didn't want to hear it. Top American Designer, Michael Kors told Terri, "you are never going to have a serious career, unless you can have other people collaborate with you and help you," he also felt that Terri's model looked like a "voodoo princess in hell." Her attitude sealed her fate and she was sent home to spend time with the only person who meets her caliber of expertise... herself.
Tanorexic, but lovable, Blayne Walsh earned his ticket home by creating a Libra inspired leotard of sorts accompanied by leather straps and mounds of colorful fabric. Hostess Heidi Klum stated that she "didn't find the color very attractive" and that it reminded her of "old women's underwear." Notoriously hard-nosed judge, Nina Garcia felt that the look was "haphazard" and reminiscent of a "one-legged monster." Judge Michael Kors took it one step farther saying that Blayne's model was "pooping fabric" and that the look was "a fashion joke." And sew we air kiss Blayne goodbye, but rest assured knowing that at least where he's going, he'll be happy, he'll be tan, and he'll be licious.
To view the 4 remaining designs from this challenge, including a beautiful Aries inspired design by Joe, and an absolutely wackadoodle Aquarius inspired design by Kenley, visit the Rate the Runway section of Bravotv.com.
Next Wednesday's episode entitled "Transformation" will challenge the 6 remaining designers to help re-invent college-aged women for entry into the working world. It seems that the designers have some very opinionated women on their hands, who could turn this episode from fun and games, into a real nightmare. The guest judge for this challenge will be none other than the free-spirited fashion designer Cynthia Rowley. She is also a brilliant business woman whose collections include everything from womenswear to bicycles!
Whose runway resume will allow them to move forward in the competition and who won't even be hired to clean the floors.
To find out, Stay Tuned and Stay Fashionable!
-- Alaythia
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