Last night's episode of Project Runway, entitled "Double O Fashion" showcased the 9 remaining designers ability to interpret inspiration. This was the most monumental challenge to date as the contestants learned that they would be designing a look for a fashion legend. Mentor Tim Gunn led the designers to an immaculate showroom in New York City's fashionable Meatpacking District, where they waited with bated breath to discover who the fashion legend would be.
Down walked none other than the absolutely timeless and iconic designer, Diane von Furstenberg. Many of the designers were completely awestruck at being in the presence of such greatness. She explained to them that their challenge was to create a look for her fall collection inspired by the movie "A Foreign Affair." The designers were given a DVF fall look book, a little bit of background on the movie, and 15 minutes to take their choice of fabric and notions from the DVF sample room!
But that's not all! The winning look would be produced and sold exclusively to American Express card members and a portion of the proceeds would go to benefit The CFDA Foundation (The Council of Fashion Designers of America!) DVF would also be the guest judge for this challenge along with Senior VP for IMG Fashion and creative genius behind Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Fern Mallis!
This episode signaled a shift in the designer's attitudes as many of them became very competitive and closed off. New York native, Stella refused to tell FIDM Grad Leanne what she was making because she said it was "none of her business" and she wouldn't tell Chicago based designer, Terri, either because she "doesn't trust Terri." Stella even insulted the judges from last week's challenge calling them "clueless" and referred to top fashion stylist Rachel Zoe as "the stylist in the over-sized muumuu dress with the waistband who didn't know any better." Ouch!
Meanwhile, Liberia native, Korto was on the offense about her garment and everyone was tired of Terri's "one trick pony act." Just when it was starting to get really cut throat, FIDM Grad Leanne provided some much needed comic relief. Inspired by the spy element of the challenge, Leanne sneaked around the room and fluttered about adopting the spy name "Secret Agent Leanimal." Thank goodness someone still has their sense of humor!
On to the runway! Florida native, Kenley Collins grabbed herself a spot in the top two with her Shanghai inspired lace and floral print dress. Initially though, she earned much criticism from hostess Heidi Klum for creating only one piece. Klum even remarked that the dress was "safe" and "not that difficult." While the other judges agreed that the look was basic, they felt that there was merit in the design. Top American designer Michael Kors felt that the look was "made beautifully" and VP for IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis added that the dress was "very simple, but very chic, very wearable, and very saleable."
But, it was lovely FIDM Grad Leanne Marshall who claimed victory and the enormous reward in this challenge. Her 1930's & 40's inspired long, silk gown adorned with "surprise" ruffles in the back and delightful cropped trench coat prompted mentor Tim Gunn to say that the "color is phenomenally beautiful" and "the shape is sublime." Klum felt that Leanne "really thought about something new and different," while Mallis exclaimed that she "loved it, and it met the challenge!" Leanne is the first designer this season to win back to back challenges, as well as the first designer to have won a challenge while having immunity. She is also the only designer to have won more than once. You go, girl!
The bottom two looks for this challenge belonged to Michigan based designer, Joe Faris, and New York City tough chick, Stella B. Zotis. Joe's backless, oriental inspired wrap-around dress with hooded shawl was absolutely hideous. Designer, Michael Kors stated that the outfit was "just odd," while hostess Heidi Klum giggled that it was "a little bit too shanghai for my taste" and then went on to say that the look was "messy, messy, messy." DVF agreed, she remarked that "the back was truly unacceptable" and that "it looked homemade."
Somehow, Joe was not auf'd for his monstrosity. Instead it was Stella who was sent packing for her 3 piece cape, vest, and slacks ensemble that was coined "a major misstep." Kors stated that "the tailoring was just not happening" and that he thought the look was "more Transylvania than Shanghai." Fashion week guru, Fern Mallis clinched the decision with her comment that "Stella was just not stellar." And sew it went, Stella B. Zotis was sent back to her bikers, her leather, and her beloved boyfriend, Ratbones.
To view the 5 remaining designs from this challenge, including a beautiful a-line halter neck gown accompained by a vest inspired jacket, created by Korto, visit the Rate the Runway section of Bravotv.com.
Next Wednesday's episode entitled "What's Your Sign?" has the 8 surviving designers teaming up to create a garment around the astrological sign of their partner. The designers will also be taken on a field-trip to receive inspiration from the stars. The guest judge for this episode will be noted womenswear designer and creative director for Calvin Klein, Francisco Costa.
Who will rise to the top as a shinning star and whose future on Project Runway will sparkle no longer.
To find out, Stay Tuned and Stay Fashionable!
-- Alaythia
Comments