Wednesday night's episode of Project Runway, entitled "Nature Calls" challenged the remaining four designers to create a look that was elegant, yet tastefully organic. Hostess Heidi Klum began the episode by rewarding Liberian born Korto Momolu, last week's challenge winner, with the opportunity to stay with her model, Catarina, or to swap models. Korto declined, and as a result, Suede and Terri's former model, Xaviera, was eliminated from the competition.
Following the introduction on the runway, the designers were led by mentor Tim Gunn to the famous New York Botanical Garden for information on the challenge. To their surprise, they were met by none other than Collier Strong, the consulting make-up artist for L'Oreal Paris! Strong explained to the designers how color and texture inspire his own work, and how they are the driving force behind HIP, L'Oreal's hottest new eye shadow collection. That type of organic vibrance would be key in the challenge, which he explained was to create an evening gown inspired by nature. Gunn then directed the contestants to grab a camera, and spend one hour taking photos in preparation for their design. Back in the workroom, the designers were given thirty minutes to choose their favorite picture, and allowed $250 to create the look.
Florida based designer Kenley Collins, struggled throughout this challenge from beginning to end. Angry at FIDM Grad Leanne Marshall's supposed sabotage last week, Kenley continued her defensiveness by separating herself from the entire group of remaining designers. The move proved costly, however, as Kenley found herself without several yards of tulle that was accidentally left at Mood Fabrics. While the other designers had the material available, no one felt any sympathy for her bad luck and therefore refused to give her any of their leftovers.
The separation seemed to make Kenley lonely, but at every turn she spent her time either trying to further isolate herself, or make her own presence even more awkward by simply staring at the other designers. Her introverted and angry behavior appeared worse than ever on the runway, and before the final judging, she was the unanimous choice by the other three designers for elimination.
Lovely FIDM Alumna Leanne Marshall once again claimed a spot in the top two with a gorgeous lavender colored gown with soft sculptural pleating. Georgina Chapman, guest judge and co-founder of the ever-elegant label, Marchesa said of Leanne's design, "I like the balance between the structure and the softness. I think you did a great job with the bodice, that's hard to do." Fellow judge and Editor at Large for Elle Magazine Nina Garcia chimed in as well, adding that she was "very pleasantly surprised."
But Leanne's work fell just barely short of Los Angeles based Jerell Scott's strapless, plum colored dress with layered red and green fabric. "I love what it does!" exclaimed hostess Heidi Klum, while Nina Garcia mentioned, "it's the most youthful." Top American designer Michael Kors also approved saying, "it's a very elegant dress...it intrigues me." Jerell's gown looks just plain wacky to me, but none the less he earned the win for this challenge. However, this win did not secure himself a spot at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week...
Liberia native Korto Momolu, found herself in the bottom two this week with her plunging neckline tangerine gown adorned with beaded lace. Michael Kors exclaimed "it's really not a sophisticated dress. I think it looks like a beauty pageant." Nina Garcia agreed saying the design "comes off very overworked."
While the judges chose not to seek elimination, Kenley Collins's burgundy-purple, sleeveless, belted, mermaid gown was also placed in the bottom, garnering a majority of the negative comments. Made with a rough, almost scaly material, judge Nina Garcia mused, "it looks like a reptile, but not in a cool way. The whole thing is kind of creepy." "She does not look hip at all," exclaimed hostess Heidi Klum who continued by saying that the look was "not elegant." Guest judge Georgina Chapman added, "it doesn't look very organic." The judges also spent a good amount of time expressing their sheer disgust for Kenley's attitude, but in the end, chose to keep her around.
Next Wednesday's episode of Project Runway is Part One of the Finale. Although all four designers are making a final collection, only three will officially show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC, with a shot at winning the money, the car, and the title. We all feel that FIDM Alumna Leanne Marshall is the ultimate winner, so why make us wait for her moment of victory any longer?
Almost all of the final stitches are in place, but to see the end of this season unravel,
Stay Tuned and Stay Fashionable!
--Alaythia
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