| Season AS1 | Episode 8 | Aired on 02.23.2012
In a hurry? Read the recaplet for a nutshell description! Finished? Click here to close.With Kara gone, there seem to be two camps. Kenley and Austin vs. everyone else. I guess I’m Team Kaustin? They meet Angela at the UN building to hear about the challenge. Their challenge is to design a dress based on the colors of the flag of one of the major world regions. Mondo chooses Jamaica, Michael chooses Greece, Mila chooses Papua New Guinea, Jerell gets India, Austin goes with Seychelles (admission: never freaking heard of that country) and Kenley gets Chile. So, they’re also required to base their designs on the culture of the country they got. OK, Austin is wearing this sort of French sailor outfit that’s so cute and that needs to be said.
Mondo stresses -- quite accurately I believe -- that the real difficulty of the challenge is not getting too literal. Poor Austin has the hardest time. He has a ton of freaking colors. Joanna comes in for a consultation and declares that it’s the most talented room in the history of Project Runway. Sorry Kara! She asks Mondo how a bra is meant to be worn with his design and he says it’s supposed to be worn bra-free. Wrong answer! Michael’s dress can’t be worn with a bra either and Joanna really has a problem with this. She says that women WANT to wear underwear. People are getting bolder talking shit about each other's designs, though Austin does say some kind things about Mila’s design. Kenley uses polka dots again, which...sorry, I just don’t mind. Mila hates that Kenley always uses the same silhouette every time. Mondo doesn’t even know why she’s still there. He tells Michael, to his face, that his dress is “Greece Frightening.” Clever.
Everybody really scrambles to finish their designs. Everybody thinks that Michael’s gown looks like a pageant gown. Austin thinks that Jerell’s gown is vulgar, tasteless and hideous. Ouch. Mila’s schizo half and half gown looks like a costume that someone might wear to perform the Lady Gaga/Beyonce hit “Telephone” on the erstwhile lip syncing showcase Puttin’ On The Hits. I’m completely right about that, FYI.
Catherine Malandrino, the French designer, is the guest judge this week! She’s pretty! So, Mondo only has a tiny strip in the back of his gown that represents Jamaica and I don’t think that was stupid. Mila’s gown is interesting, though seriously weird. Kenley’s is Kenley but I think looks like Chile. Michael’s looks like what happens when you’re naked in bed and someone rings your doorbell. Austin’s is sadly unfinished and Jerell’s is just ugly. Isaac warns Kenley that she needs to make a dress that looks different. It seems like the judges aren’t really wild about any of the dresses.
Michael is safe. Mondo wins the challenge. Whatevs. Kenley is in. Austin is safe! Wow, that was close. So, it’s down to Jerell and Mila. They felt that Jerell’s look was a costume. They thought that Mila’s design was awkward. Jerell is...safe! Shit. Mila is OUT. That’s surprising, right?
Want more? The full recap starts right below!Previously: The designers created a look for the Broadway revival of Godspell. Mondo won the challenge (specially judged by the amazing Sutton Foster) and Kara, having danced with boring and safe one too many times, hoofed it out of there.
Mila begins the show by telling us that she feels that the judges, though they hate her work, admire her for her risk-taking, as opposed to Kara's safe-playing approach. I hope she realizes that she just described herself as the winner in a lesser-of-two-evils sort of situation. Kenley and Austin are sitting on the couch together at the Flatotel and Kenley says to Austin that she's not sure how things are going to be now without Kara. Austin interviews that Kara deserves to be in the competition more than Jerell or Mila. Wow. Jerell I can definitely see. I don't get any of it. But, he says "definitely design-wise" and I'm not sure that pertains to Mila. She can be a bore, but there's something precise about her vision. I'm actually torn about her this season. She has become a bit rigid about her "brand" and that's not incredibly interesting, but I can't say that I really blame her. Is reality getting in the way of my enjoyment of reality television? Wah. All of that said, Kenley and Austin apparently pronounce Kara's name in two different ways. Who's right? The pedestrian "eh" versus the continental "ah"? Someone contact Janx. We needs to know. Austin tells Kenley that he thinks it might be difficult to get inspired with Kara's presence, which I think may be the biggest compliment that anyone has ever given her. And, you can't really take that away from a person, can you? But, he says that he and Kenley have each other, so they will carry on.
The designers meet Angela on the lawn of the United Nations Building. Clever. As a piece of design, that building is like top 5 in New York. It's freaking sublime. Michael says, "We're at the UN. How cool is that? I've never been there before." Heh. I don't know. There's something really funny about that line to me. It's as if someone was like, "Look Michael, we're all ready to go home. But, NO ONE is leaving this room until you say something about the UN Building in present tense. No, I get it! You have no feelings about the place, YOU'VE MADE THAT CLEAR. But, you're going to say something about it. You reach down into that mind of yours and you find something. Hey! Think of something you've heard someone else say! It doesn't matter! Anything! Now, look, you can keep on crying or you can look into this fucking camera and say something about that damn building as if you're there even though you're here and you will do it in 3...2...fucking do it."
| Season AS1 | Episode 8 | Aired on 02.23.2012
Angela is lovely. She welcomes all of them to the UN. She says that the UN has agreed to host Project Runway All-Stars so that they might present their challenge. If hosting includes not letting them within 25 yards of the front door, how gracious. Jerell says that seeing all of the flags lets him know that this is a place of extreme importance. Angela says that the UN brings countries from around the world to create lasting solutions to world problems. Then, she names some problems and peace is like the fourth problem she names, maybe because they're not always good at that, creating lasting solutions for world peace. I'm thinking about Hotel Rwanda right now. The part of the film with the peacekeepers was super frustrating. There are 193 nations in the UN and their flags are all represented. For this challenge, they will be designing dresses inspired by a flag of one of the world's main regions. The flags chosen from those regions are Chile, Greece, Papua New Guinea, Jamaica, Turkey and the Seychelles. Never heard of that last place. The handy Internet explains to me that the Seychelles is a lovely island country located in the Indian Ocean. They speak Creole, English and French -- which I guess is kind of redundant since isn't Creole a mix of English and French. Anyway, Bonzour. Each country's flag and culture should inspire the design.
Mondo chooses first because he won the last challenge. He chooses Jamaica, because of the colors. He gets to choose the designer and asks if everyone wants to say the name with him. They do! It's Michael. Everyone is so proud of their little groups this season. I guess that's what you do. Michael, who has already told us that he really wants the Greek flag and is Greek, chooses the Greek flag. He does that little Greek dance a la Anthony Quinn in Zorba the Greek and many others, I assume. Speaking of Greece -- Santorini. The wine. It's awesome. Jerell jokes that Greece is perfect for Michael because it will inspire simple draping. Michael chooses Mila , while singing her name. His voice is not half bad, though there's something embarrassing about seeing Mila have her name sung to her. She chooses Papua New Guinea (which I used to always think was two separate countries when I was young -- I think the Olympics in Seoul fixed that, or something) for it's bold use of red and black. Jerell is and chooses India. Wow, there's a ton of wrong things that he can do with India. Austin is and chooses the Seychelles, about which he knows very little. He likes to broaden his horizons though. I need to take a moment and say just how cute Austin's little Les Miz work outfit is. If I were there, I'd call him Gavroche. That leaves Kenley, who gets Chile by default. She interviews that she is actually glad that she is chosen last, because this means that if she gets frustrated with the challenge, she will focus that rage on the flag and not herself. That is not a bad point.
| Season AS1 | Episode 8 | Aired on 02.23.2012
They take some time on the lawn to work on their sketches. They are given little dossiers about their countries. Mila says that the indigenous folks of Papua New Guinea are very tribal, but she doesn't want to get too far into that. She's just going for "a touch" of it. Austin says that there's a beach feeling to the Seychelles, but not much else. Kenley calls over to him and asks him if he's getting inspired.
At Mood, Michael searches for trim that matches the Greek flag. Austin is unsure of what to do, considering his flag contains a sunburst of color -- not his typical elegant palette. Kenley tells him that several of his fabric choices are really beautiful. Meanwhile, Mila Killjoy interviews that she really can't understand the rampant camaraderie that has infected so many of the designers. She remembers that this is a competition, you see, which means no nice-y. Kenley finds a print with hearts on it. Michael says that he's never heard of a flag with polka dots. Touché.
Back at the runway, Austin puts his flag at the corner of his work table and says that he's claiming it in the name of the Seychelles. Mondo isn't sure about any of the fabrics that he bought. Jerell recommends making a "tube top and a panty." Mila is going to make an asymmetrical dress of black and red with a strip of yellow. Austin says that it's "different" and not every woman would wear it.
All of the designers, except Austin, are having dinner. Kenley says with a completely full mouth of food (she's keeping it 100% tug boat) that if she didn't get Austin out of his zone, he was going to stay in the workroom. Jerell points out that he did, in fact, stay in his zone and in the workroom. Austin is confused. He doesn't think he chose the right flag, because of all of the different primary colors.
Jerell says that India makes him think of embellishments. Kenley drops by his table and says that it's so pretty and "so Jerell." I don't believe that both of those things can exist in the same universe. Michael is already finished draping his dress, which both Mila and Kenley notice without a lot of admiration. He works fast, but I think that this looks a little simple to them. He's aware of their judging eyes. The other designers tell him that it looks like a Marchesa gown to them, which he interviews is his exact aesthetic. Yes, I see that about Michael.
Mondo says that he doesn't want to design a dress that could be possibly used as an actual flag. Well, unless you were in some sort of Cast Away situation. Then, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have a flag dress. Think about it. Fine, you'd be sort of naked when people found you, but that's really the least of your worries and, depending on the amount of time you'd been without human touch, you may just want to have the goodies out there to thank your rescuer. This is my job. Exploring the avenues. Anyway, so Mondo is really trying to turn up the personality this season, am I right? I find it pretty entertaining for the most part, but something seems a little ill-fitting and forced.
| Season AS1 | Episode 8 | Aired on 02.23.2012
Here's Joanna. Now, I usually really enjoy her clothing, but she is wearing something that is a huge miss. First, this blouse that's a cute cut but the ugliest ink blot mess of a print. Paired with this blouse are some high-waisted yellow slacks that look like old man pants on her. Boo. She tells them that they are the most talented room in the history of
Project Runway. Ostensibly, she should be able to say that every week of this season, yes?
She starts her consultation with Mondo. She has to ask him what country his flag represents. He's basically doing a black dress with a racer stripe down the back that has the colors of the flag. She likes that it's deceptively simple but wants to know how a lady might wear a bra with this gown, which is going to have pretty large cut-outs on the back. Mondo says that you don't, which gets a frustrated sigh from Joanna. She moves onto Jerell and says that she feels that his look is a national costume. He defends his choice, saying that the ethnic opulence is true to his aesthetic, which is pretty true. Is it good is another question entirely. Michael's gown is also not bra-friendly and really bothers Joanna. She says simply that women like to wear underwear underneath their clothes. Tell that to every young starlet who got out of a car in 2009.
Joanna tells Austin that she has actually been to the Seychelles. Someone has been to the Seychelles. If any readers have, I'd like to see photographs. I really like saying the name. Mondo says that he doesn't know what the draping that Austin is doing has to do with the Seychelles. Joanna's about to nail Austin as well for the lack of bra-friendliness in his design, but he says that his gown is offering only a peek of skin and will ask the question, "Is she or isn't she wearing a bra?" Well, that's all fine and good, but Joanna says that you wouldn't want the bra showing accidentally, especially the back which is usually the least attractive part of a bra.
Mila tells Joanna that her flag, Papua New Guinea's, features a bird-of-paradise, which symbolizes freedom. Her dress is going to have a short side and a long side, the long side symbolizing freedom. OK, I don't know how that will look and I'm immediately taken back to a performance by a single person on Puttin' On The Hits of the Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney hit "Say Say Say." He dressed each side of his body as one of the singers and would switch back and forth as needed. Obviously it was memorable, much like Cheyenne singing "Stand By Your Man" on Star Search. I looked that link up after writing that sentence. It was an indelible moment for me. Anyway, Austin thinks that Mila's concept is pretty interesting. Also, Joanna is excited that a woman will be able to wear underwear with it.
| Season AS1 | Episode 8 | Aired on 02.23.2012
Joanna says that she would have known that Kenley's print belonged to her from across the room. She says that she was inspired by Chilean ruffles, but Joanna thinks it looks like all of the rest of her stuff. Kenley says that she is retaining herself, but she is adding an asymmetrical element that makes the dress unique. Mila interviews that Kenley uses the same basic 50's dress foundation for every challenge. She doesn't understand why it's acceptable. Joanna asks her if she thinks that she can stand out amongst the other talent. As if she would ever say no. Mondo interviews that Kenley never listens to anyone and he doesn't understand why she's still there. OK, I get that it's scarier to take a risk and she really doesn't do that, but she just hasn't made anything close to bad on this season yet. And, that coat from last week? I thought it was pretty freaking innovative for her. Joanna leaves and they all get back to work.
The models come in for their fittings. Austin seems happy with the fitting, as does Mila. Mondo takes a look at Michael's dress and tells him that it looks like something Miss Greece would wear -- a slam for looking like a pageant dress. Someone says "Greece Lightning!" and Mondo says "More like Greece Frightening." It's like Bruce Vilanch is on set with him. Kenley finishes the day without finishing her dress, which worries her.
The day, Mila feels good. Jerell wishes he'd purchased some elastic but he feels good otherwise. Of course it's elastic that's missing. Mondo is finally worried that the judges will be bothered by his tiny use of the Jamaican flag's colors. They all have fun riffing on the "She Sells Seashells..." tongue-twister by matching it with Seychelles. That is fun. The models return and everybody has something to say about everyone else's looks. Michael thinks that Austin's is a mess. To be fair, Austin agrees in his own interview. He made his dress too short but there's nothing that he can do at this point. Michael thinks the back of his gown is great, but Mondo interviews that all his look needs is a crown to make it ready for the Miss World competition.
Michael tells hot make-up daddy that he wants his girl to have a feta eye, hummus lips and pita glow. Get it? Austin says that he loves Jerell but finds his look vulgar, tasteless and hideous. What's a few damning adjectives between friends. Mila thinks that her own gown looks very expensive.
On the runway, Angela greets the designers and introduces Georgina, Isaac and guest judge Catherine Malandrino. She has a lovely smile. Kenley reminds us that Catherine designed an entire collection inspired by the American flag. Hmm. The show begins with Jerell's look. It's essentially a black dress (I write "essentially" because there are so many THINGS on this dress, I'd be here all day describing them). Anyway, it's a black dress with a sheer top above the bust line. There's a white stripe down one arm. On the other side of the dress, it appears that he has taken some green chiffon and just tucked it into a bunch of places on his dress. It's just typical Jerell wrong. I'm sure he has an audience out there. I just can't for the life of me figure out who that might be. It is, naturally, exactly what he wanted.
| Season AS1 | Episode 8 | Aired on 02.23.2012
Kenley's dress is and, yes, it is still a '50s cinched waist, boob hugging silhouette. But, BUT, it is very short. And, AND, there is an asymmetrical triangular panel of ruffled pink fabric amongst the polka dotted fabric. Also, it has long sleeves and a high neck and the shoulders are only kind of puffy. I say this is progress. And, the dress is just fucking cute. You can't take that away.
Here's Austin's dress. It's pretty bland for what we usually expect from Austin. Except that it's also not really a great color either. It's this bright blue, which would be pretty except that the construction is not great. It's just sort of hangs on the model. He says that the dress is not up to his standards of perfection but that his model does look beautiful. Like a breath of sea air. That's kind of true. She does look like that.
Here's Mondo's dress. It's a very sleek dress from the front. All black with long sleeves. The back is cut out with a racing stripe of mitered strips of fabric like the Jamaican flag. He's very happy with it. It reminds me of that dress that Hillary Swank wore to the Oscars the second time she won (I still can't believe that I can write that and it's true) with the high front and the naked back.
Here's Mila's gown. It's half a black dress with short sleeves and a short skirt. Half of it is a long flowing red dress with a big open sleeve. She thinks it's super cool and modern and, to be fair, it's actually made pretty well from what I can see. With the drastic changes in length, there could be pulling and weirdness happening and it looks to move pretty well.
And, here's Michael's gown. It's essentially a barely draped white gown with a naked back and a strap made of silver and blue ornamental jazz. He wishes he'd had more time to fix it.
Afterwards, they all stay on stage. Kenley says that she gave her dress a Spanish flair. Catherine likes that she didn't go overboard. Isaac loves the feeling of it, but tells her that she needs to try to do something different. Angela says that she likes the white stripe down the arm of Jerell's look, but Isaac points out that it's sewn poorly. Georgina thinks that there are too many ideas present. Georgina and Catherine feel that Michael's dress looks like it belongs in a pageant. Catherine thinks that there's too much volume present in the draping. It makes it too heavy. Angela hates the blue bow at the shoulder. Georgina finds Austin's dress to be pretty, but she feels that he deviated from the actual colors in the flag. Isaac thinks that the ruching in the bodice looks tortured and Austin admits that time management might be his Achilles' heel (though he apologizes for referencing Michael's country, which Isaac appears to find hilarious). Fine, but that doesn't answer Georgina's questions about his color story. Isaac says that it's not a bad dress though and Angela goes as far as to say that it's not even the worst dress she has seen on this season of the show.
| Season AS1 | Episode 8 | Aired on 02.23.2012
Mondo says that he wanted to make something simple and fun. Everyone loves it, though Isaac isn't wild about the back and Catherine finds the hair (dreadlocks) distracting. Angela says that she likes the neckline of Mila's dress but is really disturbed by the asymmetrical bottom.
The judges confer. Isaac is sold by Mondo's dress, except for the back. Georgina thinks that Mondo really thought about being restrained for this challenge. Catherine brings up again that she was not crazy for the hair. Angela says that Kenley's dress is modern and fun. Georgina thinks that Kenley's look wasn't quite complete. Isaac thinks that Michael's eye was off this week. Georgina liked it, but Catherine reminds her that it was a beauty pageant dress. Georgina puts Austin in the bottom, though she says that she loves him. She felt that she could feel his suffering in the workroom based on his gown. They felt like Mila forced her aesthetic on the challenge. Too many ideas in Jerell's look. Isaac felt it was a mess, what with its construction problems and scattered focus.
The designers return to the stage. Michael is safe. Hmm. He was in the top? OK, whatever. The winner is between Mondo and Kenley and...it's Mondo. Kenley is in and Angela reminds her about what Isaac said about stretching herself. Austin is in. It's down to Mila and Jerell. Jerell is... safe. That means that Mila's out! I just didn't really expect this right now. Angela wishes Mila luck and she leaves. She interviews that she's proud of what she has done and has evolved. She gets hugs from everyone backstage. She says that she wants to show a Fall 2012 collection at New York Fashion Week. Goodbye, Lady Mila Killjoy!
Jeff Long loves that Austin and Isaac bonded over a quip about Greek mythology. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @jblong.