Temperatures are rising. My blood pressure is too, I'm afraid. This episode was filled with tension. In addition to the usual last-minute scrambling, more of the designers were doubting themselves -- and being nasty to other designers.
The challenge was to create a day-to-evening design for Banana Republic. Tim Gunn told the designers that they had to group themselves into groups of two. Nick worked with Santino, but interviewed that he would have rather worked with Chloe. Kara and Zulema had a major meltdown after Tim told them that he did not like their design. But they listened to his advice and pulled it out in the end.
Before the runway show, the designers had to create a window display to correspond with their design. People on the street were allowed to vote on their favorites. At the runway, Santino told Michael Kors that a lot of people know Banana Republic and NOT Michael Kors. And no, folks, he's not gone as a result. Andrae and Daniel (who is becoming the dark horse of the competition -- well, and I guess Andrae too) win the challenge. Marla and Diana, though they fought valiantly, are deemed the losers.
Previously: The designers had to create a "potty" dress for Nicky Hilton. I'd mentioned earlier that Heidi's enunciation has seemed to improve, but she did sound like she was saying "potty." Zulema got a little hot under the collar when someone borrowed her dress form. Marla ripped off her design from a dress that Nicky Hilton had previously worn. Tim Gunn did not approve. Neither did the judges, though they liked Guadalupe's design even less, sending Lupe home. Santino, with much humility -- oh wait, that's a unicorn t-shirt, not humility -- won the challenge. Only ten designers remain!!
Morning time at the Atlas apartments; as everyone is getting ready, Kara and Mara find a t-shirt that belonged to departed Lupe. Marla folds it quite reverently. Maybe the designers think that they get killed once they are eliminated. Design to the Death! Very Running Man. Marla interviews that it's "weird" when one of their roommates is eliminated. Zulema interviews that nothing changes for her when someone leaves. You know, it wouldn't kill you to just be like, "I wish them luck. I'm sad." Whatever. It's just being nice.
In the boys' apartment, we see Santino polishing his boots. He interviews that winning the Nicky Hilton challenge gave him a boost of confidence. Now, he will attempt to walk on water. I can't imagine what else Santino could do with his already surfeiting confidence. ["I can. It involves a barber's chair and soft restraints." -- Sars] He tells his roommates that he is going to design all of the merchandise in the Hilton hotel gift shops. Nick replies that, "Santino's head is that big." Daniel interviews that he thinks Santino has been arrogant about his win. He continues, saying that it doesn't matter how many challenges you win, only that you are always performing at peak quality.
At Parsons, Heidi greets everyone. She tells them that they will be designing for Banana Republic. Whoever wins the challenge will have their garment sold in "select" Banana Republic locations, as well as online. Deborah Lloyd, the head of design for the Republic, will meet with them, and they will find out about the specifics of the challenge.
First, though, a model has to be eliminated. Santino's model, Heather, and Lupe's model, Eliza, enter the runway. Santino says, "If there's one thing that I am, it's a loyal person. And, you know, my loyalty is with Heather and I want you forever, so…" Eliza seems like a good sport as she gets her kiss from Heidi, wishes the designers good luck, and leaves the runway. She could've danced all night, that Eliza. Carry on!
At Banana Republic, Deborah tells the designers that their challenge is to make a day to evening garment. It should be sophisticated, classy, and modern for the day and sexy and fun for evening. Man, that's been done. And here's the thing: you always know when someone's wearing her work clothes out at night. I don't care what kind of day-to-evening sorcery Deborah Lloyd wants to conjure, you can still tell. I guess it's probably tough work making Banana Republic seem like they're doing something different every season. Don't get me wrong, I kind of love the place, but they make gray slacks and striped shirts. A new pocket on the pants is not going to make it "from church to safari" or whatever the hell theme they're working that year. It's still the General Store. Deborah repeats what she said last year: Don't lose your personality/remember the Banana Republic customer. Heidi makes that proposition sound sexier by adding, "This challenge is about molding your personal vision to a national brand." Put that way, it sounds kind of exciting.
The designers are given time to choose from bolts of fabrics of the style that Banana Republic will be using in their spring collection. Zulema interviews, while chuckling, "Banana Republic is completely to the left of what I design. We are polar opposites." I wonder if Zulema realizes that she just described herself as way right of Banana Republic. It's made funnier by the fact that she was kind of condescending when she said it. Then they do this weird snapshot montage of the designers looking at fabric. If they've done that before, I don't really recall. It's kind of funny. Like "Designers On The Go!" Can't stop, just take a picture! We see a quick moment of Diana interviewing that winning the challenge would be a big deal to her, and then the designers are out the door holding lots of fabric.
Back at Parsons, Tim tells everyone that they will be working in teams of two. Each team will make one design. He then gives everyone a minute to choose his teammate. Andrae goes to Daniel. Marla goes to Diana. Diana interviews that she and Marla have similar creative processes. Not a good sign, her saying that. Santino interviews that Nick was looking around the room. He says in his interview, "Dude, if you are looking for someone else to be partners with, you're barking up the wrong tree. Because I don't want Emmett or Marla or some dead weight again." Okay, so Santino seems aware that maybe Nick wouldn't want him as a partner. This is interesting. His voice reveals a little insecurity. I guess you don't have to be Dr. Joyce Brothers to assume that there would be a little self-loathing behind all of Santino's bravado. But we know what happens when one "assumes." Actually, I'm not sure that rule pertains to reality TV, but I'm going to pretend for a while longer. In the interest of full-disclosure, I must admit that I have a habit of giving people a little bit of a pass when they are as talented as Santino seems to be. God help me if I ever actually had to be in the same room with him, but the guy seems like he's got the goods. Yeah, he's a dick, but he's not competing in the "Don't Be A Dick" Contest. He'd totally lose that one.
Anyway, Nick says in an interview that he would probably have chosen someone other than Santino as a partner. He wanted Chloe, but Emmett snaked her before he could make his move. It's the designer version of cock-blocking. On closer viewing, though, you can see that Nick is looking at Santino before Emmett ever makes his move. So, I'm wondering if Nick is just saying that after the fact. Or he wanted Chloe to choose him and he was just waiting around. Don't be a victim, Nick.
Zulema interviews that Kara chose her. At the time she was trying to absorb that they were going to be on teams and thinking, "Oh my God, we have to team up. I don't want to team up with anyone. I just want to do this by myself." Again, way to pretend that you had no control over your situation.
After the teams are chosen, Tim tells them that they will have to decide 1) whose design to create, 2) whose fabric to used, and 3) whose model to use in the runway competition. Then everyone gets to work.
Diana interviews that her initial design idea was to create a pencil skirt where "the front part could flip back to reveal a slip." We see Diana remind Marla that Banana Republic is "minimalist" and "something you would definitely see at work." Marla says that they decided to use Diana's design because she was "very strong in her ideas." However, she adds that she is not totally behind the concept. This is totally the victim episode. Everybody is letting stuff happen to them instead of taking charge.
Daniel and Andrae settle on a design that it appears was originally Daniel's. Daniel describes it as a sexy dress topped with a spring-y cropped jacket. Andrae interviews that they are "thinking like one person." His eyes are like saucers as he says this. He reminds me a little of Brittany Murphy in Clueless right now. He's a little embarrassing in his enthusiasm. As over-the-top as he can be, though, I'm starting to see Andrae as less affected. Crazy, but real.
We see Chloe and Emmett working on their design. They seem like a good team. Chloe interviews that she is happy to be working with the big guy. Emmett explains that he and Chloe are familiar with the Banana Republic clientele. I can see that.
Santino interviews that his original idea was to make something Asian-influenced. Okay, I'm a man, so I don't spend a great deal of time in the ladies section of the BR, but I'm fairly convinced that I've not seen a lot of Asian-influenced design there. Like, almost positive. Now, here's something weird. We hear Santino say, "I've seen where Banana Republic is going." Yet, we don't. I'm no expert, but it really, really sounds like "I've seen where" "Banana Republic is" and "going" are spliced together. Aside from the voice-overs on the runway, I've not noticed a lot of situations like this on Project Runway. Maybe he said something similar and they are just reducing the statement to its basic meaning. It's weird, though, because just as I was thinking, "Has Santino been to Banana Republic? I mean, Asian?" we hear a contorted statement answering that. Or maybe Santino just has a crazy, contorted-sounding voice and I'm a conspiracy theorist. In other news, I swear to God I thought that J.T. Leroy was a fraud like six years ago. So did a lot of people, but…I'm just saying.
Santino does continue in his interview, saying, "I feel like I know their future." I still think that first part was patched together. We see Nick and Santino disagreeing over some elements of the design. Nick interviews that he thinks that Santino may be a bit much for Banana Republic. Also, he says that he "predicted" that Santino would take over, and he did. This is just more victim talk. We see Nick tell Santino that, while he knows that Santino will do whatever he wants to do, he wants to make sure that he has expressed his doubts. That way, when they are on the runway, he can say that he spoke his mind earlier and Santino didn't listen. Defensive designing. Come on, Nick.
, we see Kara and Zulema working. They appear to be having communication problems. They are using Kara's design. Zulema interviews that she "relied" on Kara because her design is similar to the Banana Republic aesthetic. Kara interviews that, since she and Zulema are very different in terms of design style and aesthetic preferences, she is not sure if she made the right decision in choosing Zulema as a teammate.
Tim Gunn comes back for a moment to tell everyone that the losing design in the challenge will result in the elimination of both associated designers. Suddenly, it's not enough to play the victim to your teammate. Make it work, people. Everyone seems really alarmed by the news. Commercials.
When we return, Kara explains that the double elimination means that teammates are "bound" to each other. I kind of like how the element of "I just have to not be the worst" has, to a degree, been removed from this competition. So often, it seems like people are counting on the failure of someone else, instead of their own success. Tim says, "This is the classic 'Make It Work' time."
After he leaves, everyone starts working in earnest. Andrae does a survey, and it appears that everyone is using the same fabric -- navy charmeuse. Andrae whispers to himself, "That's so scary." Zulema says to Kara that a "roomful of navy" is "so fucking boring." Right you are. But then she interviews, "If I see silk charmeuse put on another garment one more time I'm just gonna puke, 'cause I'm so over the fabric. It's so overused." I can't tell you exactly why I'm so annoyed by her right now. Maybe because she chose silk charmeuse when she had other options? Maybe. Maybe because she seems to always sound like a full-of-shit know-it-all? Likely. Kara insists that they stick with the navy charmeuse. Zulema continues in her interview, saying that she and Kara are having to compromise because they each have such different styles; however, she's not sure if they are compromising in the most productive way. Yeah, that's a tough call. We then see Zulema kind of stomp out of the workroom, but she may just be going to the restroom or something. Not necessarily important.
Diana and Marla are discussing an element of their design, and Diana appears to be overcome with self-doubt. "I don't know. What do you think?" she says as she cups her head with her hands. Marla tells her not to panic. Diana interviews that she felt more strongly about her design earlier and is now having doubts. So, she's "changing [her] ideas around." Marla interviews that she doesn't feel like the skirt of their design would be flattering to someone's body. Of course, she speaks up now that she knows they might both be eliminated. Santino says that "Diana is grasping at straws and she's so ridiculous in there. And, I can't stand the sound of her voice. 'No, I think. No, I think. No, I think it should really be this way Marla. Nah, nah, nah, nah.' And it's just like, Oh my God." You know what I can't wait for? The reunion show. Because either it needs to be revealed that Diana was just some sort of asshole who pretended to be nice on camera, or Santino needs to get his ass handed to him on a platter. From what we've seen, there's no excuse for him to act like such a jerk about the girl. I really hope someone asks him why he was so rude. He can be all "I'm the greatest" all he wants, but nastiness is not part of being self-confident. Quite the opposite, actually. I'm trying to think of who should be the equalizer. I say Chloe. I want her to be all, "Why'd you say such smack?" Since (prediction) he'll probably be in the final three, I doubt he'll care very much. I hope, though, that he gets a little comeuppance for his behavior.
We see Santino and Nick working. Santino makes several suggestions about adding things to their design. He interviews that he and Nick work well together and are "probably going to win this one." I know I might sound a little schizophrenic when I say that this was actually kind of priceless. It's that type of confidence that's kind of infuriating, but really entertaining. Still, he doesn't need to be a jerk. I like the confidence, not the nastiness. Nick interviews that he likes Santino's "Asian aesthetic," but it's hard to "have your own voice with Santino." It's even harder to have him not make fun of your voice (see above). He continues, saying that they have found a "happy medium," and both of their design philosophies are represented in the design. Nick adds, "The fact that you won't see 500 trims on it -- you know I've tamed the beast."
Everybody is rushing around. We hear a really intense moment with Zulema and Kara. "Do this first," says Zulema. "Do this first." Then we see Zulema kind of throw herself on top of what Kara is working on in order to stop her. "We have to get this done now," says Zulema. "Finish the skirt. This is a last-minute thing." Kara is looking at her with a kind of stunned and petulant stare. In the sewing machine room, we see Zulema say to Kara, "Just leave the seams clean. I don't like it." It's not clear whether her behavior is necessary or not, but damn, girl is severe.
With two hours remaining in the workday, Tim Gunn enters. He goes to Daniel and Andrae and tells them the jacket of their design looks "so precious." He's not complimenting them. Andrae defends the jacket saying, "The jacket should look like, 'No. I'm not going home with you.' Then, she takes it off and now she says, 'But I might let you buy me a drink.'" And I think we have a first -- Tim Gunn seems convinced. In a way. He says, "Well, then, I think you've achieved it." He doesn't love their design, but their concept is definitely present in the garment.
Tim drops the words "beautiful" and "stunning" when reviewing Chloe and Emmett's design. I'd say he approves.
When Tim asks Diana and Marla to explain how their design is coming along, we get the foreboding scuba-diver music. This is not going to be good. Tim insinuates that their design is too complicated. Marla interviews that she was relieved when Tim advised them to change paths, which is a touch annoying since she's had every opportunity to make the point to Diana herself. He tells them to have a "substantial dialogue" about the design. In other words, "Pull your shit together."
Zulema tells Tim that they are rushing and that they "have two different styles." Tim says, "But you've got to make it into one." The girls should actually be embarrassed that he's just had to state something so obvious. Then, for real, Tim gets the goddamn vapors. I think he almost passes out. Looking at their design, he says, "Oh boy. I'm sorry." Then he grabs his forehead, like, seriously, the guy's going to faint. "I don't see it. I just don't see it. I mean, I have to tell you, I think the two of you are really off the mark. And you're so talented." Kara interviews that she feels that the challenge is about cooperation and that she and Zulema may be a bad pairing. In her interview, she's crying and says, "What do you do? You can't go backwards." You are correct. Tim drives his feelings home with, "Yikes. You are the last two I would ever expect to be out with this challenge."
And here's where my impression of Zulema changes. I think. She interviews that she is a calm person under pressure. In addition, she says that Kara became so hysterical that she had to "take over." Then, she tells Kara to "trust" her with a new dress design. "I'm telling you it will work. I'm telling you." Zulema decides to use a different fabric -- a black-and-white patterned fabric. Zulema says that no one else is using it. Zulema says that they can make a dress with a "seamed bodice, with pleating." She stops Kara and tells her that she's wasting time. Seriously, Zulema is fucking hard-core right now. I have to respect that a little bit; she is not going down without a fight. Santino, who would presumably be minding his own business, instead interviews that Kara and Zulema are "at each other's throats." Kara is bawling while Zulema is going "ape-shit." Right after we see Zulema barking some orders at Kara, we see her interview that, since Kara is lagging, Zulema has to push ahead even stronger. Point taken. She furthers that "weakness could mean the end for both people." That's so apocalyptic.
Diana interviews that, after Tim told them that their design was "too bizarre," they dropped the folding-back part of the skirt. Now, it's a pencil skirt with functioning buttons on the side. Marla interviews that they are pressed for time.
Zulema continues berating Kara, and I find it kind of exciting. Kara interviews (still crying) that their design is not coming together. "I know the doom, " she says, "And I just don't think it's the right time." Again, has Heidi told them that they'll be killed when they lose a challenge? The mannequins are looking around for an escape. I mean, really, who knows when they'll be ? In the workroom, Zulema says to Kara, "I don't care if you cry and cut. But, you've got to cry and cut. You've got to cut at the same rate." Okay, part of me wonders if Zulema is actually making Kara cry, because some people just don't handle that kind of speaking very well. However, there is a clear forward progress involved in everything she is saying, so I kind of feel like the girl is getting shit done. She may talk a lot of bullshit in her interviews, but it looks like she's showing her mettle right now. "Don't stop and cry," she adds, because she's relentless. Daniel sweetly kisses Kara on the cheek to comfort her. Kara interviews (still crying) that she knows she has more to give and she feels heartbroken.
When the workday is over and they are all leaving, Santino says, "Tresemme, here I come." Actually, you're going home right now. Kara lies on the worktable. It's tragic. Commercials.
The morning, Marla is brushing her teeth at the kitchen sink and Kara, who looks obliterated, is standing over a tray of iced Dasani water. Story: Last year, I was going to Woodstock, NY for the weekend with some friends. We stopped into a Rite-Aid to grab some water and Twizzlers and crap. The sales clerk was the most bizarre and interesting fellow that we've yet to stop talking about. He had this really lock-jawed Yankee accent and did a really loud "price check on the Dasani water" over the loudspeaker. Then he told the following joke: "How can you tell the difference between Lobster Newburgh and a Newburgh lobster? Lobster Newburgh is a delicacy in a fine restaurant, and a Newburgh lobster is something that was dead in the Hudson River before you caught it." Yeah, that's it. By the end of the weekend, the following joke had been born: "How can you tell the difference between laying pipe and piping a Lay? Laying pipe is a euphemism for sex and piping a Lay is when you are icing a potato chip." Unnecessary? Yes. I'm sorry. Anyway, Marla asks Kara if she is angry with her, and she says that she is just upset from the night. Kara interviews that she is not confident about the runway show.
Oh my goodness. In the boys' apartment, Santino says, "Auf wiedersehen, Zulema and Kara." Then, in the kitchen with Andrae, who looks like he's cleaning his breakfast dishes or something, Santino impromptus the following song: "Fashion. Lighten up, it's just fashion. Lighten up, it's just fashion. Lighten up, it's just -- take the corncob out of your ass. Fashion! Lighten up, it's just fashion. Fashion, lighten up, it's just…fashion." And the Grammy goes to… Andrae looks thoroughly harassed by Santino's song, especially the "corncob" part, which included some choreographed action involving Santino's hand and Andrae's ass.
At Parsons, Tim Gunn tells everyone that the designers will have one hour to fit their models and have their hair and make-up done. Zulema interviews that she and Kara had to break down the design and construction of their dress into what had to be done and what they could "get away" with not doing. It kind of seems like that should be the focus of every challenge, since time constraints are usually the eliminated designer's downfall. Marla interviews that when she and Diana were finished, their design looked "complete." Ringing endorsement there, huh? She also says that they felt safe that they would advance to the challenge. Chloe mentions that the jacket of their design is reversible, and she hopes that their model, Grace, can pull that off on the runway. Zulema says, "I love this," about her dress.
Tim enters and tells everyone that they are "taking a field trip." This gets an immediate "Oh no!" from Andrae, even though he doesn't know where they're going. That's weird. Nick interviews that he thought they might go to "some fabulous Park Avenue apartment." Why? We never hear his reasoning. They arrive at (surprise!) Banana Republic, and are greeted by Tim and Alessandra Brunialti, who is the head of women's design under Deborah Lloyd. Alessandra explains that marketing is a huge part of a designer's success, so the designers are going to have to create a window display to correspond with their design and, hopefully, compel people to buy it. Oh my God, the whole time she is describing the display challenge, Andrae is cooing and aw-ing like an insane person. Dude is on 11 all of the time. And, as time goes on, sometimes, I love it. Alessandra interviews that Banana Republic customers will vote on who had the best design and the best visual presentation. I'm not sure if that means everyone will be voting twice (once for presentation, once for design) or if voters will be combining the two elements into one vote. The winner of challenge will be decided via the voting, and the rest of the designers will be judged on the runway. Tim takes over, telling them that each team has been assigned a window and their models will serve as "living mannequins." That sort of thing usually sounds pretty dorky to me, but Tim Gunn sells it like it's caviar. Each team will have $200 and thirty minutes to shop at an art supply store for the materials for their window display. Then they will have an our to assemble their window "installations." Tim thanks Alessandra and they are on their way.
Everyone's scrambling at the art supply store. Santino interviews that their display will be a scene with their model as an art gallery director. Marla and Diana were arguing because Marla didn't want their window display to look "stupid." At Banana Republic, they are putting their stuff together. Kara interviews that she sees the window display as a second chance to make their design work. They work together feverishly, and it looks pretty exciting. Their idea is to have circles similar to those in the design fabric all over the display.
Emmett and Chloe seem to be moving along smoothly. Chloe interviews that Emmett decided to create two life-sized drawings of their design -- one as day wear, the other as evening wear. We see Emmett drawing on their backdrop, and it's looking pretty good. Through the glass of the window, Tim tells them, "It is more fabulous than I can say." I don't think they can hear them, but Emmett seems to gather that Tim likes it.
People from the street are watching all of the designers put their displays together. Daniel interviews that he and Andrae painted onto their backdrop two clocks representing 9 AM and 9 PM. There's a vertical painted border between the two clocks, and their model will transform when she walks from one side to the other.
Of Diana and Marla, Tim asks, "Do you have a master plan?" Translation: "I don't think you know what the Sam Hill you're doing." They are bookshelf together and making some paper fan thing. Marla interviews that wadded paper will be spilling all over their display, creating a hectic office look. She continues, "I was thinking our window looked stupid." Geez, Marla. You've come this far. Don't give up like a -- I don't know. A person that gives up. Don't do that! You're going to lose eventually, but you can live through this week. Not that you should; I'm just saying.
We see Santino and Nick working, and it doesn't seem like it's going well. Santino interviews that their window was an odd size and hard to access. Nick says, "We couldn't even get a lot of the stuff that we wanted to get in there, so it really limiteded [sic] us." Maybe I shouldn't make fun, but "limiteded" is a funny word. It's my job, people. As they're painting on their backdrop, Tim screams, "P. U. That's what that is." Nick just kind of nods and smiles, because, Tim -- no one can hear you through the glass. I'm surprised that there's not some sort of fashion sign language. I'm not sure when you'd need it aside from the current situation, but I'm sure it would come in handy. Tim stops everyone, and they come outside.
We see the people on the street looking at the displays. There are ballots in the store, and people are able to vote on which display they like best. Andrae interviews that he feels their display was witty and made people "chuckle." Rebecca walks between the day and evening sides and adjusts attitudes. It's cute. Kara is really happy with their model, Eden. There are circular patterns all over the backdrop, and Eden is just sort of pizzazzing all over the place. Marla interviews that she feels that her and Diana's display looked incomplete. It's pretty lame, just a desk and lots of crumpled paper all over the place. It works for daytime, but where's the evening? The drawings that Emmett did for their display are remarkable. It's really whimsical, and Grace does a great job going from day to evening.
Santino and Nick's display is a disaster. It's all this nappy butcher paper with "Banana Republic Art Gallery" scrawled across it in paint. You maybe could make the argument that it's punk rock to have a kindergartner's penmanship, but you'd be hard pressed to make that argument convincing. Santino interviews that he glanced in the voting box and didn't see a single vote for him and Nick. He continues saying he "doesn't know how that's actually possible. But, whatever." Whatever, indeed. We see Kara and Zulema congratulate each other and clink their Dasani water bottles. Tim grabs the voting boxes and they head back to Parsons.
Heidi welcomes the designers to the runway. She introduces the judges: Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Deborah Lloyd. The judges will determine the losing team. The runway show begins.
First up is Daniel and Andrae's design. It's a black dress with a drop waist. The bodice is loose. It's kind of like a flapper dress. The jacket is white with three-quarter sleeves. It's cropped, so it doesn't button; when the jacket is removed, you see that the dress has spaghetti straps. It's really cute. Daniel interviews that their concept was very "clear" and "Banana Republic." Andrae says that Rebecca looked "really sophisticated" walking down the runway.
Zulema and Kara's design comes . Zulema interviews that this was "the achievement of a lifetime." It's pretty. It has a fitted bodice with spaghetti straps and a flowing skirt. Over the top, there's a white blazer. The blazer is sleeveless, with shoulder pads. It's cropped in the center, so it really only meets at the waist. It's not amazing, but it's not a failure. Zulema says she never again wants to be in the position she was in during this challenge. Kara says that their design was "clean" and could fit in at Banana Republic.
Up is Marla and Diana's design. It's the much-reported pencil skirt, with a matching blazer. The blazer is short-waisted with three-quarter sleeves and a dramatic v-neck and large collar. Underneath the blazer is a silver satin top with a draped neckline. The model is also wearing a scarf around her neck that she removes when she removes the jacket. It's all kind of cute, but that skirt is, under no circumstances (save memorial service or cat burglary), suitable for evening.
Chloe and Emmett's design is . It's a high-waisted black skirt, with silver vertical seams along the legs. The top is silver satin and sleeveless and, at the neck, has a loop through which a strap is laced. There is also a silver bow at the front. The effect of the strap is a halter-shaped top. On top of the blouse is a cropped black jacket. Grace, the model, easily removes the jacket and reverses it, revealing a shimmering silver and black pattern on the other side. That is some damn virtuosic modeling. I'd have knocked my own tooth out doing that. Emmett interviews that he is happy with their design. Chloe commends Grace's easy reversal of the jacket.
Finally, we have Nick and Santino's design. It's cute and abstract, with lots of Asian influence. Also, it doesn't look like anything that ever has been, or ever will be, in a Banana Republic store. Nick recognizes that it's a little "out there." In Santino's Memoirs of a Person with a Clue, he interviews that his design seems really Banana Republic-appropriate. He concedes that it may be a little "forward."
Heidi calls all of the designers onto the runway. She tells them that, "surprise," they will all be kept onstage for the question-and-answer session. All of the models return to the stage. Deborah tells Daniel and Andrae that she likes their design. It's "feminine and beautiful," and she feels that they listened to her instructions. Nina likes how "versatile" it is. Michael says very seriously, "It's cute. It's very cute." I love how somber he looks when he says that. He says that he feels they achieved the challenge's objective of merging their styles with Banana Republic's style.
Deborah tells Kara and Zulema that, when she first saw the dress, she thought it was beautiful. However, on closer inspection, it looks unfinished. She asks them if there was some "last minute-ness" to their design. Zulema replies that she and Kara have different "style," which left them pressed for time. Michael Kors says that the dress is "adorable," but he can't "figure out this '80s, like, power-bitch, Mugler jacket." His final verdict -- loves the dress, not sure about the jacket.
Deborah tells Diana and Marla that she had a "hard time" with their design. "Who was your sort of woman behind it?" I'm not sure if she's asking which designer thought of the concept or what "kind" of woman they imagine wearing the design. Diana replies that they wanted to represent the BR's reputation for making classic separates. Deborah says that she likes each piece, but none of it seems that modern. Michael says that the model looks like a stewardess, and he's "waiting for her to bring [him] a cup of coffee." Santino laughs and pushes his hair behind his ear at this. That's "hair," singular. Attention: Cut your hair if you're balding. Don't be that person. She does kind of look like a stewardess.
Nina tells Chloe and Emmett that she loves their outfit. Michael concurs, but adds that it looks more Bergdorf's than Banana Republic. Chloe says that she is aware that it looks very expensive ("like Bergdorf Goodman's"), but it's a less expensive option. Nice save. She defined what he meant by "Bergdorf's" and made it a good thing.
Deborah asks Nick and Santino to describe their thought process. Santino says his girl is an art director or works at a fashion magazine. Michael says, "I know the most powerful women in the art world. They're my customers. They would not walk into their galleries dressed like that." Santino says that he feels that Michael's customers are "a little bit older." He continues, saying that his design is for "the Banana Republic woman." And he's not finished; he says that he knows women who know Banana Republic who don't necessarily know Michael Kors. What a motherfucker. Okay, say whatever you want about Michael Kors's designs. Say whatever you want about his motives for being on this show. The truth of the matter, though, is that his name adds a cachet to this show. It gives it some prestige. And, Santino, you are taking advantage of that by appearing on this show yourself. So, how dare you say something so nasty to this man's face when his presence here is going to benefit you? Santino is a dick. He may know how to make pretty dresses, but his attitude sucks. Being able to win over trashy ol' Nicky Hilton doesn't mean he's got charm, either. There's no point to what he's saying except to be rude. He's essentially saying, "I'm Banana Republic and you're nobody." This design would never be in Banana Republic in the first place. I don't know why I'm feeling so defensive on behalf of Michael Kors all of a sudden. The guy's rude, though. Deborah tells Santino that their design is "beautifully styled," but not "believable" for the Banana Republic customer. Nina is done. She's all, "It's too much. It needs to be edited, yet again." Nina asks how they worked together. Nick, like a wimp, dances around saying that Santino puts a lot of extra shit on his designs and he tried to limit that; instead, he says a bunch of nothing. Nina says, "I don't really think this looks elegant. I'm sorry." I think Santino may be a bit dead to her these days. The designers leave the runway.
Deborah says she liked Daniel and Andrae's design. Michael agrees, saying it looks like they worked well together. Nina and Michael like Chloe and Emmett's design. Deborah, however, feels it's too "esoteric" for a Banana Republic customer. Heidi says that she liked Kara and Zulema's design. Deborah thinks that the jacket and dress didn't go together. Nina goes a step further and says that it looked like two people designed the garment and could not agree on what to do. Michael considers this a failure, because the object was to make a garment with "one cohesive statement." We see a shot of Kara and Zulema backstage, and they seem friendly. When Heidi brings Diana and Marla's design into the discussion, no one seems happy. "Wake me out of my nap," says Michael. "Dull," adds Nina. Wow, I didn't realize that they hated it so much. Deborah says it's "secretary cliché" without "quirk." Michael's not done. He adds that, not only was it boring, it also was not "woman-friendly." What, the garment won't allow her to vote? It expects sex when it takes her out to dinner? Oh, because it's "flat -- really, really flat." I see. Diana is crying backstage. Chloe tells her not to feel bad, further upping my expectations that she will be the equalizer at the reunion show.
Lastly, Heidi introduces the subject of Santino and Nick's garment. Deborah says that they didn't listen to the requirements of the challenge. Oh, Deborah, how simple-minded you are. You're still worrying about the upcoming spring collection, when Santino has been kind enough to see into the future for you. Remember, he knows where the BR is going. Michael says that Santino is always trying to show everyone how creative he is. "He's trying too hard," says Nina. She again says, "It's too much." ["Does anyone else think Nina is going to dress Santino down so badly at some point that he storms off the runway?" -- Sars] Heidi then tells the judges who received the most votes for their window display, as well as the fewest. We don't hear the results, but we see the judges' reactions. They say that they agree with the winner. Nina and Michael only make faces in reaction to the loser. Nina's says, "There you go." Michael's says, "That's right, bitches."
The designers are brought back onto the runway. Andrae and Daniel win the challenge! They hug each other. Deborah tells them that she can't wait to have their design in the spring collection. Andrae says that he is "thrilled."
Emmett and Chloe are "in." Kara and Zulema are "in." They look SO relieved. They say their thank-yous and leave the runway. Kara does a little shimmy when she walks behind the runway backdrop. The girls hug each other when they get backstage.
Heidi tells Santino and Nick that they were "over-designed" and that they didn't design for the Banana Republic woman. Oddly, Santino doesn't huff, nor does he puff at these remarks. Maybe he's learning? Heidi tells Diana and Marla that their look was boring and wouldn't "work for day or night." Santino and Nick are "in." They leave the runway. Diana and Marla are "out." They get their "auf wiedersehen"s and leave the runway. Emmett is the first to stand and hug them when they come backstage. Daniel also comes over to say goodbye.
Okay, I know there's been some controversy over Diana, but I have to say, I'm really sad to see her go. She seems really sweet and I like her design philosophy. And I like that she's a big ol' geek. She interviews that she has learned during her time at Project Runway what it would have probably taken her years to learn in the fashion industry.
Kara is hugging Marla when Tim enters to escort them back to the workroom. Marla interviews that she hopes to challenge herself more in her designing. That would be really cool. I hope she does that too. Diana finishes, saying that she is very excited to see what life holds for her. Well, let's hope that a reunion show smackdown is part of her future.