The challenge was to create a three-piece outfit for Inc., which is a clothing brand sold at Macy's. One of the executives at Macy's chooses four team leaders -- Keith, Robert, Bonnie, and, uh, Angela. Yeah, weird. Those guys choose team members and everybody gets to work.
After the first day of work on the challenge, Kayne of Many Colors discovers that Keith has pattern-making books in his room (which is illegal) and informs the producers. As a result, with much fanfare, Tim Gunn arrives and tells Keith that he has to leave! It was amazing. The best part, though, is when he's leaving, he gives an apology to the other designers and it was uncomfortable and entertaining and I'm conflicted but I hate himâ¦it was heaven.
The designers still have to finish their designs, though, and Jeffrey and Alison are working without a team leader. It proves to be a positive experience, as their design ends up in the top two along with Angela's. â¦Yes, I know.
That means that Robert's and Bonnie's teams are in the bottom two. Bradley had to construct these pants for Bonnie that were the total hit of the shit parade, so he's in danger. Other than him, Robert and Bonnie are on the chopping block. In the end, it's Bonnie that is sent home. She is really tearful during her exit and it is very sad.
The day, the two top teams go to Macy's. The winner's design is to be in the storefront window, but when they all get there, it's Angela's design in the window. What's that? Okay, so I guess, uh, Angela wins the challenge? No, I'm fine. Angela wins the challenge. Well, good for her.
Previously: the designers had to create a look based on some really cute little puppies. Angela barely, BARELY survived being auf'd with the nasty creation that she coughed up. Katie was unluckier for making a dress that was really boring. Bradley was so slow, he almost didn't get an outfit ready in time for the runway show. Uli's design won. In other news, Keith continued to be an asshole.
It's wake-y time at the Atlas Building. As Bonnie and Uli are rising, they ponder if the girls will all be moving into one apartment -- now that Katie has been sent home. They don't mind the prospect. "Just not Angela," says Uli. Man, Uli's been pretty nice to everyone, too. If she doesn't want to be around you, you're not popular. Or maybe it's just a roommate thing. Perhaps, unbeknownst to us, Angela is suffering from the night terrors. Night terrors certainly lower your value in roommate terms. Take it from me.
Angela interviews that, after the last runway show, she needs to gain everyone's respect. Step one, Angela, would be to cease and desist with the freaking clown skirts. One of them almost got you kicked off the show -- you'd think that this would be the perfect time to rethink the fucking skirt. Well, maybe that's tomorrow. For today, she's sticking with the skirt. Also, I can't stop giggling when I see "Freelance Fashion Designer" under her name. Maybe she's not the person who thought of that. It just seems like you could replace "Freelance" with "Unemployed." In which case, we could all be a freelancer at anything. Like, I'm a "Freelance Game Show Host." Actually... I may put that on my résumé. Thanks, Angie!
Jeffrey tells us that, having not won a challenge, he feels like no one understands him. If I were writing a script for Jeffrey based purely on his appearance, "No one understands me" would be the first line. You know that guy says that shit all the time. He's really jealous that the judges seem to love Keith and thinks that Keith's greatest talent is bullshitting. First of all, touché. There's not a "second of all," except that I hate Cosa Nostra as the name of a clothing line. It just seems like one more poseur-y thing to add to Jeffrey's Big Fat Phony Persona.
At Parsons, Heidi arrives in a micro denim mini to tell the designers that their challenge will be to design an outfit for INC (International Concepts). INC is sold in Macy's stores across the country.
Now we're choosing models. Uli gets to choose because she won the last challenge, and decides that she's going with a different model. She chooses Nazri and interviews that she chose her because she wanted to take her away from Keith. Nice. She gives Keith a little shoulder squeeze that is awesome. Like, "I'm so sorry. I had to do this." Then Heidi pulls out buttons to see who will choose . A lot of the designers go with different models this time. And there's more than a little bitchiness inherent in the choosing of another person's model. Love it. In the end, Alison's model, Toni, is auf'd. We see Alison looking at the floor, avoiding eye contact, as Toni walks off the runway. Bye, Toni!
Back at the runway, Tim is there to tell them more about the challenge. He introduces Mehmet Tangoren, Macy's VP of Contemporary Sportswear. Mehmet's got a shaved chubby head with a soul patch. It's a look that immediately repulses me -- just throwing that into the ether. You know those genres of appearance that are just viscerally disturbing? Fat bald head with a soul patch is one for me. And short, spiky, dyed red hair with chocolate lipstick on a lady. It makes me crazy. Like, I have to get out of the room. Unnecessary? Yes, but totally totally true.
Mehmet explains that their challenge will be to create a three-piece look for INC. He says that an INC customer is "ageless" and "fashion-forward." The brand is really important to Macy's. Big seller.
Tim says that the challenge will be performed in teams of three. The designers look alternately stoic and pissed. In other words, nobody's, like, pumped or anything. Angela interviews that this team challenge will give her a chance to redeem herself. Maybe you can make yourself look like a better team member than the designers think you are right now, but a solo challenge would be better for saving your name as a designer. Like, "I sucked when I made that dress by myself, but now I'm on this team and we made something awesome. Isn't your idea of me as a designer changed forever?" But, baby steps, I guess.
Tim says that they want to put the designers "inside a real-world industry experience," so they are going to take turns doing blow off each other's asses. Wait, different sort of experience. Instead, they are going to pitch their ideas to Mehmet to see who the team leaders will be. You know that guy's got a stash, though, so we may kill two fashion birds with one shiny shiny stone. Why am I picking on that poor guy? He's done nothing. I'm sorry, Mehmet.
So, Robert Best is always wearing sunglasses, huh? Maybe it's the lighting, but none of the other designers are squinting. Sensitive retinas on that bad boy. He interviews (sans sunglasses, thus ruining my point -- but he does wear the shades a lot) that working with Barbie has prepared him for challenges such as this, because he had to present strong ideas to clients often.
Tim tells the designers that they have thirty minutes to sketch. Plus, he gives each of them an INC dossier, which explains a little bit more about what the INC style is all about. We hear a patchwork interview from Keith, the gist of which is that his work in menswear has prepared him for pitches like the one he'll be giving to Mehmet.
Bonnie, who is sporting the permed, streaked hairstyle of Kate Jackson in Scarecrow and Mrs. King, has worked for Nike and knows what it's like to design for the dirty masses.
Angela reminds us that she doesn't sketch. But she adds that it just isn't part of her "process," which -- as annoying as she may be -- I guess is totally her right. I mean, if she expects people to want to invest in her designs based solely on the ridiculous words that come out of her mouth, more power to her. I predict doom. She acknowledges that not being an adept sketcher puts her in a rough position, so I give her some points for exhibiting at least a touch of self-awareness. Frankly, I'm more than a little surprised to detect any grasp on reality from the woman who acted like thinking up "Jubilee Jumbles" was profound. I still get shivers, people.
After the sketching period, Tim takes them to Macy's to pitch their ideas to Mehmet. The same Mehmet who was in the workroom thirty minutes earlier. I guess his collar starts giving him electrical shocks if he's away from the office too long. Again, this is my problem, not yours, Mehmet.
Everyone pitches their ideas, and it sounds like there's some pretty good stuff. Laura says that she wants to create "the Holy Grail of Shopping: the perfect pair of black pants." She'll revolutionize cater-waitering! Alison wants to make skinny jeans. Keith explains a convertible tank top that can be pulled down and worn as a dress. I can't really visualize that, but it sounds really cool. Robert is talking with his eyes closed again. I think he must have eye issues. I'm not making fun, either. Mehmet is my current target for senseless slurs. FAT HEAD. I like to explain because the line between observation and cruelty is a fuzzy one. Probably even fuzzier for Robert because he is clearly going blind (observation). FAT HEAD (cruel).
When Kayne of Many Colors is pitching, he says that he loves color and attributes it to his being from the South. I've said before that me no like-y when people are coy about being from the South. This is no exception. I think even he realizes that it's kind of corny as it's leaving his mouth. Vincent tells Mehmet that he hears that grey is "going to take the place of brown." What he doesn't tell Mehmet is that, in his world, there is a war being waged. The future of the universe is at stake. The warriors? Crayons -- Craysaders, one might say. Mehmet, though fat of head and souled of patch, knows crazy when he sees it.
Angela tells Mehmet that her inspiration was the Empire State Building. She wants to translate it into her outfit. Hey, hey -- looks like someone caught a little of Season One at the ashram.
Mehmet announces the team leaders. First, is Robert "Dark Victory" Best. , he chooses Bonnie, who he says seems to really understand the INC customer. Third is Keith, who gets kudos for the colors that he chose as well as for his presentation. Finally, he chooses Angela. Okay, we can do this. Angela seems really happy. She's glowing. She interviews that this is a really big deal for her. Mehmet tells her that he loved that her inspiration was the Empire State Building. Michael is standing to Angela when she is chosen and can't really hide how surprised he is. He says as much in his interview. It's pretty funny. Kayne of Many Colors says, "She hasn't really shown other people her great talent yet." In other words, "Bless her heart."
Jeffrey interviews that he is afraid that Angela might pick him to be on her team. Even more than working on a design he doesn't like, he hates working for people that he doesn't like. Well, life is going to be hard for you, Jeffrey, since everyone else is such a selloutphonyyuppiescum, huh? Poor guy. It's gotta suck being so much fucking cooler than everyone else.
At Parsons, it's designer-pickin' time. Tim chooses giant buttons from the lovely black velvet bag to see who will choose a team member first. It's Angela. Her pact with the devil really appears to be working out for her. I might have to get me one of those. Jeffrey reiterates that he doesn't want to be on Angela's team. It's just now that I see that Jeffrey appears to have shaved strips into his right eyebrow. I guess it could be some weird scar, but it looks like he shaved them. The mannequins are like, "Bitch is lucky we don't have arms. We'd slap the eyebrows he does have clean off his stupid poseur head." Hey, Angela Chase, you're fucking thirty-six years old. Get over your shit! Really, though, doesn't that seem juvenile? Again, maybe it's a scar, but you know it isn't. It's too perfect. You know he shaves his eyebrows.
Well, Jeffrey's safe for now, at least from Angela. She chooses Michael. I can't really do his reaction justice, because it was so funny. He says really slowly that when she chose him, he was like, "Damn!" He shakes his fist like, "Foiled again!" When are we gonna see more of this guy? I believe I'm catching a whiff of the Daniel Vosovic treatment here. We didn't hear anything from Daniel until the challenge that he won. Hopefully, that bodes well for his future.
Robert chooses and goes with Kayne of Many Colors. Keith's turn to choose is and he chooses Alison. She interviews that Keith chose her because he can't sew. There's a kind of claws-out feel to the designers now, what with the model-stealing and all of the smack-talking in the interviews. I like this very much. Bonnie chooses Uli. We're back to Angela and she chooses Laura. This is going to be good. I expected to hear some shit talk from Laura, but no. Robert chooses Vincent , which says a hell of a lot about the people that remain, including my sweet and yummy Bradley Baumkirchner. I guess it's understandable, since he was so close to meltdown during the last challenge. I guess crazy is preferable to befuddled. Jeffrey looks like he's thinking, "No one understands me!" Keith chooses him. He interviews that he chose Alison and Jeffrey because he knew that he could tell them something once and not have to repeat himself.
That leaves Bradley to go on Bonnie's team. He interviews that he felt horrible, like the "kid left out of kickball." Bonnie interviews that she was concerned about having Bradley on her team because of his performance during the last challenge. He looks so sad.
Tim announces that the winning design will be produced by INC and sold at Macy's' "largest stores." He declares it "very very thrilling." Each team will have $100 for supplies. He gives the teams fifteen minutes "to caucus" before they go to Mood. I know it has been mentioned before by posters, but don't you just love a man who can sling around the word "caucus" that gracefully?
As Robert is explaining his design, Vincent is shaking his head. Now, there's always the possibility that he was reacting to some sort of internal dialogue, but it looks like he doesn't like Robert's design. He confirms this in his interview. It's kind of annoying, because after he's finished explaining, Robert asks, "Gimmicky? Love it? Hate it?" But it doesn't look like Vincent has anything to say. No, he's waiting for the interview say how he feels about Robert's design. Productive. Vincent interviews that he doesn't like Robert's design at all, but since Robert's the team leader, he's just going "along for the ride." Again, commendable attitude for the grown-up.
Angela is describing her inspiration to Laura and Michael, and Laura interrupts to tell her that Angela needs to figure out what colors she wants to use -- and fast. Angela interviews that she knows that most of the designers think she's coming out of "left field." If we're using the baseball metaphor, I'd say that the designers think Angela is a hot dog vendor. But, moving on... I have to say, Angela appears receptive to input from Laura, which is more than I can say for a lot of the designers with their teammates.
Keith tells Alison and Jeffrey that he wants to give everyone tasks based on their strengths. Then he assigns Jeffrey the job of making the pants for their design. Alison points out that, since Keith is a menswear designer, he has much more experience making pants. Keith assigns Alison a really complicated turtleneck because it's jersey knit and she has more experience with jersey. Jeffrey interviews that he and Alison were given the most ambitious pieces of the outfit.
At Mood, everybody is doing the usual fabric scramble. Bonnie mentions that it was difficult to find stuff within their budget. Michael picks out a fabric with peaks printed on it that makes Angela think of the Empire State Building. She giggles and says, "Can I totally hug you?" Then, she hugs him. I expected both Laura and Michael to look a little freaked, but they took it in stride. I don't know whether to be disappointed, or ashamed of my own hateful nature. "Disappointed" is easier, so I'm going there. Laura interviews that they were happy with Angela's choices. "It was more appropriate for this particular challenge than the full-tilt boogie Angela quilted extravaganza of puff." You see, without my own hateful nature, I might not have enjoyed that as much as I did. And I LOVED IT. That was fucking funny. The mannequins are like, "We're in stitches!"
, we see Keith telling the salespeople at Mood that he overspent and needs a "discount." In other words, he wants something for free. I assume the people at Mood already know that they are getting $100 from each designer. And it's not like a designer can take his business elsewhere. He's asking for free stuff. And it looks like he gets some free stuff. Jeffrey interviews that something about Keith seems off. Keith interviews that he always breaks the rules a little bit, because he thinks he's right. Just a teddy bear, that Keith.
Back at the workroom, everyone gets started. We see Laura and Angela working together, and it looks like Angela has a distinct vision, yet accepts input from Laura. I don't know what to say. She's doing a good job.
Bonnie calls out, "Get on those pants, Brad-lay." She interviews that she is worried about him finishing his part of the outfit (which is the pants). Bradley interviews that Bonnie keeps hounding him. "Maybe Bonnie was doing that because she doesn't like my beard. Maybe I should shave everything and just leave the mustache. Maybe then she would've lightened up, you know?" Okay, that's really fucking funny, agreed? I'm not just saying that because... you know, because.
Keith asks Alison for help, which clearly annoys her because she has her own work to finish. She interviews that Keith has never made women's wear, so he's "starting over in a lot of ways." Finally, she starts helping him and Jeffrey grouses that Keith is fucking around and they're doing all of the work. He feels like Keith has been successful so far because he makes basic garments, then charms everyone. Sounds like we've got a Jan Brady in the house. Kayne of Many Colors agrees with Jeffrey, though. And he does so while wearing a gay hybrid of a wife-beater that is a definite NO. It's a huge mistake and I'd like to just forget it ever happened. Kayne of Many Colors says that Keith is making Jeffrey and Alison do all the work. In his interview, his hair is matted down on his head. What is happening to him? ["Yeah, Low-Flow Kayne wasn't working for me either." -- Sars]
The workday is over and they all go back to the apartments. There's some crazy gong-y bass drum shit going on -- something's about to go down. Maybe someone's about to confront Kayne of Many Colors about the t-shirt. Tough love, bitches. Somebody's got to do it. As they're lounging in their beds, Kayne of Many Colors tells Vincent that he found pattern-making books in Keith's bedroom. Vincent agrees that Keith is breaking the rules by having the books. In his interview, Kayne of Many Colors explains that when he arrived at Project Runway, any sort of aid like that was taken from him. It gives an unfair advantage over the other designers. He brings Robert and Michael into the discussion. Robert, wearing a much more acceptable version of a wife-beater, says that the rules have been made very clear to them. Anyone with a pattern-making book knows that he shouldn't have it and is breaking the rules. The mannequins are all, "I'm staying out of this. But, if the subject of that t-shirt comes up, I've got a thing or three to say." Michael points out that their contracts stated that anyone found in violation of the rules would be immediately dismissed from the show. At that point, Robert tells Kayne of Many Colors to go to the producers -- it's not their issue to handle. Commercials.
We come back to Tim arriving at one of the apartments with some books in hand. He interviews that the rules for the show are very clear and concise. He's dead serious when he says that the designers are told that NO FASHION HOW-TO BOOKS ARE ALLOWED. Tim says that Kayne of Many Colors told the producers about the books, and the producers told Tim. He adds that Keith also left the production for several hours and used the internet -- two more violations of the rules. Tim enters and sits on the floor while Keith sits on a bed. He says that Keith is talented and that his possession of the books makes Tim sick. Because of the books and his departure from the production, they are kicking him off of the show. He has to leave that night. Whoa. Damn! Would you like some ketchup with that justice? I'm sorry, maybe he was just an asshole because of his ambition, but it's nice from time to time to see a jerk get his ass handed to him. Keith interviews that he didn't expect this outcome.
Keith says to his roommates that he understands their feelings about the situation and he apologizes. Then, Kayne of Many Colors kind of unnecessarily says, "But do you not see, you brought this on yourself?" Oh Jesus, stop now. Robert, though, makes a good point. "It's a competition with extreme odds."
And, just when I was about to feel sorry for him, Keith whines, "My image has been tarnished forever. I'm off the show. And I'm going to be a laughingstock to all my friends." First of all, we're not friends. Second, you're acting like someone did something to you. This is all you, buddy. Not to mention the aura of dishonesty that surrounds Keith in general on the show -- and his alleged indiscretions discussed on the forums. Suddenly, Kayne of Many Colors's comment is making a lot more sense. Then, even more annoyingly, Keith says that they are all under a lot of stress, which makes people want to find scapegoats. Butt munch. AND he says he never used the books to give him an unfair advantage. I'm guessing that he thought the advantage they gave him was totally fair. Finally, he says that he thinks he would have made it to the end of the competition and he had a lot of tricks up his sleeve, like entire other designers to complete his designs. Something real illegal. Whatever, he's out of our lives now. At least until the reunion. God, I love the reunions.
The day, in the workroom, Tim breaks the news to the designers. He very diplomatically explains that the "mere possession" of the books is grounds for dismissal. "Project Runway is nothing without its integrity and its seriousness of purpose. And therefore, Keith had to leave." Laying down the law! Tim Gunn is the goddamn sheriff of the fashion Wild West.
Vincent interviews that Keith was stupid to do what he did. Laura says, "Keith -- what an asshole. I'm glad to see him gone." I haven't really seen any evidence to contradict that Laura is really fucking cool. I just completely dig her. The mannequins are right with me, people.
Tim concludes in funereal tones, "Jeffrey and Alison are going to have to carry on and, frankly, make it work." I can hardly handle how great all of this is right now. If it weren't for the stupid techno twang layered on this scene, it would maybe be perfect. Isn't this show successful enough that they can invest in some not-cheap-and-stupid-sounding music?
The news of Keith's departure and the prospect of finishing the challenge looks like it's really freaking Alison out. She seems to be crying a little bit. Of course, she is staring out a window and from the back, we see her wiping her eyes. Maybe it's allergies. She says it's sad to think about how badly Keith wanted the opportunity that the show gives them. That is true. And I feel bad that he felt so desperate that he had to break the rules. He clearly had a lot of talent, so it's really unfortunate that things went down like this. But he's a big boy. He should've known better. time, switch out your freaking book jackets, people. No one would've had a problem with Elizabeth Takes Off: On Weight Gain, Weight Loss, Self-Image, And Self-Esteem by Elizabeth Taylor. And it would've been expected. Duh.
Bradley tells Bonnie that he's figured out the pants for the outfit, and she and Uli make jokes about Bradley going home if he's wrong. Bradley interviews that he is a "squid with no ocean. I'm an eagle with no sky." Designer AND a poet? This guy is a catch. In the workroom, he jokes in a maniacal voice, "Laugh now, Bradley, but you'll be thrown into the pit." Way to go, designers. You've alienated Bradley. You've driven the man to poetry.
There's trouble in Taradise -- Kayne of Many Colors and Vincent are not feeling Robert's design. KoMC thinks it looks like something a flight attendant would wear. Now, I present to you the fact that flight attendants no longer dress like that, and wouldn't it be nice if they did. There is lots of collar working on the outfit. Robert interviews that Vincent kept disagreeing with him and he was like, "You are entitled to your wrong opinion." Must remember to use that. Robert also notes that KoMC has the "taste of a love-starved hyena." And you cannot argue with the man right now. Kayne of Many Colors is currently Kayne of Orange. Just the one color. He's wearing a sherbet-orange t-shirt and shorts set. It's truly hideous. And his hair is still matted down. At first, you would think the hair was an unrefined move towards a more conservative hairstyle. But I think what's really going on is that someone ran out of their Aqua Net. Ask Tim Gunn to make a run to Ricky's for you -- because this can't continue. Vincent interviews that his approach is to just let things go if he doesn't like them. Some would say it's better to maybe help or something.
Angela's wearing her Scottish conductor's cap -- and she's making those little flowers that she put on her doggie outfit. Michael interviews that Angela loves "little cutesy details." She wants to put the rosettes on the outfit. In the sewing room, Laura tells Michael that "she's in there making her little grandma things. It's not funny! 'Cause we obviously just can't stop her from hanging herself." Maybe a little nasty, but when was the last time you saw someone try to save a person from themselves on this show? Some would say that, strategically, that's not the best plan -- but I still like it. Time will tell. Laura interviews that Angela has a "wacky design aesthetic." We see clips of Angela's taste being ripped by the judges. Then we see her telling Michael that she wants to put rosettes all over the pants. Michael tries his best to lead her away from that idea, until he just kind of throws himself on the worktable. Laura suggests using the rosettes as buttons, and everybody likes the idea. Maybe Laura can stop Angela from hanging herself. Angela interviews that the collaboration with Michael and Laura is going very well. Now, I kind of have to give her a little credit right now. I mean, it seems pretty clear that Laura and Michael are doing most of the good work on this outfit, despite Angela. But she is the team leader and she could really fuck this up if she wanted to. She could have an ego or try to be a bitch about sticking to her ideas. Or she could try to act like she's doing all of the work -- which is not the case. Instead of a sit-back-and-let-them-do-it attitude, it almost seems like a purity of spirit that is allowing her to accept their ideas. I'm verbose about it simply because I'm expecting this to be the only time I don't hate her. But, really, she's approaching the whole team thing very positively.
With two hours remaining, Tim enters the workroom. He starts with Robert's design. When he is searching for a word to describe the look, Kayne of Many Colors offers "flight attendant." No, Tim finds it matronly. Vincent reminds us -- for seriously like the fifth time, I think -- that he never liked Robert's design. He thinks it's plain. This, from the man who made a jumper and biker shorts for a challenge. Suddenly, he's full of ideas.
Laura describes for Tim her horror at hearing that Angela was making her "granny circles." But she says that they all liked them as buttons. Tim says that they "work." Angela jokes that she can't believe that Laura doubted her. She interviews that Tim had nothing negative to say about the outfit. I think he is as surprised as we are. Angela says, "I led him to the light." She laughs, but I'm not sure she gets the joke as well as we do.
When Tim makes his way to Bonnie's group, the death gong music alerts us immediately to the fact that there is trouble. Bradley explains that the pants that he made suddenly have "issues." The shape is weird. Uli interviews that the pants were flawed in the design (Bonnie), not the production (Bradley). She feels fine because she is immune.
Keith and Alison explain to Tim that they had talked with Keith about every step of the design, so they are familiar with it. Tim is impressed with the product, as well as how much progress they've made. Alison interviews that she wants to make the design as beautiful as Keith's original idea. I think she has a soft spot for Keith. I can appreciate that. It almost makes me like him a little bit that someone as sweet as Alison appreciates him. "Almost" being the operative word.
That night, a lot of the designers are sitting around one of the apartments. Kayne of Many Colors interviews that, though Keith broke the rules, his departure is sad. Uli wonders what he's doing -- and here is where we realize that we didn't see the side of Keith that they saw. I mean, he still sounds like a dick. Just different. The ideas about what Keith is doing include "partying," "having fun," "calling people on his phone," and "naked." I'm maybe a little sorry that we didn't see that side of Keith. Wouldn't a nudist fashion designer be a funny addition to the show?
Jeffrey interviews that he is very proud of the work he and Alison did. He thinks they might have a chance at winning the challenge.
The day, at Parsons, Tim tells everyone that they have two hours to get their models dressed and made up. Okay, Angela mugs for the camera. I want you to start counting how many times you see her start to smile. She smiles every time the camera is on her. And she wasn't smiling before the camera was focused on her. This must end.
When Robert's team dresses their model, it becomes clear that their skirt has problems. The slit in the back is really high. There's about to be some hoo-hoo in the house. They tack it, but it still opens a lot.
Bonnie is worried about the pants for her look, because it's the "least interesting" piece in the outfit. If she's preparing to throw my boy Bradley under the bus, we're gonna have problems.
Alison and Jeffrey are totally happy with their outfit. Their model seems impressed that they finished it by themselves. At one point, Jeffrey says that they couldn't have asked for a better fit for the outfit. Looks like they're on a winning path.
Laura interviews that Michael was in charge of the styling for their outfit. He's going to make sure that it stays "young and fresh." Nothing too granny. I really like how Laura is free to compliment other people and work with them. She continues, saying that Angela was a good team leader. Tim enters to bring them all down to the runway, and it's commercial time. The poll this week is "Did Keith deserve to be kicked off?" I'm interested in seeing how huge the majority of "Yes" votes will be.
Heidi enters the runway wearing a really odd outfit. It's like black shorts and a little strapless black top. They don't fit right. They're puffy or something. Crap, Vera Wang is replacing Michael Kors again. What is going on? Vera Wang is starting to freak me out. I want Michael Kors back. Nina Garcia is joined by Mehmet Tangoren.
The show begins with Angela's design. It consists of a pair of really fitted gray slacks, a short-sleeved and -waisted blazer, and a long-sleeved pink blouse with a v-neck. Everything looks really sharp and nicely tailored. There are some shiny accents on the pockets of the blazer and pants, which are set at an angle. For me, that's where the Empire State Building influence is manifest. The model is carrying a shiny oversized handbag, is wearing sunglasses, and has a silver chain around her neck. The styling by Michael is working really well. Angela interviews that working with Laura and Michael was a "dream" because they both sew well and have great taste.
up is Robert's design. The first thing I notice is the white jacket that covers it all. It seriously looks like a parachute jacket from the early '90s. Totally. Not "reminiscent of" -- my friend Melissa had that exact jacket in the early '90s. It's what she wore when she was having her monthly time. I am not making a joke, people. She had this big jacket that she would wear -- it was her "fuck it" look. I doubt INC is looking for looks to complete people's "fuck it" wardrobes. Underneath the jacket is a jersey skirt, and sweater with a white-collared shirt underneath. The cuffs are French and are doubled back over the sleeves of the sweater. It's not bad; it's just so different from the jacket. I can't for the life of me figure out why he made that jacket. Again, I'd like to reiterate that I'm not making any stupid "girls on the rag" jokes. Melissa wore that fucking jacket every month. Robert interviews that he is really jazzed by his outfit. He does point out that it was not his intention to have the slit show as much of the model's hindquarters as it does.
Bonnie's model goes . It's pretty simple. It's a cowl-necked salmon-colored turtleneck with a long white jacket over it. The jacket ties at the waist. There are wide-legged brown trousers beneath. It kind of reminds me of the patterns they sell at the fabric store, which can't be a good thing. Bonnie says that she is happy with the design. It's for a customer who is looking for something safe.
Finally, it's Keith's design. It looks super-hot on the model. The first thing I notice is that the pants are amazingly tight-fitted. Good job, Jeffrey. At the bottom of the leg, the pants open on the sides and have some really cool button detailing. The top is a turtleneck. The bottom of the turtleneck is what appears to be the straps of the tank top that Keith was talking about earlier. I'm still not sure what he meant, because I don't think anyone could wear that as a dress; but it looks really cool, like suspender straps hanging down. On top is this really great gray coat. Everything is modern and stylish. Good stuff. And I believe the model is Camille? She's our breakout, I think. She's gorgeous. Alison interviews that she and Jeffrey felt awesome when they saw their outfit.
Heidi asks Jeffrey and Alison and Angela's team to step forward. They have the highest scores. Robert and Bonnie have the teams with the low scores, so they leave for now. Backstage, Robert says, "They want to fuck with our heads just a little more."
Onstage, Mehmet asks Angela about the detail on the back of the collar of her jacket. She says, "Oh, this is my signature rosettes, which I'm obsessed with right now." Mehmet likes the proportions of the outfit. Vera loves the colors. The old Angela rears her stupid head and says, "The color palette was actually inspired by the sunrise over the Empire State Building my second morning here." That's such bullshit. She didn't even know what her colors would be until Laura told her to decide. Then Michael shows the judges the lining of the jacket and the judges love it. Heidi points out that it looks very expensive for having only cost $100.
Jeffrey says that he and Alison worked very well together. All of the judges love the pants. Mehmet says that it has the "groovy factor." Not entirely sure what to think about that. Vera likes the vents on the sides of the slacks. The winner's design will be featured in a Macy's window display -- but they won't find out who won until the day.
Now for the losers. Heidi asks Bonnie's model to take off the coat, revealing the cowl-necked blouse to be tunic-shaped. Nina is outraged. "Who uses a cowl neck?" About the slacks, Heidi says, "They look cheap, no?" Well, they are cheap. They had $100 to make the whole thing. Oh my God, Nina's not done. She HATES the fabric of the pants. In fact she doesn't like anything about the entire outfit. I feel that if Nina were closer to Bonnie right now, she might hit her or spit on her. There's some repressed memory in Nina that's surfacing right now. Some traumatic cowl-neck-and-dowdy-pants experience. There's got to be a support group for that. Hopefully, she's acknowledged the problem. For real, she's like drooling, she's so pissed off. Bonnie and Uli say that they were thinking of a broad range of customers (including older ladies), and Nina's all, "But people don't want to look old!" Bradley says that he worked on the pants. Nina asks him how he felt about the outfit and he diplomatically, though tellingly, says that what they made is very close to what was sketched. Vera says that it doesn't seem as fun as what she would have expected from the three of them.
Robert says that they were thinking of a sophisticated consumer. Heidi doesn't see how the jacket fits with the rest of the outfit. Vera notices the out-of-control slit in the back, and Nina wonders why one of the three of them didn't notice. Vincent says cryptically (but not really, because it's clear if you say anything other than "I loved the design" that you, uh, didn't love the design) that Robert was passionate about the design and he was happy to help. Kayne of Many Colors doesn't really have anything to say. Nina's still pissed. "You're here to wow us!"
The designers leave the runway, and the judges deliberate. They love Angela's outfit. You can buy any one of the three pieces and it looks expensive. Mehmet liked the synergy of Alison and Jeffrey. They admire that they finished strongly despite losing Keith.
Mehmet calls Bonnie's design "Triple LY -- last year's, last year's, last year." Wow -- there's some profundity brewing in that fat head of his (cruel). Heidi felt like it looked too 1970s. Nina's still hung up on the cowl neck and dowdy pants. "That's it."
They didn't like the jacket for Robert's design. Mehmet feels that it was the wrong proportion. Vera finds it "discombobulated." I totally agree with that. I'm not sure clothes can really do this, but I find Robert's design disorienting. Spies should wear it. Nina thinks it was cheap and boring. She's so filled with rage right now.
Robert's and Bonnie's teams return to the stage. Commericals. And 89% of voters felt that Keith deserved to be kicked off. What the hell 11% think he shouldn't have been? Perhaps the Michael clan (as in Keith's last name, not Michael the designer)?
Uli is immune, so she's "in." KoMC is "in." He squeezes Robert's arm as he's leaving. Might this be the end of Team Jolene? Vincent is "in." Bradley is "in." Thank heavens. It's down to Bonnie and Robert. Robert was too conservative. Heidi says, "We felt like your outfit was a total bore." Robert mouths a heartfelt "Ow." Bonnie is told that her outfit was not "fashion-forward." Bonnie's getting a little teary. Oh, I hate that. She seems so sweet. And -- she's "out." She immediately looks like she's fighting tears and it's really sad. As Tim takes her to clean up her stuff, she really gets choked up and there's something very upsetting about it. She interviews that she liked the challenges and the other designers. She says that she loved every minute she was on the show. Well, good luck to you, Bonnie. You're a sweetheart.
The day, Angela's team, along with Jeffrey and Alison, go to Macy's. And it's Angela's design in the window. She is thrilled. She interviews that it shows her scope as a designer, which I'm not sure is entirely true. ["It's completely wrong. If she'd showed her usual 'scope' she'd have gotten bounced." -- Sars] Jeffrey and Alison seem really bummed, and I guess I can understand. Jeffrey just wants to win "one fucking challenge." Poor guy.