Yay! It's back! And it looks like it's going to be good. We meet all of the designers as they roll into the Gotham apartments (goodbye, Atlas!) and they seem like a pretty accomplished bunch. For example, Chris March has been a costume designer for two decades, and Rami Kashou has designed for Jessica Alba. After a short greeting from Heidi and Tim, the designers are given their first challenge, which is to make an outfit that expresses who they are as designers. They have to fight over a selection of fabrics, but the challenge doesn't get any more challenging than that. On the runway, several of the designs show a lot of promise. Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and "acclaimed designer" Monique Lhuillier are our judges. The top three designers are Victorya, Christian, and Rami. The bottom three: Simone, Elisa, and Ricky. Heidi says that Elisa's design looked as if the model were "pooing fabric." Thank you for that, Heidi! The winner of the challenge is Rami, which makes me happy because the dress was a beautifully crafted one-shouldered grey number. Also, Christian seems to have a case of the bitch and I'm feeling that I'm already over it. Simone is sent home, which is a shame. She seems like a really nice lady. But we're all very lucky that Elisa didn't get voted off. I'm staking my claim on this Ms. Jimenez. There's something about her…she's our resident crazy, and it's going to RAWK! Michael Kors doesn't look as orange this season! God is smiling on us, people.
As Shania might sing from her Swiss chalet, "Looks like we made it!" Project Runway is back! Am I the only one who was at least a little worried that it wouldn't happen? What with Tim Gunn taking the position at Liz Claiborne and Fashion Week after Fashion Week passing. I missed this show.
The credits begin, and we see the new cast and their attempts at catchy one-liners. A really large guy in a leopard-print shirt and chartreuse satin tie says, "Let's go." I think that dude swallowed Fred Schneider from the B-52s. Okay, that wasn't nice. ["Especially not for Fred Schneider. Rimshot!" -- Sars] I wonder why they don't use a different title sequence for the first episode of each season. My favorite part of each season opener is meeting the new designers as they enter the apartment, and since the credits are a sort of character breakdown where we see glimpses of their individual traits, it makes meeting the designers (mere moments later) a little anticlimactic. Small complaint, sure, but… Some guy puts on his best bitchface (at least I hope that's his best. If he's got better, hold onto your false teeth) and says, "I'm in and they're out." Oh my God, there was something really evil about that guy. These credits will haunt my dreams. A bald guy says, "I will own the runway," and waves his arms like an air traffic controller. I believe that he was directed to do that. Clever, though.
The credits are over, and we see the bald guy who's going to own the runway exit a taxi. Then we see him being interviewed in front of two mannequins who are all, "Finally. I have rent to pay. Hope you enjoyed your vacation, Nina Garcia. Vengeance will be mine." The designer's name is Rami Kashou, and he is a 31-year-old "Freelance Designer." He's wearing a tank top and has a tape measure draped around his neck. Save the fussily architectural facial hair, dude is foxy. He tells us that he was born in Jerusalem (note the faint accent) and he has his own studio in Los Angeles. We see a snapshot of him standing to Jessica Alba. He has designed for her. In his studio, he shows a turquoise party frock that is belted at the waist with cap sleeves and has a flower made of fabric at the shoulder. Jessica wore the dress to the MTV VMAs, and it apparently still gets press. He says that he would like for the show to introduce his work to a larger audience.
Inside the apartment, Rami greets the large fellow from the credits. "Welcome," Rami says with a laugh. The large fellow's name is Chris March and he is 44. He tells us that he has been working as a costume designer for almost 20 years. Chris seems like a nice guy, but he also seems OVER IT. He says that he's the go-to person for over-the-top costumes. We see some snapshots of his work, and it is very creative. They're very dramatic and humorous designs. There's a Wonder Woman with a ginormous chest, and an orange Statue of Liberty. He says that he never knows what he's going to be asked to make, like, "Can you make us outfits out of salad ingredients? Sure! And I have!" We see a halter dress with a flared skirt made of lettuce. Chris's stuff looks pretty good. It's like Austin Scarlett with more camp and less romance.
, Chris greets this elfin guy with an asymmetrical haircut. He tells us that his name is Christian Siriano and he's 21. Christian attended university in London, where he was able to work with Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. Very cool. And now he's 21. When I was 21, I was making fake Weezer videos with my friend Andi riding my back like a horsey. I feel that this juxtaposition works very much in Christian's favor. The snapshots from his portfolio do look very much influenced by McQueen and Westwood. A few designs look like subverted dandies; one has a kind of S/M leathery thing (also asymmetrical) happening. It reminds me of McQueen's early aggro days. Christian's bio video is shown -- "I'm kinda fierce, and I'm kinda a celebrity…in my own head." Not to sound like I'm 100, but doesn't every 21-year-old think he's a celebrity these days? Christian checks out his room and tells Chris and Rami that he sleeps on the floor at home, because he spends all of his money on clothes (instead of a bed and bedding).
We meet our first lady designer. Carmen Webber, 37 and also a "freelance designer," used to be a model. Wow, she's pretty now, but some of the modeling shots that are shown are seriously gorgeous. Carmen has a pretty intense manner. She explains that she is fortunate to have modeled, because if you haven't modeled, even if you are a talented designer, "you don't know the first thing." That just can't be true. The designs from her portfolio are sketches in the style of seventies paper dolls. It's hard to glean much from them as far as evaluating her style. Carmen is excited to bring her modeling knowledge "to the plate." Ah, our first evocation of the dreaded "plate." "Stepping up" can't be far behind. And let's not forget the "A game." Somebody's A game has to be around here somewhere.
Jillian Lewis, 26, arrives shortly after Carmen. She has been working as an illustrator and designer for Ralph Lauren. She says that working at Ralph Lauren has been a terrific learning experience, but she doesn't want to work to realize someone else's artistic vision. I can't tell if the artwork from her portfolio is her designs or Ralph Lauren's, meaning they look like Ralph Lauren designs. Which isn't a bad thing. Her illustrations are beautifully rendered.
Carmen and Jillian are excited that they are the first to arrive, and decide to stake their claim to bathroom counter space. Jillian says that she doesn't "want those girls taking up her space" just as Kit "Pistol" Scarbo, 26 and a stylist/designer, enters the apartment. Kit introduces herself to Jillian, and Carmen tells her that they are "camping out domain." That's what's killer about recapping this show -- sometimes you're like, "It sounds like she just said 'camping out domain,' which doesn't mean anything, so I need to listen to that again. …Still 'camping out domain.' Again…" thing you know, you've listened to Carmen say "camping out domain, girl" 75 times, and it hurts.
Two more guys arrive in the other apartment. Kevin Christiana, 30 and a "freelance designer" with an obsessively manicured beard, tells us that he recently designed a line of jeans, "KJeans by Kevin Christiana." They were featured on the cover of a Victoria's Secret catalog. He is tired of jeans, though, and wants to get back to "tailored, collection-oriented work." Kevin tells us that he likes style and that there are "actually" more straight designers today than there were "back in the day." Oh my. Then he says, "I had to bring that up because I'm such a tough guy." That last comment was punctuated with an eye-roll. I won't question the veracity of his claim about the straight designer thing, but…did he seem a little embarrassed to have said that? I don't know. That's odd.
Kevin is seated and talking to Jack Mackenroth (the guy with the bitchface in the credits), 38 and an activewear designer. Jack has provided two tickets to the gun show, because he is STACKED. He shakes Kevin's hand and wishes him good luck, but adds with a laugh, "We'll probably hate each other by the end of the show." Intuition tells me that Jack is not helping to prove Kevin's straight/gay designer metric, hereafter known as KScale.
Steven Rosengard, 29 and a "freelance designer," tells us that he works at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. He says he has always been interested in art and we see him sketching (in his bio video) a still life of a nude man crouched in a ball. He looks up at the camera and says, "Damn, I wish I could remember this guy's phone number." Well, from the looks of it, he was trying to hide from you when you were drawing him, so I think you should move on, Steven. He recounts for Jack and Kevin how he almost made it onto the show the year before. There's something gentle, yet menacing, about Steven -- perfect!
Simone Le Blanc, 32 and a "freelance designer," enters the girls' apartment with her suitcase and made-up name. It's too perfect, right? ["Our viewing party kept calling her 'Simon Le Bon.'" -- Sars] Elisa Jimenez, 42 and a multimedia artist, enters close behind. She interviews with a bright smile that she is an "accidental fashion designer." She makes marionettes that are from three inches to 30 feet in size. She started designing costumes for herself in order to perform with the marionettes, which is how she got into fashion. The photos of her marionettes are remarkable. Her designs are really well tailored, though a little iffy in the taste department. First impressions: love Elisa, worry about the designs. She maps out for Simone and another girl how she's going to do her yoga in the tiny space between the bed and the window.
Marion Lee, 39 and a boutique owner, is greeted in the boys' apartment. Ricky Lizalde, 35 and a lingerie designer, is close behind.
"Sweet P" Vaughn, 46 and a "freelance designer," is to enter the girls' apartment. She received her moniker from her days in an all-girl motorcycle club. …Yes. She started a design business two years ago and is out of money, so she really needs Project Runway for her career. The mannequins are like, "Sweet P? Is that you?" Sweet P shows her tattoos to Carmen and Jillian. On one arm is a tattoo of Sweet P. On the other is a tattoo of "Mean P," whom Sweet P hopes no one will meet. Please be crazy, Sweet P.
The designers see a message in their apartments. It's from Heidi and Tim and it says that they hope the designers like the "new Gotham Apartments" and that they should meet them at Bryant Park. Everyone heads down, but not before Jack writes "Make It Work!" on the blackboard in the boys' apartment.
On the way to the park, we get to know Simone a little. She tells us that she has "an honest vision that comes from the heart." Hard as I try, I can't really figure out what that means. What are honest clothes from someone's heart? The snapshots from her portfolio don't seem that dynamic -- interchangeable shrugs and skirts and tops. The photos seem to be inspired by Mexico.
There's a table with champagne waiting for all of them when they arrive at Bryant Park. They all drink as Kit toasts, "Here's to the adventure."
Marion Lee tells us that he has a flower shop in Dallas. He designs clothes out of his flower shop. The shots from his portfolio are pretty dramatic. Very feminine, yet architectural dresses. One of the dresses looks like it might be knit, which would make it look even more amazing to me…but I can't really tell. He hopes that Project Runway will help him get "back" into fashion, but they didn't really explain how he was in fashion and left in the first place. During his interview, it looks as if Marion is about to burst into tears. Maybe the mannequins were bullying him. "We love your hat and puffy shirt!" Don't listen to them, Marion. They weren't brought up right.
Jack Mackenroth tells another designer that the Project Runway experience has been a rollercoaster of emotions. He interviews that he has spent most of his career working for other designers. He's looking forward to being able to work towards his own vision. The snapshots from his portfolio are professional and feminine, but not terribly remarkable.
Now we meet Victorya Hong, 34 and (surprise!) a "freelance designer," who tells us that she is competitive and an over-achiever. This could be good. Her designs seem flirty and sporty. They're short dresses that sort of toe that retro/modern line -- a little like Marc Jacobs.
Kit tells everyone that it's her birthday. She interviews that "Kit Pistol" is an alias, like Mark Twain. Or Puff Daddy. Her goal is to have her own fashion line. The snapshots from her portfolio are of very striking pieces, but I'm not sure I can find a thread through them. I guess they all seem a little punk rock. Kit tells us, with a droll, pretentious delivery, that life is too short to wear a bad outfit. She should work for the Peace Corps.
Ricky Lizalde thinks it's crazy that he is on Project Runway. He seems like a nice, sincere guy. He is from a family of 14 and he grew up in a two-bedroom house. Damn. He came to New York to be a dancer, but he ended up in fashion. Eventually, he opened his own lingerie line. Ricky very emotionally explains that the whole experience of the show has been huge for him. "It's not just a game…it's my life." He's nervous that maybe he won't be good enough for the competition. Oh gosh, I'm really rooting for him right now. I admire him for not having any of that tired bravado that we so often see. Go Ricky!
Okay, I hear Heidi. It's time to start this shit. Heidi and Tim ask the designers to gather round. Heidi looks good. It shouldn't be a surprise, but that lady is so freaking hot. She introduces Tim as the Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne, Inc. Fancy! Tim tells the designers that he is confident they're the strongest group of designers on the show yet. This, of course, gets applause.
Heidi plugs the Gotham Apartments and then tells the designers that the party is over. Tim says that the first challenge won't be like years past, where they used found objects to create a design. Heidi points across the lawn of Bryant Park at three white tents that have been set up, and says that they will have to use those tents as their raw materials. Their designs will need to express who they are as designers.
Christian interviews that the tents appeared to be made of plastic and he didn't want to use that "cheap white crap." Tim tells them not to despair, though; there are lots of different fabrics in the tents. They'll have ten minutes to choose from the selection of fabric in the tents. When Heidi says "Go!" they all start running for the tents. Ricky says that he ran like "a Mexican running for the border." Thing I learned: designers look funny running.
Everybody is crazy with the fabric, grabbing everything they can. Kevin gets a plaid fabric that Kit wanted. Chris, bless his heart, is the last one to make it to the tents, because he can't run that fast. But the fabric he wants is still available! Ricky says that he was a whore who grabbed a bleep load of fabric.
Elisa -- I love this -- had some silk chiffon which she chose to imbue with "a natural element." So, she puts it on the grass and walks on it with her knees to give it grass stains. That could work well, but, having actually watched this show before, I predict that it probably won't. Steven says that Elisa may be a little "off her block," but he's interested to see what she does.
Time's up; Tim leads everyone to the Parsons workroom, but not before pointing out that the only fabric not chosen was fur! Bunch of hippies.
At the workroom, everyone finds their spots. Jack interviews how exciting and surreal it was to be there. Kevin thinks that this is a great challenge because they had their choice of $50,000 of fabric with which to do anything they wanted. Tim comes in and tells them to make it work, which gets big laughs and applause.
Victorya finds the challenge difficult, because "Who are you as a designer?" is a philosophical question that designers attempt to figure out throughout their entire careers. Very good point.
Ricky decides to make a baby-doll dress with the impression of lingerie, since that's his background. That seems pretty boring, doesn't it? He tells Simone that he was a cheerleader in high school. "I was such a queen."
Simone interviews that she is creating pieces with a "romantic, historical sensibility" to them. She feels that her fabrics mix old and new ideas. Rami, who is decked out in a tank top with distractingly fit arms, says that he loves to drape. He also loves to mix feminine with edgy. Kit asks what time it is and is directed to the clock right above her head.
With 11 hours until time's up, Elisa is attacking some bunched-up fabric with shears. She explains that she veers more towards avant garde, so she wanted to create a "mythical gown." She's hacking with the shears at what she calls a "cascade" that will appear like "water or magic." She crazy. She is sitting on her workstation table, sewing her design around her own legs. "You're the dress form?" asks Chris. He interviews that they were all checking out Elisa because her process was "so different" from what everyone else was doing. I admire him for not just saying she's an idiot or something. Kevin tells her that her process is "very spiritual." Not sure I'd go that far. Everyone is being surprisingly even-handed with Elisa. Oh wait, here's Christian: "Elisa reminds me of a rain goddess woman. She's like all spiritual…and in the Himalaya Mountains. She's real strange."
With six hours remaining, everyone's starting to get a bit rushed. Jillian says that she grabs bright fabrics, but the design has to be elegant and sophisticated. I'm assuming that she wishes she'd picked something classier than the coral fabric she's working with.
Kit says that her designs are a little "bizarre" but she hopes the judges will notice her individuality. She's afraid she will confuse them. You're right, Kit Pistol, you may in fact be far too cutting-edge for the judges. Be afraid of that. Steven tells us that he likes to keep things simple and classic.
Carmen borrows a pinking shear from Jack and says, "You're the superhero and you look like one too." One of the other girls chimes in from off-camera, "Did you see his abs?" To which Jack responds, "I'm in the room!" But he likes it. Who wouldn't?
With four hours remaining, Tim returns and remarks that it seems very intense in the workroom. He stops at Rami's spot first. Rami has made a dress that looks almost completed -- he tells Tim that he wanted to "freestyle" for the challenge. Tim says it's "stunning." Then he says it again. Christian interviews that Rami is competition, but he feels like Rami's design has been done by many other designers.
, Tim spends some time with Christian. He tells Christian that there are some symmetry problems with the top he's made, to which Christian responds that "that wasn't the point." Tim then breaks it down for Christian -- the judges may love it, but Tim is obligated to tell Christian what he sees in the design. Christian says, "You want me to make a new jacket?" And of course, Tim says no. No matter how savvy each progressive season of designers becomes (i.e. knowledge about the process, judges, et cetera), there are always people who get defensive the second they are given any input.
Tim finds Simone's design unfinished. She agrees. Simone interviews that her design hasn't turned out the way she had expected, so she's a little "freaked out."
Elisa explains her design to Tim as clean in the front and messy in the back. The mangled "cascade" is supposed to unfurl as the model walks. Tim asks Elisa if that will work, and she says that when she tried it in the past, it "kind of worked." Respect her honesty, question her judgment. Tim suggests that she ask herself, "Did I take this as far as I needed to?" He's so diplomatic. Send this guy to North Korea. The camera gives us one last disgusted pan down the back of Elisa's creation.
After Tim leaves, Elisa decides that she doesn't want to "compromise" her original vision for her design. So, though her edges are unfinished and the design could probably benefit from some ruthless editing, she decides that she is done. While the other designers are working for the final two hours, she takes a nap. Again, kinda love the lack of guile, but is she kidding us?
Everybody scrambles for the final two hours. Everyone except Elisa. At one point, Sweet P asks, "How does my dress keep shrinking?" As Simone scrambles, we hear her say that she likes her design, but there are technical problems with it. Tim told her that the final success of her design would depend on how much she could accomplish technically. I like her -- she seems really nice. ["And she was in Duran Duran!" -- Sars] She says that you can't be good and have things be easy all the time. When time is up, they wake Elisa and head back to the apartments.
The morning, HOLY MUSCLES FROM BRUSSELS, Jack is shirtless and pantless and applying lotion. Hey, Daddy. He interviews that everyone was very anxious about the impending runway show. Pointed cut to Elisa as she does some yoga, and we hear an interview where she says it's a challenge for her to make her design look "clean."
When they arrive at Parsons, Simone says it was a high-pressure atmosphere and she was feeling a need to focus and get her stuff done. Carmen says that she's nervous about some finishing touches the she has to complete. Also, she's worried about the fit, because they haven't even seen the models.
Tim enters and wishes the designers good luck. He says that he is about to send in their models, at which point they will have two hours to process them through the Tresemme hair salon and the L'Oreal Paris makeup room. He also advises them to make good use of the Bluefly.com accessories wall. Also tucked away at Parsons are the H&R Block tax den and the Jiffy Lube colonic parlor.
Here come the models! As we see them finding their assigned designers, Chris interviews that he was very happy with his model. "This girl is gorgeous!" Victorya is very happy with her model too.
Now, the moment this season will have to live up to from now on. Elisa tells her model that she needs to hand-measure her. Then she…measures the girl's height using her hands. Like, when she's done she'll be like, "Mandy is seven and a half hands tall." And when she's measuring the model, it looks like a mix of dance, witch-doctoring, and molestation. It's one of the most amazing three seconds of television we are likely to witness this year. I love Elisa. Unless she's a brilliant actress, she is totally authentic with this crap.
Steven's model is having a hard time fitting into his design. Jillian's model tells her that she loves the color of the design. Christian's model tells him that his design is "very London." He responds, "I know," as if he's being criticized, but the girl is like, "I love it." He interviews that his model loves his outfit and so does he.
At 15 minutes until the show, everyone is scurrying like mad. Some are working until the very last minute. Elisa has her model do a test walk and the girl gets tangled up in the crap at the bottom. Elisa says that her intuition is telling her to cut off the bottom of the dress, but she doesn't do it. Bad judgment on this girl.
Simone has to sew her model into her dress. Oh, Simone. Christian's model tells him that she thinks everyone's design "is the best." Christian disagrees and says that "I think there's some hand-sewed crap up in here." This guy feels like a rerun. That rote bitchiness disguised as "keeping it real." Yawn.
Tim enters the workroom to bring everyone to the runway. The Bravo question of the night is, "What do you love about Project Runway?" The choices are Diva Designers, Runway Walk-Offs, Catty Judges, or Tim!
At the runway, Heidi enters in a lovely shimmering gold dress. Heidi gives her "you're in or you're out" speech in all its requisite solemnity. Three of them will be going to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (I still miss saying "Olympus Fashion Week"…I don't know, it was just better). The winner will have "the opportunity" to sell their line on bluefly.com, and will get a spread in Elle, a 2008 Saturn Astra, and $100,000 to start their own fashion line.
Heidi introduces the judges. Michael Kors…maybe it's my imagination, but I could swear he's at least two shades of orange lighter than in seasons. Nina Garcia, lit in such a way as to emphasize the dazzling array of fly-aways she is afflicted with, smiles and greets the designers. The special guest judge is "acclaimed designer" Monique Lhuillier, who designed Britney Spears's wedding dress.
It's time for the show to begin! First up is Elisa's design. Her model, Lea, is holding the train/"cascade." The major portion of the dress is really well done. The dress is a lovely blue and opens at mid-calf in the front. It has a plunging neckline and flowing, loose sleeves that leave the shoulders and back exposed. It fits the model like a glove, except…the train. The second she lets it unfurl, it gets caught under her feet. Elisa interviews that her worst nightmare about the design came true. And you only had, I don't know, SEVERAL hints that you needed to take your design in a different direction. Pull it together, Elisa.
up is Chris March's design. It is a halter dress with a very high waist. The bodice is a print that contrasts with the deep shimmering purple fabric of the floor length skirt. Not terribly innovative, but beautiful. And it fits the model, Marcia, gorgeously. The back of the dress has a diamond-shaped cutout created by the criss-crossing of the halter straps and the shape of the skirt. Also, high on the back, the fabric creates a voluminous bow of sorts. It really is lovely. Chris says that he loved his design. It has a high-quality feel and elegance.
is Kevin Christiana's design, worn by Katie. It's a short black dress, with a silver fabric bustier over the bodice. The black fabric is pinstriped and contrasts nicely with the shimmering silver. It's a sexy dress -- girlish, yet sophisticated. Kevin says that he likes tailored, well-made clothing. Finally. Enough with these designers who like baggy, thrown-together shit. I'm tired of them shoving that down our throats.
is Sweet P's model, Christina. She's wearing a short dress of light gold print fabric. The silhouette is sort of an empire-waist bubble. That silhouette is kind of last season, but it's still pretty and the details are really nice. At the hem of the dress is a ribbon of red fabric. There's also a little bow of the same red material at the middle of neckline. Right below the bow is a tiny little sexy cutout. The straps of the dress are made of a multi-colored (blues and reds) satin fabric. Sweet P rightly describes it as a "happy dress." She says that Christina did everything she wanted her to do. I like this dress more on repeat viewings. I really love the fabrics she used and the accents she employed, even the red lipstick and shoes on Christina that match the fabric on her dress. From the looks of it, Sweet P might have pretty good taste.
is Simone's dress, worn by Lauren. I'm confused. I know she had some problems with the technical side of the design, but I really don't get this. Maybe if I talk myself through it…okay, it's a high-waisted dress with a lot of pleating along the front if it, giving it a sort of Grecian look. The fabric of the skirt is light pink and is matched with a shrug of black brocade print. At the end of the runway, Lauren removes the shrug to reveal a pretty rote plunging neckline, except this one doesn't fit well and isn't very well made. The straps and the sash at the waist of the dress are made of a cool bright yellow fabric, which is a nice touch. I guess you can make the argument that Simone mixed old and new, with the Grecian look of the skirt and the brocade print of the shrug to the modern neckline and skirt length, but you'd have to argue it out loud. The dress certainly doesn't speak for itself. Simone says that she suffered from a little hesitation when she saw the dress. She knows it's not great, but she hopes that her design will transcend the construction. Good luck with that.
Jillian Lewis's design, worn by Amanda, follows. It's completely made of that bright coral fabric that we saw earlier. It's kind of nice that she made her design in just one color, but the design itself leaves me a little cold. It's a halter dress with a short bubble skirt. I feel like I've seen it a million times in the past couple years. Amanda is a rock star, though. She looks amazing, sporting movie-star glam hair and some big old round sunglasses. There are pockets in the skirt of the dress. The halter is pretty cool because the strap is string that has been woven through the high neck of the dress and connects to criss-crossing strings across the back of the dress. Another interesting design element is the low waist of the dress. It increases the interest of the voluminous skirt. Jillian says that she feels her dress was one of the more dramatic designs.
is Christian Siriano's design, worn by Lisa. It's a hip take on a ladylike skirt and jacket combo. The skirt has pleated panels and an asymmetrical hem. It's made of a rich tan/gold fabric. There's a band of lighter-colored fabric at the high waist; then there's the jacket, a brown and black plaid fabric. It has puffed sleeves that end at the elbows, where the waist of the jacket also ends. There's a dark ruffle along the middle of the jacket and around the neck, which has a high collar. It's definitely a sophisticated design. There's something a little overly mannered about the asymmetry that bugs me, but this still shows a lot of promise; certainly it shows that Christian has interesting taste. Christian says that he feels his design is accomplished.
Up is Victorya Hong's design, worn by Jacqueline. It's a flapperish black dress, with two sets of straps at the shoulders. Along with the straps that attach to the rest of the dress is a set of straps that are essentially a ring of fabric around the top of the bust that also goes around the arms. In addition, there's a white and silver flower-like objet at the left shoulder, and the dress flows loosely to its hem, which is right above the knee. Victorya is very happy with her design, and she should be. In regards to the challenge, I'd say this design marks her as a designer with an edge.
Here's Rami's design, worn by Ashley. It's a one-shouldered gray number with a Grecian feel. It comes in at the waist in the front, and in the back it is loose and cape-like. The fabric is shaped into a flower at the top of the right shoulder, similar to the flower on the dress that he made for Jessica Alba. That could become a little tiresome if that's a habit of his. This dress is draped beautifully; it moves like a cloud, which is pretty amazing since it has something pretty big working against it. That something would be Ashley. Her high school counselor should turn in his badge -- why is this girl modeling? I know, that's rude, but come on. She's like the love child of Liv Ullmann and Mr. Ed. Rami is happy with it. He says he noticed that the judges were "transfixed" with Ashley and with his dress. First, I'd say, what else do they have to look at? Second, they were probably trying to make that Liv Ullmann connection in their minds. But the dress is very pretty.
Ricky Lizalde's design is , modeled by Wendi. It's a baby-doll dress. Done. Boooooring! The fabric is a really sexy black and silver pattern, but nothing can save it from the incredibly boring cut. Ricky knows this. He says that, after seeing everyone else's designs, he knows he should have made bolder choices. I hope Ricky can get his confidence issues out of the way, because he seems like a nice guy.
It's Jack's turn, and his model Aviva takes the runway. The design is a prim dress with a halter neckline. It's not terribly interesting save for the color choices: the fabric is white with black brocade, and there's a turquoise belt at the waist. The back is bare, and there is a large turquoise bow at the back of the neck. Aviva's carrying a humongo white bag which looks like it's about to throw her off-balance, but it's appropriate for the design. Jack says that he created something he thought was "cute." He adds that expressing who he was as a designer through one design was fine for him. So, I guess he wants to be known as the guy who makes "cute" clothes. Whatever, fine. In the South, calling someone's outfit "cute" is code for "wouldn't be caught dead in that." Make some clothes that are "precious" and we'll talk. "Cute"? No.
Here's Marion's design, worn by Cheron. …I don't know. It's a lacy bustier-style top over an asymmetrical, layered skirt. To be quite honest, it looks like an amateurish attempt to be edgy. It's second-rate Jeffrey Sebelia. Marion is very excited to see his design on the runway. He thinks it is dramatic and "larger than life." It does appear to be constructed well. The colors are dark green and black, with a hint of pink. It has a bit of a gothic romantic feel, but…eh.
is Steven Rosengard's design, worn by Sam. It's a black suit, impeccably tailored. The jacket has a high collar, and Sam is wearing a red…scarf? Thing attached to the jacket? Blouse? Something red and satin. It's a nice splash of color, I just can't be really sure what it is. There's also a small bustle at the back of the jacket. Steven said that it wasn't as glamorous as he had hoped, but he was relieved when he saw it on the runway. I have to say, I think it looks pretty good. I'm a sucker for bustles for sure, but it is really a nicely tailored design. Steven is never not squinting, is he?
Carmen's model Anna is here. She's wearing black wide-legged slacks and a gold top. Very 1930s. The sleeves of the top are short and puffed. It's shaped like a jacket and shows some skin at the tummy. It looks really well made, though I feel like I've already seen it many times. Carmen may have OD'd at the bluefly.com wall, though, because Anna is wearing this huge orange print scarf and has on gigantic hoop earrings and too many necklaces. It looks like somebody got into Mommy's jewelry box. Or Daddy's. Carmen says that there is no way she is being sent home for this challenge.
Here's Kit Pistol's design, worn by Marie. I don't like it. It's a strapless dress of black fabric, with a white circular pattern on it, and above the waist and on the right side it becomes a different dress, one made of red fabric that has a sleeve. It looks like she's prepared to perform both the Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick parts of "That's What Friends Are For" on Puttin' On The Hits. Clearly a stab at "edgy," it looks schizophrenic instead. And neither of her personalities is a particularly good technician. Kit's happy, though. In fact, she couldn't be happier. Her words.
After the show, all 700 designers are lined up on the runway. Damn. Heidi asks Chris March, Kevin, Sweet P, Jillian, Jack, Marion, Steve, Carmen, and Kit to step forward. They're all safe. The remaining people have the highest and lowest scores. The models are brought back out. Thankfully, Elisa's model is holding that damn train instead of trying to walk in it.
Monique asks Christian what his goal was for his outfit. He says that he wanted to create something tailored, European, and sculptural. He feels that it shows he's an innovative designer. Christian is an up-talker, so it sounds a little like he's not sure he believes himself. Monique says that volume is "in," so she really likes the puffy sleeves on Christian's jacket. She also likes the detailing on his skirt. Michael calls it "quirky tailored." Nina doesn't like the fabric, but she loves the silhouette. Heidi says that it grows on her.
Simone says that she was trying to mix modern and traditional. Nina asks her to take the jacket off the model. She points out that the construction is for shit, and Simone agrees with her and says it was because she didn't have enough time. Michael thinks that the shrug doesn't work with the rest of the outfit at all. He thinks it looks like she got dressed in the dark. Bitch grew some longer claws for this season. Monique says that she was bored by Simone's design.
Monique loves Rami's dress. He tells them that he used silk georgette because he wanted to use something new and romantic. It's a signature of his, he says. Michael thinks that the flower on the dress is "M.O.B. -- mother of the bride." But, they all agree that his design is very chic.
Ricky explains that his background is in lingerie. Nina says it's "sweet" but "safe." Heidi breaks it down and says that it's boring. Michael tells Ricky that he has to "push it."
Monique says that Victorya's design was sweet, and she loves the flower. Victorya adds that she wanted something fresh and that the flower was to offset the black in the dress. Michael says that Jacqueline shouldn't try to hail a cab in the dress, and we find out that the straps around the arms actually prevent her from raising her arms. Victorya says that you have to make sacrifices for fashion sometimes, and Michael agrees that he knows women who would bleed if the dress was right. I agree that we should really promote this sort of behavior.
Elisa is asked what her point of view was. Her reply included the following bits: "vibrant," "alive," "sylph-like," "aerial," "water," "air," "simple," "beautiful," "cascade," "[swirling noise]." Though stunned, the judges continue. Nina points out that the train drags the rest of the dress down. And the model tripped. Michael likes the color of the dress and the sleeves, but hates the train. Monique says it doesn't look like Elisa knew when to stop. Elisa reveals that her intuition was to cut the dress off at the bottom, but she didn't do it. Heidi seems thoroughly freaked the fuck out by Elisa. Love it. Michael tells Elisa that she should always follow her intuition.
The designers leave the stage, and we get down to judging. They found Victorya charming, Christian edgy and well made, and Rami nicely realized. They found Simone's design boring, poorly made, and uncreative. Nina liked that Elisa's dress was made with one seam, but she and Monique felt like she went too far. Heidi says that it looked like her model was "poo-ing fabric." While Michael and I are laughing our asses off, Nina does not look as pleased. They felt like Ricky's dress was well made, but Michael points out that with a lingerie-maker's experience with foundation, Ricky should have given a lot more.
The designers return to the stage to hear the verdict. Commercial break!
So, America voted -- what do they love about Project Runway? With a ridiculously large 54%, it's Tim Gunn! Only 6% chose the "Catty Judges."
Back on the runway, Victorya is "in." And the winner is Rami! He bows as the music goes all strummy. Backstage, he gets a hug from Victorya. He interviews that he set the bar for the competition. One of the mannequins is all, "'Bar'? Just let Mama put her face on."
Christian is "in." So is Ricky. It's down to Elisa and Simone. Heidi tells Simone that her design had no "wow" factor and was poorly made. She tells Elisa that her design was "way too much." Simone is…out. She seems like she's trying hard to keep it together. She thanks them for the opportunity and, after some kissy-kissy from Heidi, leaves the stage.
Simone interviews that she did not expect to go home first. She feels that her design was beautiful, though it wasn't sewn the way she wanted. Tim comes backstage and tells Simone that they will miss her, but "somebody has to go home first." Seriously, my love for Tim never wanes.
Simone tells us that she feels like she had it in her to make it to the final three, but she may still show in Bryant Park one day. I feel sad for her. She really seems like a nice lady.