Okay, whaaaat? Tim Gunn in flip flops? Yes. The designers are brought to the beach and told they will design "California Surfwear." To totally complicate things, they'll be designing in teams of two for actual surfer girls. Oh, and they're given 15 minutes to shop. Everybody is already flipping their lids when the judges throw in a wrench and ask them to design a second look, as well. Somehow, they're to design an "avant garde" piece that corresponds to the surf wear. You know, as one often finds on the beach…?
This whole partner thing is not working out in a few cases. For example, we finally get to hear a little from the classy Epperson, but unfortunately he is paired with Qristyl, who is fun and all, but has about as much taste as a block of tofu. They are not getting along in the least. Ra'Mon and Mitchell are also clashing, as Mitchell seemingly would prefer to run around bitching at everyone rather than, um, learn to sew. Tim comes down hard on their two looks and it sends them into a further tizzy. Meanwhile, several of the teams seem to be working quite well together, particularly Nicolas and Gordana. It is down to the wire for every team as they prepare for the runway. Ra'Mon even makes a last-minute change to his second look that has him dying neoprene with 30 minutes to spare.
Guest judges Max Azria and Rachel Bilson join Nina Garcia. They must all be drunk, because they name Mitchell and Ra'Mon, along with Johnny and Irina, as teams with the highest scores. Despite the top spot, Heidi brings the full force of her German heritage down on Mitchell for not doing enough of the work, himself. Epperson and Qristyl totally and embarrassingly melt down in front of the judges. Weirdly, Gordana and Nicolas are in the bottom of the two pairs, though the judges feel pretty strongly that the slutty avant garde look is not really representative of their obvious talent. Ultimately, Ra'Mon is named the challenge winner, and in a surprise twist, MITCHELL is eliminated.
So, last week, Malvin was sent packing, having misunderstood that the last thing an enormously pregnant woman wants to be compared to is a giant chicken. For the second time, Mitchell joined the nearly-departed in the bottom three, only to somehow hang on once again. "I don't wish the bottom three on any of you," he says as the designers prepare for a new day of competition. He says he's worried, concerned and frustrated, but that he wants to stay in the competition.At the runway, Heidi reminds everyone that Shirin won the last challenge and thus, has immunity. Heidi, by the way, looks gorgeous in a black minidress and wavy hair. She tells the designers that today, they'll be visiting a destination without which no visit to California is complete. "A little hint," she adds, "don't forget your sunscreen." Everyone gasps and applauds, and they head to THE BEACH! Christopher, for one, is quite excited, having never been to the beach in his life. Aw.
Let me explain to you why, when they pull up and see the Santa Monica pier, I cackled with both amusement and pain. I believe I have already mentioned my recent trip to L.A. to visit Pamie. Now, truly, Pam's just about the most fun person to visit in the world. And she always wants to make sure you have a real Cali vacation, even if you are only there for a few days. She believes, as Heidi does, that no trip can be classified as authentic without putting your feet in the ocean. I agree, though what we failed to think of this time as we spontaneously stopped at the very same beach after having lunch in Malibu, was that the approximately quarter-mile of sand we'd have to walk across to the water would contain the heat of a thousand raging supernova suns. Forced to remove our entirely-wrong-for-sand-walking heels, Pam got blisters between her toes and I howled curses well within hearing distance of several children and old people. We were a lurching, screaming cartoon of agony as we attempted to run to the water in order to put our sizzling feet out of their misery. Then, having dried our tears, we had to do it again on the race back to the car. If you could have seen the stoned dudes staring as us as we ran towards them, our tinny screams slowly becoming louder in the style of an oncoming train... I suppose you had to be there, but rest assured that my post traumatic stress is still fresh. Obviously wanting to avoid the same fate, Tim Gunn has opted to wear appropriate footwear on this occasion, though, the rest of his ensemble... "So, we're walking down the beach," Christopher says, as we see all the designers hop across the sand. "And we see Tim Gunn in sunglasses and sandals. But still in a blazer." Awesome. "Tim Gunn in flip flops?" Shirin laughs in an interview. "It's uh... it's a stretch." Tim: "Only at the beach."
He welcomes them to "the heart of California: the beach." He says they will be designing beach and surfwear, an identity that was developed in California, but evolved beyond the Golden State to become a worldwide phenomenon. I love that the challenges, thus far, have been relevant. I mean, I know haute couture designers are not exactly looking to surfers for inspiration, but these are things people wear and it's interesting to see the designers have to create actual garments, rather than things made of candy wrappers or whatever. Tim tells them their challenge will be to create "a fun and fashionable surfwear look." Oh, I am excited. Though I am as pale as the very driven snow, and though I have never been on a surfboard or even close and can barely stand in the sun for more than 10 seconds without catching on fire, I absolutely love surfing, especially the photography, videography and surf culture. In fact, I subscribe to Surfing magazine, much to the confusion of all who know me. I just like it, okay! I don't have to have a reason! (The reason is Laird Hamilton.) Tim adds that it will be critical that each look be infused with their own points of view, and that each garment be well-constructed. He is joined on the sand by several surfer chicks who embody surf culture and style, and a very hot stylist from show sponsor, Garnier, who talks about how important hair is, or something -- I don't know. I am not listening, because I am watching everyone fidget on the sand. The big kicker here is that the designers will be paired up into teams of two for the challenge. There are half-heartedly concealed groans all around. "The bottom of my stomach [sank]," Ra'Mon interviews about hearing this news. "Because [teamwork] really is the format for Anything Can Happen."
Having won immunity last week, Shirin is named a team leader and given first pick of someone to work with. Other team leaders are: Logan, Mitchell, Nicolas, Althea and Qristyl. Shirin picks Carol Hannah, clearly hoping for a Double the Cuteness, Double the Fun vibe. Logan chooses Christopher, which is interesting. I think Irina would have been a cool partner for him. Christopher seems so happy to have been picked early. Nicolas chooses Gordana, a perfect match for him. Mitchell selects Ra'Mon, and has no qualms about admitting that what he wanted was to work for someone that could carry him on the challenge. Dude. That does not bode well. Althea, who I like more every week, chooses Louise, because of her top three status from last week. Qristyl, clearly having a hard time, picks Epperson, which weirdly leaves Irina last to be picked. She, thus, goes to Johnny. Oh, Qristyl, think through your alliances a little better time, girl. Epperson is probably talented, but Irina is awesome.
The teams having been assigned, the designers are given twenty minutes to "caucus," and are told to use the assembled California girls to gather information on what they might actually enjoy wearing. Manic confabbing goes on. We see Althea and Louise coming up with ideas in consultation with one of the girls. "It helps to have actual surfer girls to talk to," Louise says. "They like functionality over actual fashion." Logan and Christopher talk to another girl about surf-fashion colors often coming from things you see on the beach -- sunsets, water, coral reefs, etc. Ra'Mon says in an interview that he feels like being paired with Mitchell has painted a big bulls-eye on him, especially since Mitchell has been on the chopping block twice already. Things are not going so well, either, for Qristyl and Epperson. They have been working together for about five minutes and are already disagreeing. Perhaps because Qristyl's opening salvo to the surfer girls is "give me an idea of some things that you like," which frankly, indicates to me that her creativity is somewhat lacking. Epperson thinks they should be asking about out-of-the-water fashion, since this is not strictly a bathing suit challenge. Qristyl is annoyed that he dares to try to control the direction. Nicolas and Gordana seem to be concentrating hard on their cutie surfer, but Nicolas is not feeling the culture. "Hoodies and little sweatshirts and stuff," he interviews, cringing, "are not for the runway."
Finally, it is time to go to Mood, where each team is given a $50 budget and 15 minutes to shop. This is silly and obviously designed to create tension, and it worked. Even the teams containing two reasonable people are stressed. Teams like Epperson and Qristyl really flip out -- mostly because Qristyl has no taste and no plan. I'm sorry, but she doesn't. She's funny and has a great personality, but at least the way this is edited, she is not taking charge in any real way. In a similar fashion, Mitchell and Ra'Mon are having troubs. "We have different design aesthetics," Mitchell says. "He has picked out some pretty ugly things, and I think we're going to be in trouble." Yes, you are, and maybe not for the reasons you think. Shirin charges at a run toward the cutting table with a bolt of fabric larger than her own body, and somehow they must all get their stuff cut in time, because they do their thank yoooooou si
gn-off to Mood and hit the workroom.Johnny and Irina seem to be working nicely together -- they're shared vision is "Bohemian Chic" and they feel like it is going to be superhot. Also apparently gelling is the team of Nicolas and Gordana. He has cut a bunch of black-and-white fabric strips which he will apparently be dyeing blue, to make sure they do not look "too zebra." Gordana agrees with this plan. Nicolas says his vision includes "bringing back" the wrap-around pant, with a bathing suit underneath. He'll be hand-dyeing the fabric to create an ombre of macramé. "Can you say that like, a million times? Ombre of macramé?" he laughs. Is it wrong that I love Nicolas a lot? The Feather Prince has kind of stolen my heart.
Epperson, no doubt, would rather be doing an ombre of macramé than messing around with the bright green fabric chosen by Qristyl. He says in an interview he would never have chosen it, but that he's the assistant and not the leader. We see him in the workroom looking for some Tylenol. "The tension," he interviews, "is because we're fearful of what could happen." Having seen Qristyl's designs, I'd be fearful as well.
As frustrating as that partnership is shaping up to be, far worse is the conflagration of Mitchell and Ra'Mon. Mitchell obviously has no ideas, but then chastises Ra'Mon for not having enough confidence in the designs he's creating to carry them both. "In our relationship," Mitchell snits, "I can't always tell you that you're perfect, okay?" Ugggghhh. Mitchell, you just said you wanted him to do all the work, so why not show a little appreciation that he seems willing to do it? They are sewing some kind of dress the colors of the sea or something -- or I should say Ra'Mon is sewing it, because Mitchell can barely do anything but run around being queeny. As a matter of fact he snaps at Johnny, who has oiled over to ask Ra'Mon about a tattoo on his arm. Frankly, Ra'Mon doesn't appear to be in the mood to discuss it, but Mitchell jumps in and only half-jokingly yells at Ra'Mon to "keep working!" and tells Johnny to go away. Johnny laughs. "Oh, little lamb," he sneers. "Isn't she precious when she gets all worked up?" He has a point.
Just when things seem like they could not be more tense, Tim Gunn enters the room with a surprise twist. The judges have been thinking, apparently, and it has occurred to them that the one beach look idea was too easy. Thus, they are throwing in a wrench: the design teams must now also come up with a second look -- an "avant-garde" design, no less -- that corresponds with their first piece. There is a lot of head scratching and freaking out. "Ladies and gentlemen," Ra'Mon says in an interview, "capital W-T-F?"And it's hard to argue with a question so perfectly phrased.
Tim sees the looks of pain as he explains that both looks they create will rock the runway. "Digest this," he tells them and Ra'Mon says that though he loves the idea of creating an avant-garde design, he can't imagine how they're going to successfully fit in another piece. Tim says they all have the rest of the night (like, two hours) to come up with another design, and that they'll have $200 for a budget. They seem happy about that part, and he says tomorrow he will take one member of each team to Mood. Immediately, Althea turns to Louise and says they can finish their first design tonight and then "go crazy" tomorrow. Louise listlessly says that sounds like a good plan. "We both need to work our asses off," Althea adds, and perhaps she has been stating the obvious like this all day, because Louise looks a little irritated by it. However, she could not possibly be as irritated as Qristyl, who takes offense at everything Epperson says. I'm with her on this, because at one point he seems to be instructing her on the very basics of sewing. "You think I don't know that, Epperson?" she snaps at him, and seems to get more offended by the second by what she feels are his attempts to circumnavigate her authority on the project. The thing is, I can't tell if he's really doing that, or if his personality is just more direct than hers, or what's really happening. It seems to me like he IS trying to assert some direction and control over the project, and maybe he is going too far, but you have to feel for the guy -- the pressure is on, and he realizes that her taste is questionable.
Stress is running high and even Carol Hannah seems annoyed by the project. The day, Tim takes one member of each team to Mood. Althea says she is glad she gets to pick out the fabrics, as she has a clear vision in her head of what she needs. We see Epperson, no doubt relieved to be allowed to choose what he thinks is non-tacky fabric, having a few bolts cut. Meanwhile, Ra'Mon races around grabbing up neoprene and rubbery-looking fabric for his avant-garde concept that is based on a wetsuit. Now, actually? That is kind of an awesome idea.Back in the workroom, the sewing machines are rattling away. Mitchell says in an interview that he has a lot of ideas, but that technically, he's in "big, big trouble." As he works, he has obviously been talking to Shirin about Ra'Mon. Flogging the machine, he says "I think [Ra'Mon] wishes I knew how to sew a swimsuit." Yes, I imagine he does wish that. The fabric shoppers return from Mood and Nicolas could not be more pleased that Gordana has almost completed their first design's macramé portion. Now he must begin working on their avant-garde look and... well, he's nervous. Somehow, he chose a bunch of stretch lace to use for this design, some of which he intends to dye blue, and, examining it on the dressform, um... "I'm afraid that my garment's going to look like a blue tranny."
I have not been given even a moment to delight in my Nicolas/Gordana love when we are immediately whisked back to the ongoing Qristyl v. Epperson smackdown. They are trying to agree on how to sew something and have absolutely no ability to communicate with each other. She has a chip on her shoulder, he can't seem to strike the right balance between passive and aggressive and it's truly a wreck of a team. Epperson seems to be trying to get her to work with him, but she's mad that he's trying, and acting like he's accusing her of not being good enough to be on his team. Frankly, if he was doing that -- and I can't get a good bead on whether he is, or not -- he'd be right. I feel like I just repeated something I said earlier, but they keep showing them having the same fight, different ways, so I can't help it.
Over at the Mitchell/Ra'Mon area, disaster is beginning to strike. Ra'Mon says that one of them needs to concentrate on the avant-garde piece while the other finishes the bathing suit. Mitchell says he'll do the latter, of course, probably because he's already finished it. Tim Gunn enters, announcing himself as the Prophet of Doom. They all laugh, but he really is one this time as he tells Carol Hannah that her model, Erika, has booked a commercial job and will not be available for the fittings. He says she will have the opportunity to work with another model who will be there to fit, if she does not want to risk not being able to put Erika in the clothes before runway time. Carol Hannah acts like this is a pretty big tragedy, though I don't know why, since I believe this will be the very first time Carol Hannah would be working with her. I guess it could be that she feels bad that choosing another model will mean Erika gets cut from the show. Carol Hannah decides rather than take the risk, she'll bring back Valerie, who was sent home after Malvin was aufed.
The models arrive for fittings and hair consultations. Carol Hannah seems pretty pleased with how Valerie is going to look in her avant-garde piece, so that seems fine. Poor Gordana is watching Nicolas pin his model into his avant-garde look, and... yeah, it's tranny. And not in the good way. I mean, she looks like an Asian space hooker. Meanwhile, Ra'Mon and Mitchell's models scowl at each other as their designers work out their fittings. This is a great moment for me to segue about the companion show that comes on after this one: Models of the Runway. Y'all. Call me unobservant, yes, but I didn't even realize this was a real show until this week when my Tivo recorded it for me, in secret. I just... am not about keeping up with the reality shows, and it's embarrassing to admit it since I probably saw ten commercials for this during the three PR broadcasts I have now watched. Anyway. It is the most ridiculous show on Lifetime, and that is really saying something. I recall it now especially because of these two models, who are in a hate war. Apparently Mitchell's model, Fatma, said something under her breath at some point about how she wished she could punch Ra'Mon's model, Vanessa, and this indirect infraction caused Vanessa to flip. They had a screaming match in their house where Fatma legitimately tried to apologize, but Vanessa, because she does not get to eat food and must therefore subsist on drama, attention and the salt from her own (constant) tears, went into a Whine Spiral that was so hilarious, I had to turn the show off so as not to spoil the perfect three minutes I had just seen. If they made up, don't tell me, because Fatma's awesome "this bitch is crazy" look as she tried to get out of the situation will sustain me for quite a while.
So, Vanessa is totally stonefaced as Ra'Mon wraps her in this rubbery fabric that is supposed to be inspired by a wetsuit. What it really looks like is one of Jennifer Garner's costumes from Elektra. Ra'Mon is really frustrated. That design is not working out, but worse is Mitchell's constant ADD-style flitting around the workroom where he is mostly flirting with Nicolas and ironing like, one tiny piece of fabric over and over again. I have no doubt that Mitchell is talented, but he can't do any of this stuff well enough to compete in these challenges. Ra'Mon can't figure out why he's not working harder, and feels like Mitchell is bringing them down. When Mitchell manages to burn himself with the iron, Nicolas good-naturedly jokes that he is going to laugh so hard when Heidi sends Mitchell home -- obviously not imagining that it can really happen. Mitchell seems not to believe it can happen, either. "It'll be like, on the chalkboard, 'auf wiedersehen, bitch!'" Ha ha! Except, no, that's not funny, because you're not accomplishing anything on this challenge and Ra'Mon is over there getting an ulcer.
The Garnier hair hottie, Philip Carreon, arrives and consults with everyone about hair, while Tim Gunn travels the workroom in search of things to be concerned about. As always, it is a mixed bag. Johnny explains that he and Irina have come up with an oversized-macramé design that will extend across the model's bustline. This draws a "wow" from Tim, who says he loves the idea. The team high-fives as Tim heads over to Epperson and Qristyl, who show him their surf-inspired look. You know, it's not bad... until. The fabric is a fern print and the whole garment appears to be a dress that, when the corset-area is pulled away and the skirt removed (or maybe all of that is supposed to be one removable piece?) is revealed to have a bikini underneath. Tim is initially loving it, but when they show him the removable parts, he is afraid that, when the judges "see panties," the sophistication element will be removed. Epperson, who looks ultra-tired, says he knows what to do, and Tim moves on.
Shirin and Carol Hannah; Logan and Christopher; and Althea and Louise are all doing wonderfully together, and Tim compliments each of their designs-in-progress. The producers can't waste any time on these, of course, because he hasn't gotten to Mitchell and Ra'Mon, yet. We even gloss over Nicolas and Gordana, who appear to receive a "bravo" even though you know Tim had something to say about the tranny suit. Clearly, though, the bell is tolling loudest over with Mitchell and Ra'Mon. They receive the ultimate Tim Gunn smackdown: "I fundamentally don't get it." Sad. He says he feels like he is in a cartoon with a superhero (the avant-garde jumpsuit) and a Greek goddess (the allegedly surf-inspired look). He is correct that there is tragedy on both sides. Ra'Mon realizes that they are in the eleventh hour and that something must be done. After hearing T
im's announcement to the room that they should work like there is no tomorrow since, for at least one of them, there won't be, he decides to scrap the jumpsuit and throw something together in the last hour and a half of the night. He grabs up the neon yellow neoprene he had yet to use and throws it on the dressform. Suddenly, Mitchell wants to get involved, but it's too late. He tries to suggest Ra'Mon fold the shoulder a certain way and Ra'Mon shuts him down with a dismissive "I'm on it, now." Ouch. "I need to take this in my own hands," Ra'Mon says. Elsewhere, Epperson and Qristyl are really reaching an ugly level. Every time he tries to say something to her, Qristyl accuses him of putting on a show. "I'm not putting on a show," he tries to say, insisting that he's just trying to communicate. "I'm not sure what kind of woman you're used to..." she snaps, and he tries again to convince her that they need to work together. She ain't having it. Finally, this day is over.The morning, everyone wakes up with a case of nerves. Nicolas is again faux-evilly ribbing Mitchell about how he's going to be in the bottom three, and Qristyl is nervous Epperson won't show up. Shirin says she'll tell Heidi not to send Qristyl home, because "she makes me laugh." I think her "fashions" make Heidi cry, so I am not sure that's going to work, Immunity Girl. Qristyl is particularly worried that two people will be sent home today.
Back in the workroom, last-minute touches are being made. Christopher says he and Logan are sure to win because they are so happy and in a good place with their looks. The opposite of that situation is, of course, Team Mitchell/Ra'Mon. A good night's sleep has apparently done Mitchell no favors. He cannot get over himself long enough to focus, and Ra'Mon is cutting him cold every second of the way, making him even flakier. Tim arrives and says he's sending in their models, with whom they will have two hours for fittings and hair. Suddenly, Tim sees that Ra'Mon's new neoprene is still unfinished. "You may need to resurrect the scuba suit," Tim says as Ra'Mon's face falls. "That's not something you want to hear," he mutters to Mitchell, and leaps upon the neoprene. He's realized, he says, that the skirt looks a little like a ball of lettuce. Therefore, he says, he's going to do a last minute dye-job to add color. "Bare bones, straight from the streets, I am dyeing this by hand," he says, as we see him don a trashbag to protect himself from the dye. Tim, naturally, has concerns, when he comes in to find Ra'Mon drying the dress with a hair dryer. At this point, they have about 35 minutes before the runway and Tim is afraid he won't have his two models dressed, which will instantly disqualify him. "Get something together, and make it work," Tim says. "This is so unfair," Ra'Mon moans, but he obvs is not going to go down like this, and rallies. At the 15 minute mark, Tim returns to find a good bit of work still being done at every station. Qristyl says in an interview that she doesn't know what the judges are going to think of her work, but she's prepared to throw Epperson under the bus for "doing over" her work. In fact, whatever he did over, he probably did her a favor. In an interview, Epperson says he did as much as he could to save himself, but this is the first challenge where he really feels nervous about the results. The fern dress looks kind of good to me, though. Mitchell, in an interview, says he hopes he's not headed to the bottom two, but says it seems like he's made a bit of a home for himself, there.
Finally, we are at the runway. Heidi is joined today by the fabulous Nina, of course, as well as the genius Max Azria and the adorable actress Rachel Bilson. Epperson and Qristyl's looks are first, and really, the beachwear look is fine. I mean, it's not transcendent or whatever, and their model, Erica, looks like she's stalking down the runway towards a fistfight opponent, but it's okay. The second thing, though... it's a bathing suit with a sort of a robe and, while the robe is kind of cool -- billowing and ruffled -- the bathing suit is a mess. "The whole girl's butt is showin'," Qristyl says, and one can see how she might be upset enough to misplace the modifier, because the thing looks not only bad, but cheap. Also, the green and brown colors are bad together.Johnny and Irina's beachwear number is cute enough, I guess. The short white skirt is nice and full and the t-shirt has a very pretty, funky halter in the back. Something is not quite translating for me through the TV, but the judges appear to like it. Their avant-garde look, however, looks to me like a mass of brown seaweed. Irina worries they'll notice that it is not exactly wonderfully constructed and will not focus on the concept. By a true miracle, Ra'Mon and Mitchell's two dresses both look awesome. Mitchell says he is sure the judges will not realize the beach-inspired look was made in 45 minutes. No, but they may wonder just how it was supposedly inspired by the beach. It, too, is all greens, browns and blues, and I have to wonder why no one went with sunnier colors. I mean, it's pretty, but... yawn.
Carol Hannah and Shirin are very pleased with their work. Shirin says -- somewhat reluctantly it sounds like -- that they distributed the work fairly evenly and that Carol Hannah is a hard worker. CH, meanwhile, feels their avant-garde look is probably the best in the room.
Althea and Louise's beachwear inspired dress -- hot pint with a navy/white bikini element on top and in the tie-back -- is so cute. I love it. But the avant-garde look has nothing to do with anything, really. It's pretty awesome -- a short black dress with a cascading skirt in the back -- and is all beaded and stuff, but it does not correspond at all that I can see with the beach design.
Nicolas and Gordana's work is , and maybe I am blind, but I love the first one. The macramé bathing suit and wrap-around white pants seem to me a good answer to the original challenge. I actually love the pants -- they have a really classic, easy flow to them and I think they are cool. Nicolas very sweetly says in an interview that, though both designs were his, he and Gordana worked on everything together. Wow, the avant-garde look is full-on hot mess trannylicious, though. "The avant-garde look," Gordana says, kindly, "I'm having mixed feelings about..." Yes, I'll bet. On the other hand, she says, she believes in Nicolas. "Maybe I'm not as adventurous as he is?"
Logan and Christopher are totally in love with their designs, both of which strike me as decidedly "eh." They are each white, gold and black, and they even made a hat to go with the beach look, which is interesting, though the hat is the best thing about it. Their avant-garde huge, poofy dress does correspond well with the first design, but I am feeling neither of them.What do I know, though? Obviously nothing, because they are declared safe along with Althea and Louise, and Shirin and Carol Hannah. Remaining on the runway now are the highest and lowest scores. It shocks me that Nicolas and Gordana (along with Qristyl and Epperson) are declared in the lowest group, while Mitchell and Ra'Mon (with Johnny and Irina) are in the highest. The models come out and the judging commences. Johnny and Irina receive high marks for the white skirt/macramé-back t-shirt. Nina says the macramé looks exciting and Rachel says this look is her favorite among all the looks today. Max Azria puts Irina's fears to rest about the work on the avant-garde dress. He declares the work on the top of it -- the wide macramé they mentioned to Tim earlier -- to be "fantastique." Now we come to Mitchell and Ra'Mon, both of whom look like they are going to die. Ra'Mon takes the lead, and says some crap about how a pile of seaweed washed up on shore to inspire him on the beach look. Heidi jumps in to ask if he's the team leader or isn't Mitchell? Mitchell once again goes weak in the knees. When I watched this, originally, I had to mute part of it because the evisceration is too painful. Mitchell must admit that Ra'Mon did just about all the work, except for the swimsuit under the seaweed dress, which no one can see. "You did the swimsuit and Ra'Mon did everything else?" Heidi asks in that mother voice you never want to hear and it causes Rachel and even Max Azria to look visibly afraid. Ra'Mon takes the opportunity to bust Mitchell for not doing enough and says it was frustrating. Heidi runs Mitchell through once again. The judges absolutely adore the neoprene dress. "Thank you, GOD, for neoprene," Nina says. "This dress made me very happy." Rachel says she, also, would wear the neoprene dress.
Now the lowest-scored designers must receive the whip. Qristyl immediately says that though she was chosen as the captain, Epperson took the lead on everything. Epperson rolls his eyes like crazy and says, directly to Qristyl, that since she did not come up with a concept, he had to come up with something. Qristyl says he didn't give her a chance with her own concept, which he again insists she didn't even have. "What kind of excuse is that?" he says, and tries to explain who sewed what. "I couldn't speak," Qristyl says, and adds that every time she picked up anything, Epperson said it looked cheap and wasn't good enough. Rachel says she actually likes the fern print, but there are obviously problems with parts of the work, which stemmed from them not getting along. Heidi is impressed with how well the top of the beach dress fits the model, but Nina jumps on the tacky avant-garde piece. "It just really was a bad marriage," Qristyl says in frustration. Max Azria puts it straight: "If you are not a team-player, you cannot work in design." Poor Nicolas and Gordana do not deserve to be in the bottom, and the judges all acknowledge this. They took a chance with the avant-garde and it did not work out, is all. "Let's put eet aside," Max Azria says. "You can do much, much better." Nina just says that it ended up being too sexy, but that the overall look of the model is really good. Rachel even says it's fashion-forward and interesting. Heidi is impressed with their macramé bathing suit, but thinks the pants came out sloppy. When the model is standing still, I have to agree. Overall, the judges are not hard on them, really, it's just that the space tranny did them in.
The judges all agree that their faves are Johnny and Irina's t-shirt and skirt, and Mitchell and Ra'Mon's neoprene dress. "But, Meetchell deed do notheeng," Max says and Heidi agrees. "I don' know how I am suppose to judge somebody eef they actually din' do anytheen," she says, her ponytail flipping behind her in anger. They feel that Nicolas and Gordana's designs showed talent, but that Nicolas needs to be careful with what fabrics he picks from now on. Epperson and Qristyl, they conclude, were a recipe for disaster. "Sheez weak, and he decide everythin'," Max says. I seriously love this man.
Back on the runway, swift judgment is delivered. At least it is swift to me, because I fast-forward through all the suspenseful music. Because of his funky-fresh his neoprene dress, Ra'Mon is declared the winner. "I'm the winner?" he says backstage, amazed. "Is there a recount that needs to happen? Because this is reeeeediculous. Talk about prayers being answered." See, kids? Hard work and perseverance do pay off. I believe the President was saying something about that just today... Johnny and Irina, Nicolas and Gordana are all declared safe and sent away to their collective relief. , Heidi turns her unblinking gaze on Qristyl and Epperson. "As you admitted yourself," she says, "this was a baaad marriage." She dismisses Epperson as safe and as he leaves says Qristyl's leadership skills were non-existent "and it showed in the poor outfits that you gave us." Finally, she turns to Mitchell. "Never in Project Runway history has a team member for a winning design been eliminated," she says. "Three strikes, and you're out." Qristyl, reprieved, hugs Mitchell, who tries to keep from crying. "He's a nice guy, huh?" Max Azria whispers, sadly, and Mitchell retains his dignity by giving Heidi the required kiss and departing with encouraging words to his former competitors. It's too bad -- he can probably do this, but it seemed he just wasn't ready for it.
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