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The designers are taken to a farm where the models are waiting for them in burlap potato sacks. The challenge is transform the sack into a look that the model might comfortably wear to an "industry" event. And, the models are the clients, so they get to choose which designer they want to work with. Everything is fine until Mila's model chooses Anthony, which sends Mila into an anxious self-confidence spiral. It was ugly. Everyone that gets any airtime takes a pretty innovative approach to transforming the burlap, some more successfully than others. Pamela dyes the burlap to resemble denim, then makes a bustier-top cocktail dress. Jesus covers the burlap in ribbon. Amy lets it look like burlap, but does some construction magic to make the burlap look as light as air. Ping... well, Ping is crazy and I love that bitch. She does something predictably (as much as you can predict someone's behavior in their second episode) whack -- the model's ass totally showed. Jay made a lovely, sophisticated cocktail dress, which was dyed and totally didn't look burlap at all. Mila made this futuristic thing that was pretty freaking awesome. Amy, Jay, and Mila were the top three. So, Jay won the challenge. Ping, Jesus, and Pamela were the bottom three. Pamela, who really seems like a lovely and generous woman, was sent home. Because I'm lame, I must point out that my intuition is looking good. Both Jay and Amy in the top three!
Who will win? We've got our predictions.
Want more? The full recap starts right below!Previously: We met the 7000 designers who comprise Season 7. Their challenge was to create a look that expressed who they were as designers. Emilio won for his kicky little cocktail dress. Jesus and Christiane were in the bottom 2, with Christiane ultimately being sent home. Also, you know there's a show about the model's? I know, that's all we need, right? Anyway, here's a tiny moment from that where Ping picks a model, sending some other girl home. I'm assuming they all chose their original model and Christiane's girl was the one who lost. But, I don't know. I'm seriously NOT going to watch that model show (...more than a few times), so I'll just have to glean the results from the snippet they show here.
OK, opening sequence on Lifetime -- slow as molasses! Pick up the pace, cats! No one gives good bitch either! I'm hugely disappointed. Jonathan's "My weapon of choice" while wielding shears Charlie's Angels-style is the only one up to the task, sadly. And, it lasts forever. Heidi goes over the prizes and, let's revisit them: there's a photo layout in Nina Garcia's new digs, Marie Claire; an "opportunity" to sell their line on bluefly.com; a $50,000 "technology suite" from HP and Intel; and $100,000 from L'Oreal Paris "to launch their line." So, no car. I guess Saturn went out of business anyway and that's what they were giving away. And that 100 grand -- I wonder if the money can only be used to launch the line? I guess that makes sense. It's a way to use the prize money that you are giving away to enhance the brand of the show. I'd like me some of that technology suite, that's for sure.
The show begins and early-morning New York is already awake and bustling -- everyone but the lazy designers at the Atlas apartments! Emilio has/wants to throw pillows at Jesus to wake him up. Jesus interviews that being in the bottom 3 was the worst feeling. This is low-hanging fruit, but, Jesus, I'm quite sure it was a worse feeling watching your taste-free brown albatross mosey down the runway. He tells us that he needs to "step up his game" and be more creative, though he says that you're never sure what the judges are going to say. I wish the designers would at least pretend that they're not already savvy to everything that happens on this show and reality television in general. As Jay and Anthony are waking up, Jay says that he's sure this challenge will be better. Anthony cracks, "Did my rollers come out of my hair?"
In the girls' apartment, Pamela tells us that she got a little emotional when she saw that Christiane was eliminated, however, she's happy that she made it to the challenge. Anna says that she hopes the challenge will be something very New York-y. Janeane's excited that they will be going to Mood today.
Back with the boys, Emilio is proving to be a bit of a morning bossy britches and tells Jesse to get his ass off the kitchen counter. Jesse explains that he has to finish his coffee, which really isn't a reason that you have to sit on the counter. Anyway, they all head to Parsons.
At the runway, Heidi greets the designers. She congratulates Emilio for winning the last challenge and having immunity for this one. She tells them that the challenge is designed to find out what they are really made of. They are being sent on a field trip to a place that's "a little out there." Janeane interviews that Heidi is sneaky and tricky. She doesn't know if they are going to the moon or a Broadway show. The mannequins are like, "Yeah, it's one of those two things, Janeane." Heidi wishes them luck and leaves. Trailing behind her is her own voice saying, "There's question marks over everyone's heads."
, we're on a farm. The designers make their way down a path and Jonathan interviews that they came to a field where Tim Gunn was standing with all of the models and they were wearing potato sacks. This feels like a dream. Meaning, if you were going to dream that you were a designer on Project Runway this is what your brain would come up with. My dream would have something to do with lunch ladies and underwear, but it would still feel similar to this. The designers all giggle and walk through the dirt to reach Tim.
Once they reach him, Tim greets everyone. He welcomes them to Adma Farm, which is where we are. He reminds them of the saying, "She's so beautiful, she'd even look beautiful in a potato sack." Their challenge is to prove that -- they will have to create party-worthy looks out of potato sacks. Everyone laughs in a sort of WTF way. Ben interviews that his first thoughts were about what he would do and what he was allowed to do. Seth Aaron is psyched. He says that he likes the challenges to be weird and foreign. OK, I still don't like him but that's pretty game. Tim adds a glitch -- the models are their clients and they will be wearing the looks to a "special industry event." Who cares? Everything I read makes such a huge deal about how the judges don't know ANYTHING about what happens behind the scenes. Couldn't they just do what they wanted? They only ask the model if they like what was designed for them if it's ugly. Anna interviews that, since the model is the client, they will have "serious input" about the design. Horsefeathers. Wait, Tim's not done. The models will choose which designers they want to work with. Janeane explains why this is unsettling -- not only do they have to work with burlap, they have to be wanted. That's fairly concise, which I didn't think to expect from our resident melodramatist.
Jay pulls a button from the lovely black velvet button bag. It's Kasey and she chooses Jay. He screams and cartwheels towards her in the plowed field. Tim makes a face with his tongue stuck out, because Jay has touched the dirt. Jesus, Emilio, Ben, Sophia, Seth Aaron, Maya, and Pamela (who promises her girl that she will make her hot) are chosen. Then, it's Alexis's turn. She chooses Anthony, who screams. You see, Alexis had been Mila's model. She has shaken the foundation of the competition. Nothing will ever be the same. Mila wonders if Alexis hated her design from the first challenge. Jesse and Jonathan are both chosen. Alison, who was Anthony's model, chooses Amy. Valeria, who was Amy's model, chooses Janeane, who is thrilled to not be the last chosen. That puts Mila with Lorena together. You know, Mila looks really bothered.
Tim explains to the designers that they will now be shopping for embellishments, at farm stands that have been stocked. They will have one day to finish the design. They start to shop with the models at their sides. Jonathan explains that it made the experience half consultation/half shopping expedition. Amy interviews that it is important for her to keep her own aesthetic. If a client has so many requests that she in effect designs the whole dress, that is a problem for Amy. Ping says that she wants to play with the texture of the potato sack. She thinks that she can make something simple and interesting. I'm sure it will be interesting. Mila tells us that she and Lorena have similar ideas. Well, that's great! Anthony tells us that he finds Alexis very "verbal." We see her talking a lot. He wants to make her happy without sacrificing his blah blah, you know.
The designers head back to Parsons and get to work. Maya says that the challenge is not working with burlap, because that's fairly easy. The difficulty lies in trying to make it look expensive, because no one wants to look like they are wearing burlap. That is true. Tim enters and reminds them that, though the models are the clients, they should stay true to themselves as designers. I'm tired of hearing that. Here's the only rule: Don't suck, ever. He insists that they make it work, then leaves.
Emilio interviews that he's glad that he has immunity for this challenge. Making a look that a girl is going to wear to an event where she needs to impress and using a fabric that is "as old as Moses" is not his idea of a breeze. Jesus tells us that his girl wants a "hoochie, sexy" dress. Apparently, Jesus will need to refine his taste for this challenge. He says that he's going to use lots of "detail" with ribbons and trim and stuff. Pamela is good at dyeing fabrics, so she thinks this challenge will be right up her alley. Ben tells us that he's going to create a skirt that will look like an upside-down tulip. That sounds cool.
Mila is still obsessing about the model thing. She says she feels that it's important to make her client happy, ESPECIALLY now that she thinks her former model hated her design from the last challenge. She decides that she needs to talk about it to Anthony, but instead of sounding like she was a little bothered that her model dumped her, she sounds like she's saying that it is just RIDICULOUS anyone would choose Anthony over her. And, that's not what she was saying. But, we confuse our meaning when we jabber on. Anthony hears it as criticism. He says that he "left his feelings in Atlanta, Georgia." You know, I actually think I misplaced mine in Atlanta a few months ago. I hope there's a lost and found. He interviews that he understands that some people cannot be courteous during a competition, but Mila can kiss the asses of him and his entire family. Seriously though, she wasn't trying to say that.
Later, Emilio interviews that he believes a lot of designers won't have time to execute their visions for this challenge. Ping, who is using herself as a dress form again, reminds us that she works differently from the other designers. But, she was in the top 3 last time, so she feels encouraged. Anna grabbed a few potatoes when she was at the farm and is using them to create a print on her fabric. That's cool.
Tim returns. It's earlier than usual, but he wants to know what they are doing, perhaps to discourage anyone from the grand visions that Emilio was predicting. He starts with Pamela. He loves the ombre dyeing job that she did on her fabric. She tell him that she's creating a one-piece corset dress. Tim strongly believes that she should make it two pieces, in the interest of saving time. Also, a two-piece would be easier to fit to the model. She says that she has already completed the bodice as a one-piece and Tim says that she should stick with that if she's confident. He speaks with Mila . She shows him this small metallic-looking treatment that she says will be on the front and back of the bodice. She explains that she will be incorporating tulle as well and Tim asks her why. The model wants it. Tim says to forget about it and she thanks him for saying that because she was looking for permission to toss the idea. I don't know about Mila and this double talk. Does Parsons offer a course in Saying What You Mean?
Tim talks to Jay who explains his complex schedule for dyeing and construction of his look. Tim seems fairly positive that Jay is not going to have enough time to complete all of his steps (the drying step in the dyeing process seems to be a long one), but Jay stands firm and doesn't seem nervous about it at all. Tim says that he is flabbergasted and leaves Jay alone. Ping tells Tim that she will be carving a necklace pattern into the fabric of her neckline, which Tim finds intriguing. Ping replies that she is always intriguing and we see Emilio roll his eyes. Ping describes her idea for a skirt (it's not on the dress form yet). Tim warns her that, if she makes it too short, the judges will be able to see up it. He tells her to avoid vulgarity as surrounding designers giggle. You know, Ping is from outer space, but she thinks creatively. I appreciate a nice fit as much as the guy, but I don't want to watch a show about dressmakers. I want to see innovators.
Amy tells Tim that she is worried about several panels of her skirt drying, but Tim likes what he sees so far. She tells him about her model's desires for the top of the dress, but Tim reminds her that, if the judges don't like what they see, they won't care if the model liked it or not. Jesus shows his design to Tim -- he's completely covering the burlap with ribbons. Tim reminds him that the challenge was to transform the burlap, not hide it. He tells him that, no pun intended, "You skirted the challenge." Oh Tim, you devil. Jesus interviews in complete gibberish that his dress will look good on the runway and he has "to be Jesus." I don't even know what these people are talking about sometimes.
Tim finishes and sends in the models for their fittings. Amy interviewed that, since she wasn't strictly listening to her model, it would be necessary for her own adjustments to blow her model away. Ping worries about covering her model's ass. Seth Aaron comments that, though Ping is very good at Asian-inflected design, her lack of construction experience worries him. Jesus tells us that his model is worried about the comments that Tim made, but he's confident that she will back him up on the runway. Anthony's model is asking for different embellishments and he's worried about it. Mila's model really likes her design, which hopefully calms the raging insecurity inside of her.
When the models are gone, the issue becomes the time. Jonathan interviews that, while he's doing fine with time, there are a lot of designers who are still waiting for dyed fabrics to dry. Cut to Jay, who is freaking out because part of his fabric dried into a navy blue color, which is not what he wanted. He's only half done at midnight, which of course worries him.
The morning, Pamela tells us that she has a few things to finish on her design. She doesn't want to be one of those people who sews their models into their dresses. She's nervous. Jonathan can't decide between shoes and boots. This is riveting. Maya says to Mila that there's a part of her that wonders if she'll finish. Jay is freaked out at the amount of work he has left to finish.
At the workroom, everyone seems relatively calm. Janeane tells us that she is pressed for time, but is getting used to that feeling. While sewing she announces, "That coffee did not do its job." She seems like she's barely able to speak. I like this.
Tim enters and finds everyone working quietly. He tells them that he's about to send the models in and advises them to use the bluefly.com wall of accessories "VERY THOUGHTFULLY." I'm terrified. He demands that they make it work, then sends the models in. Pamela doesn't have anything for her girl to try on right now, but she doesn't seem worried since the muslin mock-up fit her perfectly. Ben tells us that his model fell in love with his design the moment she saw it, but she seems pretty blah to me. I'd hate to see what she looked like if she hated it. Anyway, Ben is really happy with his look. Amy says that things are really hectic for this challenge and she thinks that about half of the designers will have to sew their models into their dresses.
Ping. Oh, Ping. She tells her model to limit her pelvic movement, because, well, her look is one rogue pelvic movement from being illegal. Jonathan notes that Ping's design is not functional. He is confused though, because Ping seems really happy. He wonders if maybe there is supposed to be an "ass flap" on her look after all.
The models go to hair and make-up, while the designers scramble to finish. When Pamela gets her girl into her look, Anthony notices that the dress makes the model's ass look big. Janeane is having problems getting the zipper up on her look, but I guess she fixes it. Tim returns and says that he can't believe he's seeing so many grand potato sacks. It's time for the show. Mila is the last one to leave the workroom.
At the runway, Heidi greets everyone. She introduces Michael, Nina, and "American icon, model, actress and adventurer" Lauren Hutton. Damn, I'm surprised she had time to be here, with all of those titles. She looks great though. She reminds us that Emilio has immunity. And, the show begins.
First up is Anthony's look. It's a short strapless dress. The fabric has been dyed to a wine color. It's a simple bodice-- just fitted. The skirt has what appears to be chiffon over it. It gives it some volume and texture and softens the burlap look. It's really pretty. With fewer competitors, he could have been called boring, but I like it. And, it shows that Anthony has a talent for construction. He tells us that the dress exceeded his expectations. Alexis looks like she's going to a party with people who truly appreciate fashion and glamour. That's a reach, but sure.
Oh my. Here's Ping's look. It's, um, burlap. It's a sleeveless top. Ping has created what amounts to side bustles on the garment. The skirt bows out at the hips, revealing the model's underwear beneath. She didn't make the necklace cut-outs that she told Tim she was planning. Ping notices that her model's ass is completely exposed. Also, her skirt looks like a potato sack. OK, so this look is a total failure. That said, it's one of the most unique silhouettes I've ever seen on this show. And, it's completely different from what she made last week, which was also incredibly interesting. Ping's lack of construction know-how may get her booted fairly soon, but the girl certainly has a good mind.
Here's Ben's look. It looks like he and Anthony used the same dye. This is a one-shouldered cocktail dress. The skirt has lots of pleats, giving volume to the look and lightness to the burlap. The shoulder strap is very pretty too. It mimics the pleats in the skirt and is just very pretty. Ben is happy with the dress. He feels it is classic and timeless.
Mila's dress is . Wow. It's pretty cool. It's a cocktail dress with a plunging neckline. There are metallic panels running up the front and back of the dress, with gray on the sides. There is piping at the hips that gives a futuristic feel to the garment. She, of course, is very happy.
Now, we have Anna's dress. The potato print that she created resembles a marble pattern. The dress is a demure cocktail number with a 1930's feel. The straps are wide and the neckline is squared and comes to a point at her cleavage. There is silver trim on the outside of the sleeves and the inside of the neckline. The skirt falls to just above the knee and has ironed pleats. There is more silver trim at the waist. Anna is happy with the dress. She feels that she retained her vision while also collaborating successfully.
Jesse's look is and it's a pantsuit. The top is a vest. The slacks are oddly high-waisted, in a mom jeans sort of way. There's pink tips on the vest and slacks. The pants are paired with riding boots, which is smart because they distract attention from the waist of the pants. Jesse says that his look is a mix of everything he likes to do, but I'm not sure I believe him.
Here's Seth Aaron's design. It resembles a pinafore. There are horizontal panels on the bodice and vertical panels on the skirt. At the neck, a hood is buttoned onto the dress, like straps. It's really cool. He feels that he was completely successful at making a potato sack beautiful.
Here is Amy's look. It is amazing. It is dyed into multiple shades of brown/yellow/potato sack. The skirt is in asymmetrical panels like petals. There is a wide waistband and halter straps start there. The top is a cowl neck that is freaking beautiful. I don't know how she did that with that fabric. The back is bare. Amy feels like she stayed true to herself and is very happy.
up is Jay's design. It's a dark cocktail dress with Dior-style frill for the skirt. It's really cute. Unless this isn't reading on my TV, it looks like he corrected the color-- it looks black to me. There is blue trim on the skirt, but it doesn't look navy. The back is bare and it's really gorgeous. It looks very expensive. Jay thinks it looks very "Jay." He enjoys branding himself, I'm noticing. That's probably a good thing.
Here's Emilio's dress. It's a simple cocktail number with a pencil skirt ending right at the knee. There are red and black ribbons running up and down the dress in asymmetrical placements and it is strapless save for two halter straps made of the same ribbon. It's really cute and Emilio's penchant for sweet, girlish clothing is becoming clearer. Emilio feels that he and his model were both satisfied.
Now we have Jesus's look. It's a dress with a plunging neckline and a skirt to the knee. He has placed green ribbon over most of the skirt, at an angle. The rest of the burlap that is showing is dyed black. The straps of the dress criss-cross in the back. Because of the angle, there is a swath of black burlap on the right butt cheek of the model. It's very odd and unattractive. Jesus says he's happy with the dress, but worried about what the judges will say. Jesus is weird. I see all sorts of half-thoughts going on in this design. First of all, the green of the ribbon is weird. And, it looks like he didn't consider what the back of the dress would look like (He maybe should have put the zipper on the side? So the weird burlap thing wouldn't have happened on her ass?). This is a failure. I'm thinking that this dude just doesn't have good taste.
Here's Jonathan's look. It's a slim dress of burlap, with halter straps and a black brocade applied to the front of the dress. It looks really well built, especially at the bust. Kinda boring though. He's really thrilled with it though and it's definitely good enough to get through to week, so carry on.
Oh my God, here's Maya. This dress needs psychotropic medication. It's got a Vivienne Westwood feel to it. It's a strapless dress with what looks like three skirts mashed into one. Lots of odd pleating and bunching here and there. Orange, gray, yellow, etc. Many colors were involved in the making of this look. Maya says that it was not her proudest moment, but she's happy with the outcome. Michael Kors looks confused.
Pamela's bustier dress is . It looks like faded denim. The back is supposed to be laced up, but is coming undone. The seam is off and does, in fact, make the model's ass look big. Pamela is so happy with the job she did dyeing that she doesn't seem to concerned about the wonky construction.
Afterwards, Heidi calls Pamela, Mila, Ping, Jay, Jesus, and Amy. The others are free to go! The models return to the stage. Heidi starts the conversation with Jay. Michael thinks that he did a fine job with the feathery skirt business. Lauren breathily intones that she does believe he has made burlap look expensive. She seems fun but kind of ridiculous, no?
Nina thinks that Pamela's dress is too short and tight for her model. She also thinks it lacks sophistication. Michael says that a plain potato sack untouched by Pamela would probably look better on her model, though he commends her for her dyeing job. Heidi asks the model if she would be comfortable wearing the dress to an industry event. She stammers, which Heidi (correctly) takes as a negative.
Mila says that she pushed herself to make something futuristic. Heidi loves it. Michael doesn't like the gaping in the neckline, but Heidi does. Nina says that it looks fantastic.
Ping gives some cock and bull story about how her model's skin doesn't contrast with the burlap. She starts to get emotional and the sweet model says, "I like it, Ping." That was nice. Alas, they point out that you can see the model's ass. Ping says that she didn't understand the directions either -- she thought "industry" party meant county fair. So, I'm gonna just go ahead and call bullshit on that one. Wha? So, someone would wear this ridiculous get-up to a county fair? No, Ping, they wouldn't, you big liar. Heidi concedes that Ping has an edgy eye, but wonders if it translates into real fashion, whatever that is. Lauren says, "If she keeps working, it will." That's encouraging. Nina says that she has a lot of competition and I'm not really sure what anyone means. They are all speaking in vagaries. "Real fashion?" "Keeps working?" "Competition?" On the show? In the world? Be clear, bitches.
Heidi asks Jesus what percentage of his look is ribbon and what is burlap. He explains that the entire skirt is covered in ribbon (he used a dark ribbon with the green, one that is the same color as the dyed burlap of the bodice). Heidi no likey. She doesn't see the challenge in his look. Lauren says that dresses should be like paintings and his dress is "an assault-on-the-eyes painting." She clearly didn't intend for that to be as funny as it was. Nina thinks Jesus needs to get cooler and younger.
Amy says that she wanted to retain the organic quality of the burlap. Michael thinks it's flirty and feminine. Lauren applauds her for making burlap a viable dress material.
The judges confer. Heidi thinks that, as a whole, the designers did a good job. Lauren agrees. They love Jay's look and his transformation of the fabric. Heidi is still loving Mila's dress. Michael thought that it was edgy and hot, while Nina admires the collaboration between model and designer. Michael says that Amy was the only designer to let you see the burlap, but transformed it still.
Michael was bothered by the ass of Jesus's design. Nina thinks that his sense of color is off. Heidi wonders if Ping is using the language barrier as an excuse. Lauren thinks that Ping's design could have been quite interesting. Michael questions Pamela's creativity. They all hate that the dress made the model's butt big, but the also agree that the dress was well made.
The designers return to the runway. Amy is in. Boo, she should've won. Heidi tells Jay that he's in... AND, the winner of the challenge. That little sneak. He says that he feels like he's in heaven, then he goes backstage and freaks out. Mila is in. Ping is in! Heidi tells Pamela that her dress was unflattering and boring. Jesus missed the point of the challenge. His dress was mundane and matronly. Jesus is... in. He lets out a nervous sigh and promises to show them more. Then, he leaves. Pamela is out. She gets her kisses, thanks everyone then goes backstage.
As she's saying farewell, she tearfully says that she falls in love with people very easily and loves all of her fellow designers. The atmosphere wasn't cutthroat at all. That is really sweet. She tells Tim that he's a great mentor. She'll be teaching at a college, so her designing will continue!
Jeff Long is an actor/writer in Brooklyn. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com