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The designers take a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to look at a collection of couture dresses. From them, they are asked to create an inspired signature look. They are given $500, which is a record for the show. Also, they have to work in teams of two designers. From the start, Ping and Jesse (she chose him) are at each other's throats. Maya feels that Jay is not really doing as much as he would were he not immune this week. Anthony fulfills his promise as the joker we all wanted him to be. In general, it was pretty satisfying. It looked like there was going be tension between Mila and Jonathan because she was spending the majority of the time working on a jacket while Jonathan was sewing everything else, but it stayed buried deep inside. On the second day of the challenge, Tim strides in and tells the designers that they have to create another look, this one inspired by the look that another team is working on AND for $50. Ping brings back an ugly fabric from Mood and Jesse doesn't even pretend that he doesn't hate her guts. On the runway, Maya does her sculptural thing to great effect. Their look for less was inspired by Janeane and Ben's dress. Michael thinks that they did more for $50 than the other team did with $500. Mila apparently did the right thing focusing on her jacket. The judges, including designer Matthew Williamson, love it. Michael is thrilled that someone made some separates. Mila wins the challenge! Ping and Jesse and Anthony and Seth Aaron are in the bottom. I guess Anthony's dress was a little overwrought, but... I actually thought it was kind of pretty. Seth Aaron totally takes half of the blame for anything wrong with their designs. Which brings us to Ping and Jesse. Jesse doesn't even wait for a bus to get there before throwing Ping down. He says that he had to teach her to sew. Even their model says that Ping didn't fit her in the look for less. The designs are predictably wacky and nonfunctional. And, Ping leaves us. She cries that this has been a huge learning experience and she's very happy with what she did. She really needed to go home, but I'll miss her.
Find out who we think is going to win and then check back soon for the full recap.
Want more? The full recap starts right below!Previously: The designers created looks out of potato sacks. Pamela didn't listen to the Gunn and was ousted. Ping and Jesus were in the bottom as well. Ping's model went home! Jay won the challenge.
It's morning at the Atlas apartments. In the boys' apartment, someone wrote, "Yay, Jay!" on the chalkboard. Jesse asks Jesus if he plans on winning the competition by being in the bottom two the entire time. I'd really love to hear something like that first thing in the morning. Jesus interviews that, if he wants to go forward in the competition, he needs to be himself and design what Jesus designs. I can't tell if he's agreeing with Jesse or saying that he needs to work harder. Because, it looked like he was being plenty Jesus before. Jesse says that Jesus will just surprise them each challenge. He'll pull a "Ping." I'm really not sure what Jesse is getting at. Pull a "Ping" by surviving even though he's in the bottom? Because, Jesus has done that more often. Or, does he mean that he'll make something that everyone thinks is crap but gets praised by the judges? Jesse interviews that he believes Ping should have been sent home during the last challenge and he's shocked that she's still here. There's something a little too smug about that, especially coming from someone who hasn't come close to creating anything that special yet.
In the girls' apartment, Ping is having contact lens problems. She says that she can only see through one eye and Anna suggests that it may help her design. These bitches are harsh.
At the runway, Heidi greets everyone. She asks them if they are interested in meeting some of the most iconic fashion designers in history. No one is interested. Kidding! Of course, everyone's all, "I love fashion." Heidi says that Tim is waiting to introduce them to the icons. Janeane interviews that she has never met any top designers before, but she's also aware that Project Runway likes to pull a leg or two come challenge time.
Here we are at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Mila says that she knew where she was as soon as she got there. Terrific work, Mila. Others probably knew from the large etchings on the huge building that read, "Metropolitan Museum of Art." But, anyway, Mila adds that it's one of the most inspirational places in the world. Tim greets the designers in the newly reopened American Wing's Charles Engelhard Court. There are mannequins lined up in different gowns. They are iconic looks from the archives at the Costume Institute. Tim says that a designer's ultimate honor is to be among the designers included in the Costume Institute. They will be working in teams of two to create high-end looks that would be at home amongst the iconic looks in their company. Tim tells them that, in order to insure their success, they are getting a $500 budget! The crowd goes wild! This is the largest budget in the history of the show. We'd better see some beauty walking up in there. And, they'll have two days to work!
It's time to pick teams. Since Jay won the last challenge, he is automatically a team leader. And, Tim has the velvet button bag. He pulls out the buttons for Jesus, then Anthony (everyone catcalls when his name is announced -- looks like somebody is growing some goodwill!), Janeane, Mila, Ping, and Emilio. Ping interviews that she is excited to be a team leader, because she thinks that she is very good at delegation. I'd like for Ping to not just be a whack job, you know? I understand that she's already on the last nerve of the majority, but I always have such great hopes for the Ping of each season. I love the feeling that we could see something just completely original and bizarre. The problem is that it always seems like the people with those sorts of minds don't have the work ethic to match. They can't manage their time or they don't know construction. I find it such a drag because I want one of the Pings of the world to conquer this show one day. I think maybe I'm getting tired of pretty. Whatever, though, Ping's totally crazy and not going to win this. I get that now. I'm sad.
The team leaders get to choose their teammate, starting with Jay. He excitedly chooses Maya. She seems OK with it. Jesus chooses Amy -- that was very smart. I don't know if I've made this clear yet, but I totally think Amy is going to win this whole thing. She WILL be at Bryant Park -- she just has to be. I think Jay will be a finalist too. So, we will have an arc of either disappointment or righteousness in this season's recaps. Excited? Anthony says, I shit you not, "I choose this day, Seth Aaron." I'm shocked that the mix of iconic dresses, old sculptures, whatever occult items are lying around the Met, and Anthony's ridiculous declaration didn't open some sort of hell mouth. Janeane chooses Ben. Mila says that Jonathan has excellent construction skills. There's something so arch and weird about her. I wish I liked her more because she doesn't seem like a horrible person or anything.
Only Jesse and Anna remain and it's Ping's turn to choose. Jesse interviews that he doesn't want to be chosen by Ping. So, she chooses Jesse. He seems like he maybe has the tiniest of rage issues. This means that Emilio and Anna are working together. He tells her they're going to "do it" and adds that she is the "classic American girl." I think he's trying to make her feel better about not being chosen, but that means nothing.
Tim gives them a moment to be inspired by the dresses. Seth Aaron is astounded at the opportunity to stand so close to a classic Dior without glass, guards, or pit bulls. Take it from the proud owner of two Standard Poodles and 47 half-pairs of socks, dogs and clothes do not go together. Janeane says that she has never been so close to couture before and she thinks she might cry. Tim hugs her and says that he feels the same way. He doesn't. He would like for her to stop talking. They all seem pretty excited though. The Balenciaga number that they have displayed is really pretty amazing.
Everyone returns to the workroom to design their looks. Ping tells Jesse that her style is flowing and organic, while Jesse's is tailored. She would like to combine the two styles. Seems completely sane, doesn't it? Anthony tells Seth Aaron that he wants to make some sort of jacket that will cover something that's yellow, thus making the yellow stuff a surprise. Jonathan interviews that Tim made it clear that the team leader had final say in decision-making. He says that Mila has no problem making decisions. We see her tell Jonathan that something's too risky, but she could have been talking about her own idea or having Indian for lunch. I'm still waiting for Jonathan to bring the drama and I think baby's about to serve it. Janeane and Ben decide to make a two-piece look, because they want it to be multi-functional. It looks like Maya is taking the upper hand with Jay and she tells us it's because Jay has immunity and she would be the one getting the ax if they were in the bottom. Cynical but damn smart.
Tim comes in and takes the gang to Mood. They have 45 minutes to shop! That seems like a lot of time. Amy tells us that she and Jesus are going to create a dramatic dress with a large vest over it. Elaine Stritch, I believe we've found your Tony dress! Seriously, Stritchy wears a lot of vests. Amy says that she's excited to get a lot of expensive fabric. They look like they've got it together.
Uh oh, there's trouble in hell. Ping is all over the place with fabrics and shit and wrapping stuff around her head. Jesse asks her a question about something and she tells him that he's going to do it and he freaks out and says that she's going to fuck up his pattern. He angrily explains himself to her (something about not having wasted fabric?) and, though she doesn't seem like a great listener, she complies. Behind her back, he smacks his fist into his other hand. I find that kind of shocking, no? I mean, turn over a table if you have to but don't make me think you're gonna start hitting shit. Jesse, we haven't even seen you shirtless yet -- do NOT fuck this up for us by getting thrown off of Project Runway for something as ridiculous as fighting. Emilio and Anna, by contrast, are a match made in heaven. Jesse tries to confirm that Ping wants a certain fabric and she says she can't find her sketch book. That was not the answer to his question.
Mila says that she wants to create a nod to the '60s. It will be beautiful and fashion forward. Wow, so that term is starting to wear on me a little. I know it's useful, but stop it. And, here is Ping running around looking for her sketch book. She finally realizes that she's wasting her time and can just get another sketch book. Also, she left her envelope containing $500 just sitting around. Tim smiles, because he thinks she's a maroon. Jesse is not amused. Most of the teams seem really excited to buy expensive stuff.
Back at the workroom, everybody gets cooking. Anna interviews that working with Emilio is intimidating because he's established and she's a newbie. She asks him if he's some sort of "secret genius." We don't hear his answer, perhaps because it's a secret. She says that his style is bold, while hers is soft. Jonathan tells Mila that he thinks they need to start on the coat in their look as soon as possible. She replies that he will need to have a little patience, as she is someone who needs time to digest things. Jonathan points out in his interview that Mila is a very meticulous person. To that point, he adds that she's doing a lot of thinking while he's doing a lot of executing. Now, I'm not secret genius, but beneath his flat tone, I detect an insult. Mila interviews that they were informed that the challenge would be a group effort, however, the team leader is at greater risk of elimination. So, eat it, Jonathan. She wants to think.
Ping and Jesse are having serious problems. I'm not getting a clear picture of the problem. Jesse seems upset at the idea that his work would be covered by some other part of Ping's design. He's being really aggressive and, frankly, I don't think he'd be acting like that with a man. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be a police person, but it's totally there. Ping interviews that she is having a hard time working with Jesse and she thinks it's because he's insecure with her unorthodox approach. It's probably due to the fact that she's not a great communicator either, but I don't think Jesse is helping matters. He asks her for some decision and his jaw is so clenched and tense -- it's kinda crazy. He interviews that he worries about time constraints with Ping because she is always changing her mind. Finally, she tells him that she is not used to questioning her ideas. She needs him to be quiet. He interviews that he's just trying to "reign in the crazy." Well, since you approached it like that, hot shot, it's never going to work. Ping tells him that she keeps changing her mind because he's making her doubt her design. He tells her that he's not doubting the vision, but he wants to know that there is a vision. Oh, that's better. Thanks for clearing that up, Secretary Kissinger.
Jonathan interviews that Ping and Jesse are fighting non-stop, so he's unable to tell if they're going to be able to pull off a cohesive look or not. Mila interviews that she is enjoying working with Jonathan. She's making the coat, while he's making the top and the pants. Jesse jokes to him that he'd better not mess it up or Mila will punch him in the throat. More violence. Someone was a little Method while playing pirates, methinks.
Anthony says that their color palette is bright yellow, red, and black. So, he thinks they may be creating a gown for the VP of McDonald's. "Everybody needs a dress," he figures with a laugh. Jesse says that he's making a dress of 30 pieces, put together like origami. He thinks they are not going to have enough time.
And, it's the day. Seth Aaron says that they were so excited to focus on their dress for another day...when Tim enters. He has everyone gather 'round. He tells them that they will be creating an additional look and jaws drop. They will have to create a mass market version, or "look for less" as Tim calls it, of their designs for $50. Seth Aaron worries that his look for less will have to consist of napkins and hot glue. Wow, money corrupts. It wasn't that long ago that $50 was near the norm for a lot of challenges. Oh, and it's not over -- the look for less will be based on the high-end design of one of their fellow designers. Tim reminds them that they are designers, not plagiarists. Tim picks buttons from the bag and the team he chooses gets to decide which other team's design they will work with. Ping and Jesse pick Emilio. Janeane and Ben pick Mila. Jay and Maya pick Janeane. Mila and Jonathan pick Anthony. Anthony and Seth Aaron pick Jesus. Jesus and Amy pick Ping, which means that Emilio and Anna get Jay. Jesus interviews that he is shocked that there is a new element to the challenge considering they are not finished with their first look. Tim gives them a moment to design, then he will take one team member to Mood.
Jesus and Amy decide to drape some pants to mimic the drape-y quality of Ping's design. Emilio and Anna decide to create an asymmetrical dress in the colors that Maya and Jay are using. He mentions that their dress is very sculptural and I'm not sure if his look for less design is because of or despite this tidbit. Anthony decides to use peach and lace for his look, which Seth Aaron interviews seems "old lady" to him. Mila decides that they will make a cocktail dress and suggests spaghetti straps, which Jonathan shoots down. Jesse and Ping are still arguing. He thinks that she's trying to copy their sketch. He tells her that they don't need a jacket. They go with a simple design and he says that he is worried because he's not going shopping.
At Mood, Janeane uses cotton instead of the silk that Mila and Jonathan are using. The make it look like Ping was scrambling, but it also looks like Seth Aaron got in the checkout line after her.
Back at the workroom, Ping excitedly showed Jesse the "beautiful" fabric that she got. He interviews that it was a "hooker" fabric. Jay interviews that he is a little worried that he and Maya won't have enough time to finish, but, actually, since he has immunity he's not stressed at all. We see Jay eating an apple and looking at Anthony sewing. Anthony asks him why the hell he's up in there spectating and Jay explains that he's taking a break. Cue Maya interviewing that she wishes she weren't working with Jay -- someone without immunity would be working harder. Janeane feels really confident about her work with Ben.
Mila is taking a lot of time with her jacket. Jonathan snarks to Jesse that he "loves" how they haven't even discussed starting their second look. Jesse says that Jonathan knows that if he doesn't do it, it won't get done. I'm assuming that's because bitches are just too stupid to get it done. Jonathan is "concerned."
Seth Aaron seems to be changing his mind a lot, which is bothering Anthony. Seth Aaron interviews that he's the sort of chap who will push you out of the way and keep changing things until they're perfect. Anthony points out that Seth Aaron isn't happy unless Anthony bends totally to his will. Anthony interviews that his better judgment told him that slapping Seth Aaron would not get the results that he wanted. Kudos to Anthony's better judgment.
The models enter to be fitted. Jonathan interviews that he is running the fitting. Poor thing. Ping tries to raise a concern about something with his fitting and Jesse shuts her down. She interviews that Jesse doesn't seem to take her seriously and she finds that unprofessional. You know what? I gotta agree with her there. He is showing her no respect at all. He tells her that he wanted to see his "fucking dress" in an effort, I think, to shut her down further. Dude is kind of an asshole, I'm starting to think. Ping finally says that she wants the dress to be worn in a different way. She even has to say "I'm the team leader" and Jesse huffs and says that she's making that clear. Emilio, who is also a bit of an asshole if you ask me, mutters that Ping should shut her mouth. He interviews that Jesse and Ping are like Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. "Just shut up an work," he says.
When the models are gone and the workroom is quiet, Anthony tells Ping that she's doing a great job and he thinks her dress is pretty. She thanks him, then a few moments pass before Anthony ahems. Doesn't she have anything nice to say to him? She laughs and says that he's very nice and she likes him very much. He says he likes her too.
Tim enters to check on everyone. He notices that Jay and Maya seemed stress. They are still working on their first look and haven't really started on their second. He asks them if they have a timeline and Maya notes that he seemed to doubt that they would have time to finish. She's confident that, with a fire under their asses, they'll finish. Tim confirms for Jesse that the fabric Ping chose for their look for less looked cheap. He seems thrilled to be validated. Tim tells Anthony and Seth Aaron that, since the bottom of their dress is clearly derivative of Jesus and Amy's design, they can do whatever they want with the bottom. Anthony says that Seth "Papi" Aaron abandoned his idea of an asymmetrical top. Seth Aaron denies "abandoning" it (he just put it on the floor is all) and Anthony asks why he's acting up in front of company. Tim loves it. He thinks that Mila's coat is beautiful too. He tells everyone to work, then departs. Jesse interviews that he just wants Ping out of the way so he can work.
The day, when asked if he was prepared, Anthony announces that he is "stacked, packed, and ready to attack." Ben tells the guys in his apartment that Jonathan is having a rough time. Everyone is shocked that Mila worked on the coat the entire time. Jonathan says that he's worried about Mila's time management. He hasn't had a challenge yet where he left the night before a runway show without a completed garment. Ping says of Janeane and Anne, who are both dressed in black, that they look very nice together. Anne says that they look like they are going to a funeral or "the death of their hopes and dreams." Sometimes Anne, you have to go to that funeral a whole bunch of time. But I digress.
At the workroom, everyone is busy. Emilio says that Anthony's dress was a great concept, but the execution was "hideous." He thinks that Anthony spent too much time decorating it, instead of figuring out proper construction. Maya is frustrated because she feels like Jay is slacking. Ping notes that Jesse is worried about saving his own ass instead thinking about teamwork. Mila is nervous about getting called out for only working on the coat. Jonathan interviews that Mila took everything outside of her realm and gave it to him to complete, in case it backfired. I think there's not really proof of that. In fact, you can tell that's she worried that she did the wrong thing by giving him too much to do. She's practically hyperventilating as she talks to him about it. The little bitch actually makes her feel better by saying that other teams had a similar situation. She's like, "Where one person is more in charge of sewing?" He replies that he doesn't want to sound like a seamstress. You can't win with these bastards. She interviews that this design was "such a vision" for her. Sounds like she took seriously the task of really designing this thing.
Tim enters and tells them that they'll have an hour to send their models through hair and make-up. The models enter and Ben interviews that he's worried about Ben and Ping because of their bickering. He also thinks that their look for less doesn't resemble Emilio and Anna's dress. Jesus and Amy are happy with what they've created. Jesus is emphatic that he not be in the bottom two again. Ping thinks that their high-end look is beautiful. Tim pulls everyone to the runway. Jesse interviews that he just wants to be safe.
Heidi enters the runway and greets everyone. She introduces Michael, Nina, and Matthew Williamson (British designer). And, the show begins. First up is Anthony and Seth Aaron's signature look. It's a strapless gown with a full floor-length skirt. The bodice is yellow and has little tulle flowers all over it. There is no red, like earlier. It's kind of boring, frankly. You could get this from any dressmaker. Anthony says that it represents what he holds dear -- classic elegance and beauty. Anthony, do not confuse "classic" with "already done."
Jesus and Amy's signature look is . It's a fitted floor-length gown in a black and nude pattern that is incredibly interesting. The skirt flares below the knee. There is a structural shrug element that is really cool. It's half collar/half vest. Jesus is very happy with what they accomplished. He thinks that it is modern and high fashion.
Up is Mila and Jonathan's signature look. There is a coat that hits below the knee. It is black except for two white circles that encompass the sides and sleeves. It is paired with black slacks with white racing stripes on the sides. A shimmering black top, fairly simple, completes the look. It is very cool. The jacket has a yellow liner that pops like hell. You can see all of the work that she put into it. So, perhaps we've discovered a new paradigm for teams on Project Runway. Instead of a race to make sure everyone has done essentially the same amount and type of work, maybe a person can really focus on the design/leading. And, a really well-made garment can be important for your success and that doesn't always happen really quickly. Mila feels like this is the first challenge where she has been able to fully express her point-of-view.
Janeane and Ben's look is . It's a short dress with, I think, dark blue and black panels. It is paired with a sleeveless shrug. It's not very signature. Because of the dark colors, I may be missing some fancy construction though. It looks really nice on the model. Janeane is happy with it.
Emilio and Anna's dress is . It's a tea-length fitted dress in gray. The skirt is high-waisted and the bodice is a different fabric with a rolling texture and a lighter shade of gray. It is paired with a gray shrug that bunches in a pretty cloud-like way. The model removes the shrug revealing that the back plunges. It's very pretty and fits, as Emilio says, like a glove. Emilio also says that he could have been more innovative, however, he was working with someone without a lot of experience. He may be right, but leave it to him to always point shit like that out.
Here is Maya and Jay's look. It's really cool. It's a sleeveless floor-length gown in black. There are vertical slits in the dress that reveal gray fabric, like gills. The right shoulder has a sculptural element. There are different panels of gray silk in different heights. It looks like a fungus, but in a good way. Maya is happy with it. She thinks that it looks part-futuristic/part-old Hollywood. She says it's the sort of dress that you either love or think weird, which was a leap of faith for her.
Here's Ping and Jesse's look. It's pretty complex. It's a skirt of gray and black and brown(?). It's long and wraps around the model's shoulder. The bodice is fitted and looks well-made. Ping loves it. She thinks it's very elegant. I don't hate it. It is kinda pretty. Ping looks to Jesse for approval and he returns her look with one saying that she's crazy.
Now, the looks for less. First, we have Jesus and Amy's interpretation of Ping and Jesse's look. It's baggy harem pants with a sleeveless black top. There's a panel of lace at the neck of the top that mimics the neckline of the inspiration. Amy thinks they nailed it. It's pretty damn cute.
Here's Seth Aaron and Anthony's version of Jesus and Amy's gown. It's a fitted skirt of peach with black lace over it. That mimics the nude qualities of the inspiration. The top is a cute pleated dealio with cute straps. I don't get that part. Seth Aaron thinks they did OK for not having much time, but he's not sure how the judges feel about it. It's kinda weird. The bodice looks like an afterthought, however, it fits very well.
, we have Mila and Jonathan's version of Anthony and Seth Aaron's gown. It's a baby doll dress with halter straps. The bodice is yellow and the skirt black. It's a look for less, but it's almost like a look for someone other than the person who would have purchased the first gown. My mind is folding in on itself. All Jonathan has to say is that their dress is "definitely the scaled-down" version of their inspiration. He does have props for the model, who gave them "fun and flirty" just as they requested.
Janeane and Ben's version of Mila and Jonathan's dress is . It's actually better than their signature look! It's a short jacket with similar panels, though less rigorous. It is paired with a simple knee-length cocktail dress. The cut of the jacket is really perfect. Ben says they are very happy with it.
Following that is Emilio and Anna's interpretation of Jay and Maya's dress. It's a one-shouldered handkerchief dress in a black and gray stripe. There is a waistband of gray with a narrow black stripe inside of it. It's really cute. Anna is happy with it and feels like it reflects her.
Here we have Jay and Maya's version of Janeane and Ben, for less. It's better though. It's a black skirt and top with a short blue shrug. But, the bodice has all of this cute pleating on it that makes it really interesting. Jay is all blah and says that he's happy with zzzzzzz.
Oh no. Here's Ping and Jesse's version of Emilio and Anna's gown. It's a nothing gray and black dress. Totally shapeless. The top is gray, the bottom black. It's getting Agnes of God up in here. Jesse doesn't think it's strong. He says that it's not how he would represent himself, if he had "the choice."
Afterwards, Heidi asks Jesus/Amy, Emilio/Anna, and Ben/Janeane to step forward. They are safe and can leave. Heidi tells Seth Aaron/Anthony and Ping/Jesse that their teams have the lowest scores. They can leave while the judges talk to the non-losers. The models for the winners return. Heidi asks Jay if he slacked this week and he says that immunity meant nothing to him. Maya kinda hangs her head a little but doesn't say anything. Maya says that she tried to create something that would belong in a museum, something that a collector would want. Matthew says that it's dramatic and unique. Nina likes the bare side opposite the shoulder structure. They think the look for less is more interesting than Janeane and Ben's look.
Mila says that they wanted to create an evening look that was fun and modern. Heidi was sold on it. She loves the suit and can see Mila wearing it as well. They ask the model to turn around and Matthew notes that it is sportswear inspired--clean and graphic. Both Nina and Michael love it. Michael was a little blah about a baby doll dress as their look for less. Nina thinks it could have been more modern. Jonathan says they'd tossed around the idea of a trapeze and he thinks they should have gone with their instinct. Michael says they should listen to their guts. He loves that they made some separates, as that's what people really wear.
They leave and the losers return with their models. Ping says that she wanted to create something timeless. Nina asks the model to release the wrap part of the skirt. She says that it's like a tail, just a bunch of fabric. Michael says that she has to stand like the Statue of Liberty to wear that look. About the look for less, Ping says that she designed the top and Jesse designed the skirt. Michael begs to differ. He doesn't think anything was designed at all. The only relation it has to Emilio and Anna's dress is that there is some gray in it. Otherwise, it's just a blah dress. Nina asks who did the sewing. Jesse says that it was him, because he had to teach Ping sewing lessons as they were working. Ping just sort of hangs her head. Heidi calls on the model, who apparently is dying to say something. She says that Ping never fitted her in the dress, in fact, she never even saw her in it. Michael says that it shows.
Anthony says that he was inspired by the Dior silhouette. Michael compares it to the Southern cotillion from hell. He hates all of the business going on. He says that it looks like Gone With The Wind and Anthony has to laugh. He asks what they would have done to modernize the look, but Matthew says that they can't design it for him. In regards to the look for less, they say that they were running out of time, so they created the top that we see. Heidi says that's no way to stand behind your garment. Michael thinks it looks really cheap. Seth Aaron accepts the blame for the look for less. Nina says that she's surprised that Seth (she refuses to say "Aaron," I hear ya' girl) didn't step in and save Anthony from himself. Seth Aaron says that he respected Anthony as leader, but he accepts half of the blame. Wow. I respect that.
The designers leave the stage. Heidi loved Maya and Jay's look for less. Nina and Michael agree. Michael says that Mila's coat was exciting and had a signature. Matthew thinks it's unique as well. He also thinks that Ping's dress was a mess of ideas. Heidi didn't like her lack of interest in the look for less. Nina thinks that Anthony was too literal with his inspiration. Heidi says that his signature was too costume-y.
The designers return! Jonathan is in. Heidi tells Mila that her signature look was modern. She won the challenge! She has immunity for the challenge. She interviews that it feels wonderful to win. This challenge was important to her because the signature look was very true to who she is as a designer. She gets hugs from everyone (except an absent Jonathan) backstage. Maya is in. Jay is in, duh. Seth Aaron is in. Jesse is in. Anthony is... in. He gasps inside and hugs Ping before he leaves. She starts to cry. She gets her kisses and goes backstage. She interviews tearfully that she came to the show to learn and to see what she could do. In that regard, she feels like she did an amazing job. Well goddamn, this makes me want to cry. Bless her heart, she really believes in what she's doing. However unrealistic it might be, I like this so much more than someone being weird just to be different. I believe her. Jesse hugs her backstage, which is nice, I guess. I don't understand that. I'd hate him. She tells the other designers that she would like for them to remember the happy Ping, instead of the crying Ping (but adds that she did cry a lot on the show). She hugs Tim and he tells her that he can't imagine the workroom without her.
Ping tells us that winning the show was not her priority. She is proud of herself and she will never forget this experience. Bye Ping! I'll miss you.
Jeff Long is stacked, packed, and ready to attack. He can be attacked back at jeff.long75@gmail.com.