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It’s back! This year, the show takes a particularly cruel turn at the very beginning and invites 20 designers to the show, only to kick off 4 before the competition proper even begins. Everyone seems to get along well as they all meet. They present their designs to Heidi, Nina, Michael and Tim. Are those Twitter tags that are featured the name panels when the designers are presented? Must be. The judges are awfully jovial. I will speak more of this later, but...Heidi Klum has a DEFINITE career as a lounge singer in her hopefully immediate future. This shit ain't a lie. She sang briefly. It was perfect.
Immediately after the presentations, Heidi comes out and in excruciatingly slow fashion tells the designers who is in and who is out. All of the people who go home seemed like nice and talented folks. One girl postponed her wedding in Iceland for this. Ouch. One guy says he’s going to have to wait tables again. I feel you. One guy made a dress so crazy and for the Kentucky Derby that he should be designing for Nicole Sherzinbabaganoush or whatever that Pussycat Doll girl’s name is anyway, so they’ve done him a favor. Then, there was one perky girl who is clearly going to be cutting herself when she gets home. Live with that, Nina.
They go to the Atlas apartments to unpack and sleep, but Tim wakes them all up at 5 AM. He makes them all join him in their pajamas and a bed sheet. Weird. They go to Parsons where their challenge is to create a look from their pj’s and the bed sheet. Christina Ricci is the guest judge and looking fierce. The looks hit the runway and most everyone does a pretty impressive job. Cecilia made a dress that featured a clown puking rainbows that had been on her t-shirt. Inspired. Bert (this old guy who has lost like everyone in his life and apparently went to DC to be a drunk for like 15 years -- his being alive, much less on this show, is a triumph), Anthony Ryan (testicular cancer survivor) and Anya (Miss Trinidad) have the top looks. Anya seems to have a lot of design skill but not much sewing expertise and managed to make pants (for the first time) that the everyone loved, especially the butt part. Bert used his gingham boxers and made this amazingly constructed cocktail dress that the judges love and deign the winner. Joshua, Rafael and Julie all had the bottom looks, though you can’t totally blame someone for not being able to bang something out with their ratty pajama bottoms. Rafael gets the boot for his ill-fitting stretchy pants and tiered shirt.
Because I’ve spent all of like five minutes with these people, here are my quickie predictions for the designers and where they fall in the pack:
Bottom: Laura, Joshua, Kimberly
Middle: Bert, Anthony Ryan, Cecilia, Viktor, Bryce, Becky
Top: Olivier, Danielle, Julie (I still believe), Fallene and Josh
Want more? The full recap starts right below!OK, so maybe you've been wondering about what's going to happen with this debt ceiling business. Or perhaps you are concerned about Rupert Murdoch tapping your phone. Are you still trying to figure out what happened to all of the bees (seriously, where are the bees?)? Well, now is the time to look inside of yourselves and get your priorities right and start thinking about what's important-- like who is going to be the resident queeny catchphrase minter on the new season of Project Runway! Cause, girl, bitch cannot live by Rupaul's Drag U alone (unless one can). I'm really ready for this show right now. I need it to be very good and I think it's OK that I'm just putting that out there.
The show begins with Tim and Heidi separately welcoming us to the ninth season of the show. Heidi, working hard to showcase that award--nominated personality, seems surprised or annoyed that we're doing this all over again. We immediately start seeing contestants lugging their garment bags around New York. This little elf of a dude tells us that it's cool being in a city so big, as compared to Louisville, Kentucky. Sure. Louisville's not like some sort of half-barren cul-de-sac but whatever. Everyone's excited to be in New York. Here's a girl that apparently lives in the city -- she's kissing a man on a front stoop -- but doesn't know anyone with a car that could help her with her garment bag. And, her boyfriend isn't going to help. She tells us that she postponed (she actually says "cancelled") her wedding in Iceland for this opportunity. Now I know why he's not helping with the bag. He wants to be chilling in a hot spring with Sigur Ros and planning the rest of his life, but, no, there's sewing to be done. The girl says that this is a one-time-only opportunity, whereas she can fly to Iceland anytime. This has actually happened nine times, girl.
Tim tells us that they haven't even decided who is going to be on the show yet. Wha? Heidi says that they are shaking things up -- they've invited 20 people to New York, but before they are on the SHOW show, they have to present their wares to Tim, Heidi, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors. Tim says that 16 of the 20 will go on to actually be on the show and Heidi admits that it's kind of cruel of them. A guy with a drawl and spiky hair says that he did not come all this way to not be one of the 16. Famous last words.
So, for some reason, this showing is happening at Astor Wine and Spirits. Cute space, I guess, but I'm confused. Here's a nervous guy with a shaved head. He says that they are going to meet with the judges one last time. As we see all of the designers unpacking and ironing their collections in a large room, a skinny dude says that it's fun to size up the other people. We have our first contender for catchphrase sister. This shiny guy says something about how many blondes it takes to turn on an iron. The Sew-away Bride says that there are many talented designers in the room. This knockout girl tells someone that when there is dyeing to be done in her designs, someone else usually does the dyeing. We see some looks that are supposed to be directed at her, but they could have been looking at birdies or something for all we know. The shiny guy tells the elfin dude that he believes that good people can make good things. He is totally gunning for the catchphrase spot. The elfin dude very sweetly says that means he must believe in himself, so he won't be going anywhere today.
The showings begin with Kimberly Goldson, who is 35 and from White Plains, Maryland. She shows some pants with bows at the waist that Nina thinks look great. They ask her who her customer is and she says that they are urban glam. She herself enjoys working out in a sequined tank top. I did not make that up.
Here is Bryce Black, 26, from Portland, Oregon. He says that he just wants to get through this stage. What is in his lip? Piercing? Is it infected? He presents some dramatic feathery stuff. Heidi wants to know who is going to wear all of those feathers and he says they belong on a person who wants all of the eyes in a room on them. Heidi recognizes that person. She gets up and tries on Bryce's black feather cape. I'm feeling shades of Kids in the Hall here. She struts the wine store runway and Bryce is very excited about that.
Here's the knockout non-dyer from before. Her name is Anya Ayung-Chee. She's 29 and from Maraval, Trinidad. OK, I'm noticing that there are Twitter tags along with the name info. For instance, Anya's is #PR9ANYA. This is not a bad idea but I somehow find it exhausting. Anya tells us that she competed as Miss Trinidad and Tobago in the Miss Universe competition. The mannequins, who have been quiet until now, are like, "I got nothing. She could kill us with her pretty. I'm not pushing it. Nice Anya." Anya explains that she got to design some of her clothes for the competition, then decided to create her own line. The judges seem impressed by her designs. Tim asks her when she learned how to sew and she reveals that she learned when she applied for the job. Everyone goes nuts. She says she's a fast learner and that, except for one of the dresses in her collection, she sewed all of her designs herself. Tim gets a closer look and is kind of skeptical because the sewing on her work is masterful. She reveals that she had "a lot of help" but I really don't feel like this girl is trying to pull a fast one. They remind her that she won't have any help on the show. Tim says that he's horrified and she asks with the cool of a thousand cucumbers, "What are you horrified by, Tim?" He says that she's handicapped because of her newbie sewing skills and Heidi, sticking up for the super-tall beauty dolls of the world, says that she may be very good. Nina says that she is going to have to be very creative to make up for her lack of sewing experience. Heidi tells Anya that she's going to try to convince the judges. She thanks her and leaves the room and Heidi says she thinks they should give Anya a shot.
Becky Ross, 38, and also from Portland, Oregon, shows a lovely lined jacket that Michael seems to really like. Olivier Green, 22 and from New York, shows some clothes that Heidi really admires. She also likes him. She asks him if he modeled and he says that he is too short and ugly for such work. He's not tall, but he's mad adorable and he knows it. Heidi stops him from showing more of his work and he looks stunned, but it's only because she thinks he's great and doesn't need to see anymore.
Josh Christensen is 29 and from LA. The mannequins are like, "Is that an ascot? Is Orson Welles alive?" Yes. No. OK, so Josh walks into the room and Heidi improv belts, "JOSHU--AAA! Come and show us what you got." It is, uh, beautiful. Heidi has the most beautiful voice. I'm transfixed. She must sing to Tim all of the time because he couldn't give a rat's ass. Seriously, if Heidi can sing actual songs, I will totes go see her cabaret act. Josh is really nervous and I like that. He explains that he mostly does menswear and you can tell from his tailoring (says him, not me). He shows a dress that he declares his "crowning achievement" and I'm not that into it while it's on the hanger. Maybe it's better on a person. Or on fire. They ask him if he supports himself with fashion and he says that he does. Or, at least he doesn't have another job. He says that he decided he would rather be poor and hungry than work a job he didn't like. I think he means poor and happy. I know from personal experience that it's perfectly possible to be poor and hungry while still working a job that you don't like. But, hey, all the free pens that you could want. Heidi asks him what his career was and seems scandalized when he tells her banking. My roommate wonders, with absolute earnestness, if he was actually a bank teller. I don't know why I'm picking on Josh. I think it's the ascot.
Laura Kathleen, who is 26 and from St. Louis, can't find her last name. How horrible for her. She shows some clothes that impress Michael because they are vibrantly colorful and created by a Midwesterner. Nina wonders if maybe there's a little too much color, but Laura Kathleen Somebody says that, well, since they are all from the same collection, that's a good thing because they all match and belong in the same collection and I meant to do that I know you are but what am I?
David Chum, 29 and from Boston, tells us before his showing that he's really nervous and wants it all to be over. We see him sadly wandering around the back asking people if they need hangers. Aw, Pooh Bear. He says that he likes to make clothes that are distinct but wearable. Nina feels like all of his clothes have the same shape. Viktor Luna, 30 and from NYC, shows a cool white garment that he says looks a little '80s until it's being worn.
Julie Tierney, 35 and from Grand Junction, Colorado, brings out a collection that I, for one, think is sick. It's all Southwest prints, which I hate. Seriously, I hate that shit. But, her silhouettes and her actual use of the prints is so freaking on trend, it's remarkable. Take a look at the Hermes Fall 2011 ready-to-wear stuff. A lot of similarities there. Her stuff also shares some traits with the prints in the new Marni and Proenza Schouler lines. Nina tells her that it's clear that she loves outerwear, but Julie says she doesn't see the separation -- it's all design.
Amanda Perna, 26 and from NYC, is asked to show her favorite piece from her garment rack. She shows a romper, while announcing that she actually hates rompers. So, why did she make it? She was challenging herself to interpret a popular trend. She says perkily backstage that she stands behind her collection. Heidi says that she liked her stuff, though one frilly top scared her.
Fallene Wells, 29 and from Denver, Colorado, a place where people have awesome names like "Fallene," presents her stuff. She says that she loves men's apparel for women. Nina asks her if she made the slacks that she's wearing (they're awesome) and she did. Score 1 for Fallene. Gunnar Deatherage, 21 and from the small town of Louisville, Kentucky, shows us this crazy dress that he made for some lady for the Kentucky Derby. It's beyond garish, but doesn't look poorly made. Heidi asks him what he imagines their impression of his work is and he says that he thinks they probably find it over the top and that's fine. That's a good attitude to have.
Danielle Everine, 26 and from Minneapolis, shows her stuff, which I find modern and chic. I also think she's really cute. Heidi asks her why she should be on the show and she says that she would be a good competitor because she can make anything. I like it! Outside, she says that, after looking at the work of the others, she feels like her chances of making it are good. Hmm. Hints of bitch in the air, no?
Oh Josh McKinley, 25-year old New Yorker, we've been waiting to meet you. Here's our toastmaster general. His stuff is straight out of the Meatpacking District, which, though not my cup of tea, is not necessarily a bad thing. Tim asks him who his customer is and he says it's a woman who is confident, neurotic, wearing white gloves and wondering what the hell went on last night. Sandy Dennis from Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is his customer. Fantastic. She's only been dead for a decade or two. Keep dreaming, kid.
Cecilia Motwani is 34 and from Woodside, New York. Her clothes are really well made, but the judges don't feel like it shows a lot of design acumen. They're trying to avoid another Ivy! I appreciate their efforts, but I think that Cecilia might actually be pretty cool. Afterwards, she says that she doesn't think that she made it.
Rafael Cox, 27 and from Atlanta, takes Eddie Murphy's outfit in Raw as his inspiration. My references make me sound like a senior citizen. Seriously though. Rafael thinks that Nina is hot and that she feels the same way about him. If you recall, I know all too well about Nina's hungry eyes.
Here is Serena Da Conceicao, the 31-year-old Iceland wedding canceler from Brooklyn. She shows this romper with a loose blousy look. I think it's pretty cool. They ask her if her stuff is from a single collection and she says that it's not. It's stuff that she has made over the last few years. For some reason, and I can't really figure out why, this seems ominous.
Here's an old guy! He tells us that he's Bert Keeter from LA and he's 102 years young. He kids! He's only 57. He tells the judges that he hasn't designed in quite some time. Then, he's back with the mannequins. He tells us that he started designing in 1978 and worked for some of the greats like Bill Blass (I SWEAR, I knew he was going to say that), Halston and Arnold Scaasi. He tells the judges that he stopped designing in 1992 and moved to DC. He explains to us that two of his closest friends died of AIDS, then his partner of 18 years became ill. He says that, during that time, he abused alcohol to change the way he felt. His clothes are certainly sharp. He tells us that he's been sober for three years and his life has completely turned around. He loves designing again. Wow. Poor guy checked out for 15 years. Heidi thinks that he made need to turn up the volume a little. She doesn't think he should be too simple. What a story this guy has!
The stories don't stop. Here's Anthony Ryan Auld, 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008. He tells us that he's "rocking one now." I remember, in Austin, Texas, on the 101X morning show with Jenn Garrison (this is in like 1999 or something), she said something about Lance Armstrong "kicking ass with one ball." Just needed to share that. Heidi likes Anthony Ryan's scarf. She wants it. She won't stop talking about it. He tells us that he overcame cancer and chemo, but he will never be the same. He shows a print with little monkeys on it and Michael seems to be charmed. He tells the judges that he likes fun and quirky clothes. He also announces that he's color blind. For real? Because of that, he's into prints and graphics and textures. Anthony Ryan tearfully tells us that he is lucky to be where he is and he is very passionate about what he does. More jokes about Heidi stealing his scarf.
Outside, Serena tells us that she's feeling good about her chances of getting on the show. It's time for the judges to confer. Kimberly tells us that everyone is on pins and needles. She's keeping her fingers crossed and her prayers up. If she directed her prayers incorrectly, I don't even know. Disaster. No names are mentioned, but it seems like they are still really conflicted about Anya. Amanda and Gunnar talk about how it would suck to have to go home after just getting there. Nina is concerned about someone's taste level. Cecilia still thinks that she blew it.
Heidi and Tim emerge with news of got cut, but everybody has to wait for the commercials. Fallene, Danielle, Rafael and Kimberly are in. Viktor, Bryce, Becky, Olivier, Laura, Anthony Ryan and Julie -- also in. Joshua McKinley... is in. He tears up and asks if his bronzer is running. Told you. David... is out. He seems pissed. Outside, he says that he really doesn't want to go back to waiting tables. Oh God, I'm gonna be sick. That is so sad. He says, while nervously touching his forehead, that he really wanted to do this. "Oh my God." How horrible.
Gunnar is also out. He says that he thinks everything happens for a reason. You get knocked down and you pick yourself up -- nothing to worry about. I like that! Josh Christensen made it. He says that he's laughing and crying at the same time. Amanda... is out. She cries that she was proud of what she made and knows that she's good. This just wasn't her time. This is kind of cruel. Anya is in! She lays her head in Joshua's lap. Bert is in! Yay! Cecilia and Selena. One in, one out. Selena... is... out. She seems devastated. Cecilia is thrilled. Selena says that she still feels good about herself as a designer.
Champagne toast! Josh interviews that he's thrilled to be able to just enjoy the intensity of the moment. Heidi says that she's sending them to the originally, wait, original (insert joke about her drinking too much -- gets a big laugh from the designers) home of the show, Atlas apartments! You CAN go home again! Tim tells them to unpack and settle in, because you never know what's on Project Runway. Why so creepy?
At the Atlas, they do a fun little thing where they give us the apartment numbers. This is something that I like. In Apt. 10-J, we have Julie, Becky, Fallene and Cecilia. This will probably be my favorite apartment. With the exception maybe of Cecilia, who is still seeming a little Ivy-like to me, these chicks seem cool. Becky tells us that she started making Barbie clothes when she was eight. Her design aesthetic can be described as girly, edgy and artsy. Cute! She says the edgy comes and goes but having blue hair helps.
In Apt. 23-D, we have Rafael, the Joshes and Bryce. Josh C. can see the Empire State Building from his window! He says that he's off the beaten path for a Mormon. OK. Anya, Kimberly, Danielle and Laura are in Apt. 28-B. Laura tells us that people always think she's sweet when they look at her, but she has "quite a bite." Overbite. She volunteers to make breakfast, which is... sweet.
In Apt. 10-E, we have Olivier, Bert, Anthony and Viktor. Before Olivier agrees to room with Bert, he asks him if he snores. That is awful and amazing. Bert laughs it off. I think Olivier is going to be the dark horse bitch of the competition. He looks and sounds so sweet, but you just KNOW.
At 5 AM, Tim wakes all of these poor people up. Lifetime is upping the cruelty big time this season. Kimberly thinks it's rude to come to peoples' houses unannounced and I think she is correct. Tim tells them that they are to stay in their pajamas and bring one bed sheet. Becky asks if she can at least put a bra on, but he says it's a come as you are affair. Anthony thanks the universe that he wasn't sleeping in the nude. Presumably, his roommate is also thankful for that (or not. Aaooooooga!). Then, he marches these sad linen-wrapped wretches through midtown. Kimberly spies a Red Lobster and wants to stop for cheddar biscuits. Am I going to love her? Is that what's happening? Viktor says he can check "walking through Times Square in pj's" off of his bucket list.
Tim takes them to Parsons. Everyone is excited to be in the workroom. Their pj's and the bed sheet are the only fabric they will have for the challenge. They gotta send a look down the runway from that alone. He implores them to make it work, then leaves. Anthony says that he is going to be bold from the get-go. Because Josh C. is a Mormon and wears lots of clothes to bed, he has the most to work with. Is this some sort of lesson for us? He's going to make three pieces for his look. Fallene was wearing a t-shirt feature a clown puking a rainbow. She is using it, because it's just her. I'm not exactly sure how yet, but I'm thinking that a clown puking rainbows is some sort of metaphor for something going on with the program. And, it's a totally good thing. Laura was wearing really fancy stuff to bed, so she's in good shape. Bert is going to use his boxers for the bodice of a dress. He wants to make sure to not be too subdued in his design.
Laura gives us a little lesson about dyeing fabric. You have to add salt to the bath and you can't leave your fabric in the dye for too long. Anya is having to teach herself how to make shit. She's feeling her own amateurishness. Someone wonders if there's going to be a twist to the challenge and they're going to have to make accessories with their underwear. "I have a clutch idea!" sings Josh M. to much laughter. Kimberly points out that Bert actually is using his underwear in his design. She adds that his model is going to be exposed to his "ball juice." True, however, inappropriate. Everyone is grossed out but she insists that it's nature she's talking about.
Tim is back to offer everybody a little mentorship. He starts with Anthony, who is using some feathers on his skirt. Tim finds it mimics pubic hair and makes it clear that pubic hair is not current trend in fashion. He is perplexed by Fallene's puking clown. Julie is making snowboard pants and Tim seems intrigued, though he wonders if she has enough time. He tells Bert to concentrate on his styling (don't be old). Josh M.'s skirt is SHORT. Anya dyed for the first time and draped pants for the first time and it all looks like it's coming together just fine. In fact, Josh M. interviews that he thinks they are all going to have their panties blown off by the stops she pulls out. Rafael hasn't taken his fancy scarf off of his head because his hair's a mess. And, he hasn't made a lot of decisions about his look. Tim is worried. He tells him that there had been discussion about him being one of the four that went home, so he shouldn't let the judges doubt their decision. Ouch. Tim says that he thought Rafael needed a dose of Tim Gunn Medicine. I used that on a rash last week and, well, now I knit.
Tim tells everyone that he is impressed with how the designers have transformed their materials. But, he warns everyone to work quickly. With him gone, models come in for a fitting. Bert is very happy with his model. Josh C.'s girl is too fat for her outfit. Olivier and his model are speaking in a language that is not English and Laura asks him if he's speaking "foreign." He nods silently with a smile. Telling you, he's gonna be the bitch. Can't wait. Laura interviews that Rafael shut down after being told that the judges were on the fence about him. She adds that being so sensitive means he probably shouldn't be there anyway. Oh, shut up. Josh C. says that it was only 30 extra minutes of work to make his clothes fit his enormous model. Anya is really far behind.
The day, the designers get back to the workroom in time for Tim to tell them that they'll have two hours before the show begins. Then, he sends in the models. It looks like Anya finished. Rafael still doesn't know how he's going to incorporate his scarf. I suggest he use it as a scarf. He tells Josh M. that he's going to make it into some sort of necklace.
Anthony seems really comfortable leading the hair and make-up team. Bert seems less comfy. He settles on a Brigitte Bardot look for his girl. Olivier directs the guys to pull his model's hair. Abusive. Tim arrives to bring everyone to the runway.
On the runway, Heidi enters and schools the designers on the ins and outs of being in or out. She introduces Michael and, you know, credit where credit is due and all that, he really has laid off of the bronzer. You wouldn't even assume he has really high blood pressure now. That was the shade he used, right? "Angina?" There's Nina too. And, the guest judge is Christina Ricci! She looks great too and is going to be on a new show, Pan Am.
The show begins with Josh M.'s look. It's a little black dress with white vest. There's some asymmetry and it looks pretty modern, but I'm not in love with it. The back of the vest features the upside down lapel that he is very fond of (he showed the judges a piece like that just a few weeks ago).
Laura made a silk top with a jacket. Also, she made a wide-legged pant. The pants have a cheap looking dye job, but the outfit is pretty accomplished. Laura says that she thinks she's the only person to make three pieces today.
Danielle's outfit is teal shorts and a brown boat-necked blouse. It's adorable and fits beautifully. The color choice of the shorts is neat too. She thinks it's good that she's showing this for her first challenge, because it lets the judges know who she is. Laura whispers something about wanting to steal Danielle's model and Danielle replies, "We'll see about that, Laura." Danielle has a little bit of a Shannen Doherty thing happening. This could get very, very good.
Viktor's girl is wearing a little white sundress with black accents. It's cut very cutely. He says that he can tell the judges like it. He tells his girl to "sell it, sell it." I wonder if she can hear him.
Becky made a light blue, one-shouldered dress that has a gray stripe running vertically down the middle. There are delicate pleats at the waist that I think are very cute. Becky is happy with the construction of the dress, but wonders if the color is too pastel.
Bryce made something very gross. It's a short black skirt and this bell-sleeved blouse that I just really hate. This is the woman you go to for summer rentals in St. Petersburg. Sorry.
Anya's girl is wearing a print halter top and the slacks... which are quite nice. She is, of course, proud of herself for getting it done. This was also the first time Anya had ever sewn silk. She's a powerhouse. Here's Julie's look and, well, she should have done something to transform the cartoon print of her pajama bottoms. She made a short-sleeved top with a swath of this cartoon in a diagonal. And the pants do indeed look like snowboarding pants. She knows she's in trouble.
Olivier made a jacket and skirt for his model. The construction is great but the colors are a little weird. He says it's the best he could do under the time constraints. He's really cute.
Kimberly's look is pretty gross. It's this weird halter top that looks like two curtains over her models boobs. Plus, she made pants that are bunching at the crotch.
Here's Anthony's look. He made a neat little striped top, but his skirt still has the furry stuff in the front. I just think it looks a mess. It's really really short too.
Oh my God, Rafael, pack your bags. He made these gray pants that just ruined his model's career. Seriously. She can never recover from this. And the top is no better. Looks like he never made up his mind about what to do. And, a necklace made out of a scarf.
Fallene made a very chic white dress, with a puking clown on the front. She says that is precisely her personality and she's glad she sent it down the runway.
Bert's dress is great. It's a shirt asymmetrical dress of different shades of brown. One side of the bodice is red gingham. Cute times ten. He feels very good about the result and says the rigors of the challenge made him stretch.
Josh C.'s look does not fit. Shorts, top and shrug. It was a great idea, but the fit is a wreck. He, however, is very happy with it. Cecilia continues to show off her sewing skills with an expertly crafted bubble skirt, tube top and shrug. Nothing genius about it, but it fits like a dream.
Afterwards, Anthony, Rafael, Josh, Anya, Bert and Julie are called forward. The rest are safe! They leave the stage and the models return. They liked Anthony's look! Michael thinks that, despite his colorblindness, he's actually quite good at matching colors. Christina likes the proportions of the skirt, even if it is super short.
Oh God -- Rafael. These pants just get uglier the more you look at them. Heidi says no grown-up wants to walk around with a bib. Heh. Michael calls it a Flintstone's necklace. Heh. Nina thinks that the look is dated, though she let's him off the hook a little by mentioning the fit problems. Looks like some of these models are hitting the pasta bar in the dorm a little too often. Christina tries to say something nice about the craftsmanship that went into the shirt, but it's all too late at this point.
They kill Julie because of those pants. Heidi says that she liked all of Julie's stuff in the beginning, but they're all confused by this. There is elastic on the sides of the pants, which offends Nina. Michael thinks that the pocket on the front is suitable only for masturbation.
Anya explains that she wanted to show that she could construct something and the judges are in awe. Nina, in particular, really seems to like it. Heidi points out that the ass of the pants fits like a dream.
Heidi is in love with Bert's dress. Nina thinks that Bert's boxers are adorable. Michael loves the tone and the asymmetry, but hates the styling. It should be clean and neat.
Josh doesn't seem to realize initially that they're going to hate him. Christina asks him if he's happy with the fit of his look and he admits to some issues. Heidi says she doesn't know if his or Rafael's is worse. He says that he wishes someone would have told him he was going so wrong, but Michael sets him straight that it's nobody's job to correct him. Then, Nina slams him for showing her a tank top and white shorts in a design competition. That was a slaughter. Backstage, Josh is mortified that he's going home.
Heidi says that she thinks most of the designers did a good job. They discuss how Josh should have fixed the fit problems with his look. Also, they don't think that Rafael is aware that his look was not fashion forward. "Fashion backward," says Heidi. Heidi hated the silly pattern on Julie's fabric, but Nina was more offended by the construction of her pants.
They admire that Anya made slacks to impress them. Nina loved Anthony's t-shirt and that he didn't overembellish it. Heidi says that she likes Bert and Michael adds that his garment was the most sophisticated thing they'd seen all day.
The designers return to the stage. Bert... is the winner! He has immunity for the challenge. He tells us that he feels amazing! Bryce interviews that he underestimated Bert because of his age and was wrong. Anya and Anthony are in. Julie is in. Josh looks like he's about to pee himself. He is... in. He tells them that they won't regret and he leaves the stage. Rafael is out! He says that he will not stop designing, of course. Tim comes in and ushers him out. Bye, Rafael!
Jeff Long is a writer/performer in Brooklyn. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com.