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Project Runway Recap — Part 2

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So excited Project Runway is back and that I am back blogging! My first recap was for the first 3 challenges. Now my part 2 recap is up for the past 3 — the 90s, Underwear as Outerwear & All Denim. These next 3 challenges have also brought us to the halfway point for the season. Wow! It’s flying by! And in my last post, I mentioned how each elimination would get tougher and I was right. Each week its hard to predict who might be in the bottom, who might be eliminated? But it’s even harder to watch it unfold as everyone left is good. So its tough to watch the eliminations. But there are only a few spots for the finale and of course only one winner. Certainly going to be a hard call!

I’m excited to see the final few challenges because this mix of tasks were not my favorites. I am not a fan of denim, so 0 interest in seeing those looks. Underwear as outerwear looks, I get the trend, but I don’t view that as showcasing a lot of innovation, its not so much of a strength from the designers. But I did love the 90s challenge and seeing all of the throwback inspirations in the looks! And Jennie Garth as the guest judge, I mean how can you make a perfect week even better! I am such a fan!

So for this particular week there would be two teams of 5 competing, Red team vs Blue team, each tasked with creating a look, so creating a mini collection, with the inspiration being the 90s. I loved that they had the runway in an actual high school, with the hallways as the runway — Obsessed! When I think of 90s TV, I think of so many great shows then in a school setting, Saved by the Bell, 90210 (hence Jennie Garth as guest judge), Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and more.

The blue team consisted of Prajje, Bishme, Korto, Rami and Laurence. They were the winning team. I loved the vibe of this collection, very hip hop, music video. There were a lot of strong looks! I thought the use of colors like orange and green could have been risky, but worked so well in the collection. For me, Korto’s look was the weakest here. And I thought with other looks, there were aspects I loved, but then parts I didn’t care as much for. Laurence was the deserving winner here! I thought it was such a cool look. I really loved these leather suspenders. Its a look you would see people wearing now!

I also thought Prajje and Rami did great work. With Rami, he thought of Aaliyah and I could have totally seen her in this and slaying! With the blue team winning, that of course meant the red team was the losing team and someone here would be eliminated. The red team was Kayne, Brittany, Fabio, Kara Saun, and Anna. I thought these looks at least tried to make 90s modern, so not just looks you would see in the 90s, but looks that were inspired by the 90s and wearable today. It was plaid, fun and very Clueless! But there were some messy/sloppy looks and it made sense this was the bottom team. I mentioned tough cuts and this was tough for me. I love Kayne! But this was not his forte in creating 90s RTW, more of a streetwear vibe. At least I know for him he has created true success for himself as a designer. He has built an amazing business, with many stunning creations, strong clientele and dresses celebrities. I don’t know that all of the designers from this cast can say the same!

The next week was following the trend of underwear type pieces being worn as outerwear. This was not an exciting runway for me, but there were a few good looks at least created. Prajje did fairly decent with his look. But I agreed with Brandon, the jacket was his strength here and we barely got to see it. Brittany did better than I expected. I loved the bit of color in lime green. It felt more sporty than underwear, but still a good look. Kara Saun was the named winner, but for me, it would have been Rami. I actually have a skirt in this similar coloring, the black lace overlaying a nude fabric. It was just gorgeous, super sexy, but not distasteful.

It was between Korto and Fabio as to who would go. I felt Fabio has been judged and criticized more harshly than others this season. IMO, his previous looks were not just safe. But it seems like those critiques, then this not so amazing look meant he was the one to go. The judges didn’t seem to care for the direction of the look and it was Christian who pushed this direction, creating the disharmonious final result. Fabio should have just ignored the advice. And for all the discussion about Anna in the next challenge and how her timing issue was her fault, and that her last minute look should have sent her home. That was my opinion for Korto this week. Her look made no sense to me, felt super safe, but was also poorly constructed. The slight interest in this piece for her was a good fabric selection and it would have been doing all the work in this look, not the design itself. I guess there could have been no Siriano save this week for poor Fabio because Christian wasn’t even there!

Nina was also absent for this challenge and the next one. But she should be back it seems for the rest of the season. The next task was a challenge used before. It was actually from Rami and Christian’s OG season, creating a head to toe denim look. I am not a denim fan. I don’t wear jeans hardly ever! So again, not the biggest fan of these looks, but a few did stand out. Also, not sure if we needed Julia Fox as a judge offering any suggestions/thoughts I would consider, but oh well, that’s where we were!

Part of the challenge would be each designer would be a duo, one vs the other, whose look would come out on top! And from the bottom looks, one designer would be eliminated. It was interesting seeing the selection process. As the winner from the previous week, Kara got to pick her battling partner first. As she stated, not the most amazing prize, but it would give her the advantage. And despite her not actually wanting to say it, she picked Anna because she thought she would easily beat her. As it interestingly enough turned out, it was not the slam dunk she thought it would be.

In terms of fan criticism, I have seen a lot about Anna. But we got to see a snippet of some past looks in this episode and I actually think she is a good designer. Her looks are very conceptual, much more editorial, so it’s not looks that are going to be for the masses. But I don’t think she lacks talent or deserves to go the most amongst the remaining designers. There was a lot of criticism about her bleach mistake this week, leading to timing issues and sending down the runway a less then perfect look. But is that the only time this has happened in PR history, or even this season? I recall a few scrambling, like Korto and Brittany, but neither were sent home.

I’ve seen talk that maybe the judges favor her? But are we going to pretend the judges and even Christian don’t have other faves? I know with Chrisitan its very obvious, especially when it comes to the advice he offers and how much. And I see that with Brittany. And as it came to the Siriano Save for the season, he saved someone he has known for years, the person from his own season, Rami. When the season first started I called if he used it, it would absolutely be on Rami, given the connection, or Brittany because I knew he had favored her too. In fact she received the Siriano Save during her original season.

I thought Bishme vs Prajje would be the hardest battle. Nobody picked them. They were paired together because they were the last 2. But the judges didn’t love Prajje’s look, putting him in the bottom 2. I didn’t agree with that. Bishme’s look was clean, very chic, but certainly a basic denim dress. His fringed coat was the winner here. But Prajje’s look was not that bad IMO. I love a good jumpsuit. I thought the patchwork denim pattern looked like mixed media. I got some of what the judges were saying. I didn’t love the back either. But I don’t know if I would have judged it as harshly.

Brittany vs Laurence was the toughest call. I loved both looks! Laurence was the winner, which I thought worked. And I am glad for this win she actually got a prize, 5k! Laurence did something very different with a denim gown. But Brittany also did well, creating a solid jacket here. I felt with Rami’s look, it was a similar situation to Kayne and his elimination. I don’t think this is a strength for Rami. Not his aesthetic at all. But we did see the memory of the challenge he did on this before and his look was actually very good. So with having done this challenge before and doing it well, I think it was more disappointing his look this time was bad. The look was not flattering. I am not sure where he was trying to go with this. I don’t feel like I saw him in this piece at all.

So Rami was eliminated but saved, so ultimately nothing changed in terms of the number left. It’s only going to get tougher so the designers have to bring it each week. Hopefully they focus and don’t rely on excuses or sad stories to escape elimination. And hopefully the fans can’t keep enjoying and not complaining if there fave goes home. We have to remember, there is only going to be one winner. So chances are you might be disappointed. And if you like more than one designer, prepare for that disappointment since only one can win. And there are a good amount of designers left so a couple of more good ones will be eliminated. Just the name of the game! But I am ready to hopefully see some exciting new challenges and some even more amazing creations from the designers!

Project Runway Recap — Part 1

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I started this current season of Project Runway late, trying to watch/catch up and just can’t help but want to blog! So taking a stab with the first few challenges here in my Recap Part 1. Looking at the first challenge, the unconventional challenge, dressing for royalty and all from the same bolt of “Red Rage”.

The various runways have been very up and down for me, some peaks of brilliance to some very lows that I wouldn’t expect from the supposed “best of the best.” I also feel like we keep hearing a lot of excuses and sad stories to distract from bad design. I’ve seen a lot of fan commentary on what the show should be about, fashion or the back stories. From just the very few first episodes it’s quite evident they all have had something bad happen to them, a rough childhood/upbringing, a tragic loss, etc. But no individual designer’s sad story should overtake the week’s given challenge, the work they actually put down the runway. So I don’t mind learning more, hearing about a journey, but it shouldn’t overtake your work or be an excuse to keep you from going home.

Thus far, I have agreed with all who have went home. I do appreciate Viktor. I have even met him; he is a great guy and designer. But that royalty look was a hot mess and that was mostly because of him. He was more focused on putting his POV on a look that it wasn’t working with. And then on the “Red is all the Rage” runway, it was abundantly clear Hester was going. And the excuse of oh, I am not familiar with this fabric doesn’t fly. You chose to create something ambitious, so if you don’t know how to work with the fabric, then create something in your wheelhouse, not something you really haven’t done on a fabric you supposedly don’t know. Sounded like a big excuse, which I think would bother the other designers, but somehow most were unnecessarily focused on Anna.

Certainly the big topic of debate from that runway was Anna repeating work? This was beyond blown out of proportion. I could maybe understand if she had won, but the judges were in no way giving her the win. And there was no way that look was sending her home. So I don’t get the outrage when it was clear that the look that was going home was the one poorly made, sloppy, and just all over the place. I don’t get all the drama there. Kind of laughable for example hearing Korto discussing it when in that same week her look was repeating a weaving design she had also done before. A few were saying Anna has done nothing but repeat the ruffle, yet I can only recall the one look.

Let’s also not pretend in the real world on a runway you don’t see some repetition of a signature design detail or that even on the show we don’t see designers re-use fashion details or design aspects. Leanne Marshall, Dmitry Sholokhov, Sean Kelly, just to name a few! I feel the designers were more upset with the bottom 3 maybe because they liked them better than actually thinking of the looks. They also seemed more upset with Anna as if she put herself in the top, when it was the judges who did this. I guess time will tell if they actually have the audacity to say something to them vs jumping on Anna. But again, the bottom 3 made sense even if you like the designer. We know Christian convinced Rami to change his design a good bit after the start. It clearly led to not the best Rami look and something that didn’t seem fully visualized. Christian also told Fabio he was playing it safe, which is exactly what the judges told him. And again, finally with Hester, it was quite clear she was the one going home.

I mentioned the runways being full of highs and lows for me. Of course episode 1, I thought it was great to see everyone back and such dramatic changes from their worst looks revisualized. The unconventional runway really blew me away – was probably my top runway thus far. Nina thought the royalty runway was complete with no bad looks, but I very much disagreed. She actually then didn’t care for the Alls Red runway, which I thought was pretty good. Going back to the royalty challenge, I really didn’t love many of the looks. And I think the problem was most were just doing whatever they wanted to and not actually thinking of the task at hand. It was either a design for future royalty or a nonexistent land of royalty, but the challenge was create a look fit for royalty, not for royalty that doesn’t exist or whatever you are just making up in your mind.

The runway was again surprisingly lackluster for me, but of course not very surprising was a teamwork challenge and that at least providing a little drama. A typical dramatic group, that of Anna/Brittany, it did land them in the bottom. It was not surprising they clashed somewhat, both with very strong personalities. I know with Brittany, I want to like her. And she is not a horrible designer. Her next winning look with the red sportswear piece was actually pretty great. But I just feel like every episode she has to try so hard to get attention. It doesn’t feel like a natural for reality TV. I think if she wasn’t so focused on trying to make what she thinks is good TV her design work would be far better.

I am looking forward to continuing to catch up on the latest episodes and putting together my Recap Part 2. It’s only going to get more tough from here on out as I am sure most of us have more than one fave!

Who Won Project Runway, Season 18!?!

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So as we left from the last episode, the final 4 were waiting to see who got to show at NYFW. I was not surprised the judges allowed all 4 to go! With only 48 hours until the show would begin, there was still a lot to do though. Going to the next morning, the designers awoke to a text from Christian, to meet him at the CFDA. He was there with Sara Kozlowski, Director of Professional Development for the CFDA and Rachna Shah, a partner with top PR firm KCD Worldwide. Each designer would get time with both important women in the world of fashion to look at branding and go thru their collections.

With Victoria, they were seeing some signature work, but questioned her use of the logo, as did the judges and Christian. For Nancy, they felt she should go with an empowerment message for the collection versus her mission statement as a designer of inclusivity. With Geoffrey, they thought he needed to lead with his Purple Heart story and that his collection didn’t need much by way of styling. And finally, for Sergio, they thought he shouldn’t box himself into one idea of a style, to always think younger and fresher. After their CFDA consultations, the designers were off to Mood for a final bit of shopping to finalize their collections. The would have an extra $400 and 45 minutes to shop. Christian also announced the designers would have help from seamstresses on the last day to help make the necessary alterations for their looks. He urged them to not then feel they could only make small changes. Victoria decided to make an entire new look, something less busy. Sergio also decided to work on a new piece. And Nancy was trying to make her collection more light, less dark.

Next up on this very busy day was model castings. It was a pretty seamless process for the designers. After castings the designers would fit half of the models with the other half coming the next day. We saw Nancy was planning to use a stunning prosthetic piece with one of her looks, very Christian Cowan. Sergio saw that he would have to make a lot of alterations on top of creating part of a new look. The designers then met with Grace Lee of Maybelline for makeup consultations. Nancy remembered the judges giving her advice to create fresher beauty looks, not so dated. And for Geoffrey, the goal was to not distract from his looks with the facial studs he wanted to use, at least for the women. He wanted to use them for his male models. For the remainder of this first of 2 days, everyone was knocking out more work. But they all decided to enjoy a little down time with a couple of drinks before bed.

It was the last day of work, the final 12 hours in the workroom, and there was no time to spare! The seamstresses arrived and then the rest of the models for their fittings. Karla Welch returned to give the designers some styling tips for their looks. Nancy didn’t need much by way of accessories because her clothes are that good; she didn’t need gimmicks. For Geoffrey, there was a similar line of thinking. His clothes were larger than life so he needed to think less, not more. Actually most of the designers needed to think edits, including Victoria in that her collection also didn’t need all the bells and whistles. And for Sergio, she was giving some advice to him making a t-shirt to freshen up his collection per the judges’ advice. He reluctantly agreed. Next up were the hair consultations with Justine Marjan of Tresemme. Christian then wanted a final chat, which got the designers nervous, but there was no twist, just some final words of encouragement. He also announced the guest judge would be tennis superstar Serena Williams. It was then the final 2 hours, still a good bit to do for all. Sergio was showing some signs of stress and was making his t-shirt. Geoffrey was also stressing some, in tears, just needing to get everything done.

The morning of this final push to fashion week was very chaotic, as to be expected. The designers went to their fashion week show spot, Spring Studios, new home of many NYFW shows for the past few seasons. Each designer was reflecting back on their growth. Sergio still had to do some alterations. Geoffrey was in a tizzy about finding his facial studs, but couldn’t. Call it fate, but I don’t think the jewelry facial embellishments were needed. And close to the last minute, one of Sergio’s looks had a hole in it, but Sergio quickly repaired. Chaos aside, it was time for the runway show to begin!

This was certainly an exciting finale to say the least! I had my winner of choice, but I will say, each designer at least offered something worth the runway. Victoria was probably my least fave, but I could see a real discussion happening between the other 3 as possible winners. Last season, I felt it was beyond obvious who would win. The level of competition certainly elevated this season, and it was a real competition for who should win. Nancy’s collection, Sustain-Our-Ability would have been my choice to win. It encompassed so much positivity lacking in fashion presently, zero waste, sustainability, and inclusivity, but this collection was still fashion at the highest level. Nancy truly creates wearable art, and makes fashion for all, amazing seeing her wheelchair look, on the runway, for NYFW!

There was a shimmer and shine you couldn’t miss in this collection. She included a stunning faux fur outerwear piece. I felt these were all statement pieces that any woman would want to be in. It was hard to note what the judges felt by way of negative because there wasn’t much shown on that. They mentioned something about not seeing a lot of form fitting pieces, but that was perplexing since she had a few of those pieces in the collection. In fact, my favorite look, seen below, I am still in awe over this look. This was so cool and just really demonstrated the range Nancy can do.

It was actually Geoffrey who won. I don’t hate on this too much. He didn’t do a horrible job. I didn’t find his collection to be my personal taste and found it to be less universal in terms of the range of customer who could wear these types of looks. But Geoffrey did have some really cool, standout looks. I saw the inspiration clearly in this Purple Heart collection, focusing on survival and bravery. I was impressed he was able to reign in all of his ideas and presented a collection that was fairly cohesive.

The opening of his purple bomber look was amazing. I still didn’t like the sleeve dress or all of the looks with just randomly hanging sleeve-like embellishments. His outerwear pieces are probably what won the day for him. His trenched black look was very strong. I thought his menswear was nothing overly inventive and many of his looks felt repetitive. And especially those 2 weird neckline shaped dresses back to back, very similar and not his strongest points. But there were some great details to see throughout the collection, especially the ones with sheer cutouts. My favorite piece from his was this look below, sheer stop beyond stunning and then these ultra chic, very cool, hip pants.

And the final oversized egg cocoon coat look was certainly a show piece that definitely closed the show as strongly as it was opened!

Geoffrey would have been my 2nd choice, outside of Nancy. As much as Sergio really slayed with quite a few truly knockout looks, overall, I wasn’t a fan of his confused messaging and fringe craze throughout this Ocean Anthem collection. I felt such a Western motif vibe from this collection, smashing together with this high-end, more elegant, high fashion feel, and the 2 styles didn’t come together for me. The judges were right to say Sergio is probably the most technically skilled, but this is not who can sew the best competition. The competition is about the design, the voice, and what comes out of that.

I felt Sergio with this collection was just a little too all over the place, too many details, too many ideas, and not all were amazing. His beadwork and more eveningwear looks, I am very much impressed with, but the fringe rest, not so much.

And of course one of Sergio’s best runway moments, proposing backstage, so sweet!


And last but not least to review, again, my least fave collection, Victoria with Revelation. Her looks certainly were culturally inspired, encompassing a very sporty, chic woman. It was a collection based with a soft, nude palette, but with some electric pops of color. I definitely was not a fan of the logos she still decided to use. I ultimately felt the collection was too underwhelming compared to the rest. It wasn’t elevated enough. And some of the details were odd, such as the smock over lace look. The shoulders on certain looks were too exaggerated.

I don’t think the collection was very cohesive, and it didn’t cater to any sort of same level of clientele. I felt overall, the collection tried to be cool, but wasn’t all that cool.

So again, it was Geoffrey for the win. And here is the rundown on what winning entails by way of prizes!

  • $250,000 courtesy of BluPrint, and creating a design series
  • Feature in Elle Magazine
  • $50,000 courtesy of Pilot Pens
  • and a mentorship with the CFDA

Project Runway — It’s the Road to the Finale

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It’s that time for Project Runway, the road to the finale, where we see the final collections of the designers shown during NYFW! We at this point are left with the final 4, Nancy, Sergio, Geoffrey & Victoria. Each designer would have 5 months to work on their collections, with a $10,000 budget. Each collection would consist of 10 looks. The designers were sent home to get working! The first part of the episode consisted of Christian visiting each designer to check-in.

First up, Christian was in Philadelphia, visiting Nancy. She had a really nice setup for a studio right next to her apartment. During this season, we saw Nancy a little all over the place at times, but I guess given more freedom in a work environment and parameters, we see a different Nancy, one who is really scheduled and organized. I love that she had a cardboard popup of Christian to keep her work spirit up! Nancy had so much completed for this visit with Christian. Her collection was all zero waste. It really did look like a lot of wearable art. She was also being all inclusive with her looks, even creating another look to work for a wheelchair model. I really loved what I was seeing here. There was a lot of detail and intricacies. Christian’s advice was to make sure to edit, not overwork the looks. And a nice parting bit of fun for Christian, he and Nancy ran up the steps in Philadelphia, like Rocky, how cool!

Next up for Christian was visiting Sergio in NY. He lives in a stunning apartment and his studio was actually in the apartment. His take for the collection was to look at global warmings’ impact on the planet. Sergio was trying to create glaciers melting into ice caps. He had some stunning fabrics chosen, and had decided to use upcycled fabrics. He also decided to grow leather in his bathtub, which actually looked pretty gross! We saw a lot of the middle part of his collection, but I was with Christian on his thoughts here and that the message wasn’t reading clear. And another bit of athleticism for Christian as he left Sergio, playing a little soccer!

Christian was then off to L.A. to visit with Victoria. She had a lot completed for this visit with Christian. She had decided to create a logo, which she put on some of her looks. I didn’t care for this, it read cheap, and let’s be real, she is not LV or Coach, not at a point yet where she needs that level of branding! There were a few interesting pieces, but I wasn’t seeing a lot of cohesion. I saw a lot of RTW, nothing very high-end. Looking at what I was seeing overall was underwhelming. After their studio visit, Christian was able to meet Victoria’s family, her husband and son.

And last but not least for Christian’s visits was seeing Geoffrey, going back to NY, Brooklyn. Geoffrey had a rocky start to working on this collection. He had pulled his meniscus, so was working thru that injury while trying to work thru this collection. He really hadn’t completed much. Lots of sketches and fabric swatches, but not any completed looks. He was thinking futurism for this collection, working on specific details for the collection, fabric manipulations, texture, quilted chainmail, and more. I was intrigued by what he was saying, but Geoffrey really had his work cut out for him to pull everything together and to do so very quickly. We also later learned Geoffrey had gone thru a break-up and was having some financial woes from closing his business. So he had been thru a lot and hopefully it wouldn’t keep impacting the work on his collection.

With all of the visits done, everyone finished their work over the next couple of months and were then back to NY. Victoria had an entire new hair look, big ball of curls gone to straight locks of blonde. Before getting back to work on their own collections, the designers went to Christian’s show at NYFW. But not too much downtime for fun, as the very next day, they were all back to their new workroom to get back to work! And since Christian had a lot going on after his show, Karlie was there to welcome the designers. The designers started unpacking their collections, Nancy literally inside one of her boxes making sure everything made it out! We saw Nancy actually used no horsehair in this collection and didn’t seem to be showing much repetition from what she created on the show. I really loved this liquid like fabric she had chosen. Geoffrey had clearly gotten to work and completed everything. He looked to have created some interesting outerwear pieces. All of the designers were of course curious as to what each other had done. Victoria changed a lot of her collection from Christian’s visit. It definitely looked better than what I had seen previously!

Of course Karlie being around was not just for a warm welcome, she had a little surprise for the designers. The judges were apparently throwing out the rulebook. It was not set in stone how many could show at fashion week. It could be all 4, just 3, or even just 2. The designers had 48 hours to pick 3 looks to show the judges. It could be their 3 strongest looks, or 3 favorites or looks they wanted critique on. The designers then had to look at the model cards and pick upon themselves who would get each model. Geoffrey naturally went into panic mode, not sure what to show the judges. He did have color in his collection, but really loved his all black looks.

The next day back in the workroom, Christian returned. We saw a little more insight into each collection. Geoffrey was honoring his Dad’s purple heart, creating a collection based around armor and protection. I worried about seeing Geoffrey’s cohesion, but also just any sort of mass appeal to his work. I wasn’t seeing a lot of super wearable pieces, but there were some really cool looks. Victoria was still about some branding and accessories, but Christian warned her about distracting focus from her looks. For Sergio, Christian advised him to make the looks feel as modern as he could. Christian didn’t seem to have much feedback for Nancy, really loved what she had created, which actually brought her to tears. It was such a genuine moment of appreciation and joy to see from her. But what was also pretty cool to see was one fun accessory she had created, a bag that dubbed as a boxed wine cover, genius!

Model fittings were up next. Christian provided some final tidbits of advice. He was not going to be with the designers the day of the runway because he was preparing for the Oscars. And with that, the designers finished off their night’s work, Geoffrey making a new skirt for one of his looks and Nancy treading very delicately because one mistake with her fabric could be endgame. For the morning of the runway, Sergio was having an issue with a visible panty line. Geoffrey decided to use stud embellishments for his makeup look, but was having a freakout moment because of the beading placements. And Victoria had decided to use all of her accessories. The guest judge for this runway was President and CEO of the CFDA, Steven Kolb. The winner would be receiving a mentorship thru the CFDA so Steven’s input would be great to have.

It was certainly hard to see where exactly the judges fell with this 4 because they really did have critiques for all. In my opinion, they seem to have the least amount of critique on Nancy and I would be floored if she were not chosen to show at NYFW. I really feel that the judges will let all 4 go thru though. But Nancy really delivered here. She did strive to make an all-inclusive collection, and really doing more than most by creating a look for a person who is in a wheelchair. I loved the feathered bodice on this look, great transitory moment from skirt to cape.

The print she used for her suit-esque look was stunning. Such a great fit on the model. And then seeing this liquid metallic look, such a lovely color and really a high end look anyone would love to be in. I do agree with the judges she should go a little more modern on the styling, less with the makeup. And she should also think of some breathers, so not everything is so print heavy or detailed focused. But editing down versus having to edit up is certainly where one would want to be at this point!

Sergio and Geoffrey both have some work to do, but I did find what they have done so far intriguing. I guess because of some stunning fabric choices, and just knowing Sergio’s technical skills are going to be beyond top notch, I did find his work a little more appealing. This first all white look, did look great, a little off from the panty issue, but did look amazing.

He had one look that weighed 45 lbs, I am sure hard to wear, but it was just so stunning. This look just screams so regal and luxe, I feel it is certainly one standout show piece for him and something a lot of women would want to wear.

I didn’t love all the fringe. And the judges were right that some of these looks did read more dated and he needed to get messy with the editing, think less is more. Sergio seemed to be very receptive of the criticism, but the question is, can he really take this super high end escalated collection and take it from that classy somewhat dated feel to something more modern.

With what Geoffrey showed here and snippets of what we have seen in other looks, I just don’t see cohesion. I don’t see him catering to the same customer. I see a lot of the coolness factor, but not sure how it might come altogether and if he can streamline focus on some of these ideas. There is almost too much going on. This first purple look was probably the only one I liked. A very cool puffer jacket look with a new chainmail skirt he had actually just made, so he was already making changes!

This dress look again was really cool with the metal mesh, but the bodice shaping was odd to me. The silhouette was also very ill-fitting as the judges pointed out.

And while it was nice to see menswear, I did not care for this mustard look. It was a lot of layers, very heavy handed. I think the judges felt underwhelmed by this and so did I.

Victoria was my least favorite. I do see she is going for a certain look, a certain customer. As the judges mentioned, it was great to see separates, you can do a lot of mixing and matching. The judges liked the hats, I really didn’t, but I guess the point was you don’t need to have all of the hats and bags, which is what Christian told her and she did not listen. On this first look, I liked the pants, very cool, but the embroidery print work was not appealing to me.

Then you jump to this suit look which really fell out of place for me, felt dated.

I really did love this jumpsuit, although the judges did not and felt it looked cheap. Go figure the one look I like, the judges don’t! she also had some technical issues up close and some fit issues here and there.

I think some of the designers have a lot of work to do if they want to be in the running. I am really hoping Nancy pulls of this win though!

PR Designers Take on Avant-Garde — Time to go Big or Go Home!

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This is it! It is the final challenge before we find out who is going to NYFW! And what better way to make that determination than by having the designers take on creating an avant-garde look. The judges would be looking for something extraordinary, going beyond the norm, a fashion first where innovation and originality would be key. And given that nobody went home last week, on this challenge, 2 designers would be getting axed. For this huge task, it really called for a larger than life runway! Instead of the regular catwalk, the designers would show their looks at NYC’s newest, innovative architectural feat, The Vessel.

Since Nancy won last week, she was able to choose her model. She then selected another designer to choose, and it was so on and so forth after that, with Victoria choosing last. This would be a 2-day challenge, with the sketching happening right then and there. The challenge itself wouldn’t start until the next day with the trip to Mood. During sketch-time, Marquise expressed comfort with this type of challenge, Victoria felt just okay, but Brittany was not feeling great at all. Sergio was planning his next big piece, but also his next big political statement, women empowerment.

So for the first full day of work, the designers began at Mood with a budget of $600. The designers were excited, but also happy to have a little extra shopping time. Geoffrey was feeling ready, although found himself working with familiar fabrics. Christian had already warned everyone to mix it up, so Geoffrey decided instead to work with latex. This is not new territory for him, but would be on this show. It was then time for the designers to get to work. We saw at Mood Brittany was thinking butterflies, but also thinking pink! Victoria was aiming to create 100s of small, faux leather pieces, to create her own fabric, looking to be some very tedious work. And Marquise was getting into work with all of his chains!

Christian was around later for Siriano sessions. Christian was okay with Brittany’s butterfly vision. Geoffrey was thrilled to show Christian his abilities to work well with latex. For Nancy, Christian urged her to go ahead and figure out her silhouette. But with Victoria, he wasn’t sure what direction she was going. For the remainder of day 1, Sergio expressed he only saw himself as competition and that everyone is always watching him. Not sure about that one, but everyone looked tired after a full day’s work, but still ready to go the next day for round 2!

The designers began their 2nd day of work with a surprise from Christian. They thought it was bad news, but it was more positive! Christian had it all set up for the designers to see every look they have created this season. It was a lovely walk down memory lane. But of course, it was more than just looking at their past work! Each designer would choose 2 prior looks to show with their avant-garde look. They would also get to work with a seamstress to tailor their looks for the new models. Next up was model fittings. Seeing what Geoffrey was creating with his latex work, I wasn’t sure what was going on. Sergio was working away with his Samurai look. Christian cautioned Marquise to relook at his jacket. And the designers also began work with their assigned seamstress.

Justine Marjan from Tresemme then came by to consult with each designer on their hair look because this avant-garde creation needed to truly sync with the hair & makeup. Toward the end of the day, Geoffrey accidentally cut himself, what a crazy end to a hectic, filled day! Since the designers had to be on location for this runway, their day of runway had to begin much earlier! Geoffrey was still reeling from his finger injury the day before, and looked to be hurting himself all over again! But injuries aside, the looks were getting finishing touches, the designers were off to The Vessel.

The judges were also arriving on location. We saw that Brandon was really afraid of heights, so he would be taking in the show from a lower level. This week’s guest judge was actress Rachel Brosnahan. Seeing this space with the runway show going on, it looks to be a stunning spot for a fashion show! And this runway did not disappoint. I feel most of the designers really stepped up to the plate, and I do imagine the choice to send 2 designers home, so only 4 making it to fashion week, it was a tough call!

My sense from the judges was that there was no question Geoffrey and Victoria were going thru. Nancy maybe more in the safe zone, with the final decision coming down to for that 4th spot between Brittany, Marquise and Sergio. I think the final decisions all made sense to me, and I was okay with, but this is not how I would have broken up this group. I don’t think there should have been any debate over Nancy going thru. She was definitely one of my top picks. Her look was so artistic, so sculptural, such a vision. I can’t say this is something overly unique from her, but it was clear everyone loved it. Nina mentioned something about better color choices, but I thought that was nonsensical. You could tell Brittany was fuming over the good critiques Nancy was receiving, but that is pretty petty that she felt her look was better than Nancys’. Not sure in what world that made sense in her head!

I am not usually a Victoria fan, but on this look, I can see why the judges put her thru over some of the rest. I wasn’t sure about the colors when I first saw it, but looking at it now, it makes sense and I do really like the look. I don’t think the ear attachment was needed. I wish it had been a little longer in the front. But this look read better to me the more I got to look at it, and she really stepped up from work she has created all season. It was nice to finally see something truly different from Victoria.

Geoffrey nabbed that definite fashion week spot as well. The judges were in awe, but I still just don’t get it. Geoffrey has done great work all season, and I am happy he was given the chance to go to fashion week, but this look was not a knockout. I can’t recall which judge said something about him being on such an upwards trajectory toward the last part of the season, but I guess they forgot how poorly he did just the week before this with that tacky short red dress he created! I don’t think this met the level of avant-garde. The latex was cool looking, but it was a long train over a body suit with exaggerations on the top. He said he makes stage looks for singers and this is exactly what this look was. I don’t get the over exaggeration of positives here.

I think the bottom 3 should have been Geoffrey, Marquise and Brittany. And in that instance, I don’t know if I would have put Geoffrey thru based on just this one look. But it was actually Sergio in the bottom pack, which I was confused on. I thought comparing his look to that of the other 2, I don’t see how there was any debate he should go thru. His work always is high quality, technically superior, so regal, so luxe. There is a flare for the drama. Yes, his makeup and hair were not very original in this Asian influence aesthetic. But I don’t think his look itself was referential in the examples they showed of McQueen or John Galiano. His Samurai look is not the same as a geisha look. Yes, they both reference the same culture, but are 2 different things and I feel it was very ignorant of the judges to not get that. To be fair, nothing in this lineup was overly innovative or totally original!

It was the right call for Sergio to go thru. Brittany’s look was not perfect, but was the only one I felt might could have gone thru, but didn’t. However in my book, if Brittany goes, then Geoffrey wouldn’t have. I do like this butterfly aesthetic. The judges weren’t thrilled with the butterfly dress, but I actually love it. It’s not avant-garde though. Obviously it was the oversized, long train jacket that was her avant-garde work, and it wasn’t anything overly spectacular. The execution wasn’t fully there, but as much pink as this look was, I still didn’t hate it. What I do hate is Brittany and her pouty attitude. I think she is such a poor sport. Yes it sucks to not make it, but to be fair, her and Marquise were both given 2nd chances in this competition. I don’t think Brittany has made the most of that 2nd chance. And her body of work compared to Geoffreys, it just isn’t as strong.

But Marquise going out on this look, I can’t say it is surprising. I do think Marquise made good use of his 2nd life in this competition. But I have always found him to be inconsistent in his work over the course of the season, and this look was not strong for him. Yes the chain pants were cool. But I know a few designers personally that work with chain metals all the time. It is not this brand new concept. The top part was just not good at all though. It was basic thoughts on hologram and futuristic vibes, but not in a good way. I think I had seen some comments from fans here and there that he was robbed. That is absolutely untrue in regards to this look. He was only brought back to the competition because another designer had to drop out due to illness. He has to prove himself just like everyone else and I don’t feel he did that. I like Marquise, but I don’t think he was ready to create an entire collection for fashion week. He has potential in the future, but he is not quite there yet!

I am eager to see how everything plays out on this road to the fashion week finale!

Project Runway Designers Make Dreams Come True!

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This next Project Runway challenge was all about designing for real women, not models, and giving them a chance to be celebrated. It was to give them a dream outfit for a victory night celebration. And what was so nice to see from this final set of designers, was that truly each client felt like a million bucks in their looks, grinning from ear to ear! The designers were paired with athletes, who would be competing in either the 2020 Olympics or Paralympic games. A few of the clients have really had to overcome some major hardships, and it was such a touching moment to see how excited these women were with their final looks.

I can’t say all of the looks were really knockouts in terms of traditional runway standards and technical abilities, but the clients were happy, and there was no arguing with that! But let’s jump back to the beginning and lead back up to the runway. So Karlie matched the designers with their clients by use of the button bag, but it was actual medals this go round instead of buttons! This would be a 1 day challenge, aka major time crunch! The designers first took some time to sketch with their clients. I definitely felt Victoria didn’t understand the difference between customizing to a client’s wishes versus just inserting your own wishes onto the client. And all of this talk about repetition this season, Victoria even says herself, she only does asymmetrical looks! How much clearer does it need to be stated!

Next up, shopping time at Mood with a $400 budget. Christian was not loving seeing so much red. But to be fair, if the clients did want a red dress, it probably is best to at least give them the color they wanted. Everyone was then back to work in the workroom. Sergio gave some advice to Brittany on some of the technical aspects for her look. You could tell Nancy really felt a lot of passion in this challenge. She really wanted to deliver for her client and was not planning to take a safe or easy route.

It was then time for Siriano sessions. Christian was urging Sergio to do a bit more with his look, give it a little more excitement. In between talks, Christian was having fun doing some ribbon gymnastics! He urged both Brittany and Marquise to not lose their voices in their looks. And finally, for Nancy, he cautioned her on time management. Most of the designers didn’t seem ready for model fittings, but it was that time. Victoria’s client was really feeling her look, ready to dance! Nancy’s client is in a wheelchair, and Nancy was being super functional in the creation of her look for her client. She actually used Vel-cro to make the look’s use easier. Marquise planned on making another matching outfit for himself, to go with what he was creating for his athlete. And Geoffrey, all we saw there was trouble! He didn’t seem to get that low boob, a short dress, a slit, it was tight, like these were all the wrong elements to combine!

As the rest of the day winded down, Geoffrey re-started on his look and was freaking out! Marquise was doing a bit more mannequin rolling, having a little fun in the workroom. From the morning of the runway, we saw another potential short look to keep an eye on, that was coming from Victoria. The client actually seemed a little worried, but Victoria was quick to quip that she had given the client exactly what she wanted! We then of course had this big iron incident. It seems in Nancy’s quick use of the iron, something of her black fabric got on the iron. In Geoffrey’s then quick use of the iron, that black residue got on his dress. Of course production tried to make this a big blame Nancy moment. But really, good lord! Is there only one iron? It is a communal iron, so yes, things like this can happen! Geoffrey could have also checked the iron. I would hope Nancy later offered apologies, but let’s be real, that little stain was not even close to the biggest issue with Geoffrey’s look, so in reality, chill pill please!

Iron drama aside, it was time for the runway! This week’s guest judge was fellow athlete and Olympian Lindsey Vonn. As I mentioned at the start of my post, all of the clients were happy, so yes, that was a positive. But not all of the looks were that amazing. And yes, nobody went home, but as we saw in previews for next week, someone not going home this week means that 2 designers go home next week! That makes me nervous! And the judges can try to force on us that all of the bottom looks were hard to debate between. Or that the top 2 looks were really hard to choose between, that of Victoria and Nancy. Both notions were laughable. I think it was abundantly clear Geoffrey had the bottom look. I would have hated to see him go, but he did struggle this week. And even more abundantly clear, Nancy was the hands down winner!

It seemed as if it was mainly Elaine trying to discuss Victoria being the winner this week. She tried to question Nancy’s color choice, really grasping at straws to not just give Nancy this much deserved win. Let me start by reminding everyone that the designers were given a $400 budget this week. Nancy’s dress was the only one that look remotely close to $400 worth. If anyone would have paid $400 for Victoria’s look, I caution you to have your eyes checked! But back to Nancy, this look was a real dream come true for her client. She had such a moment with this dramatic train, the falling sleevelets were gorgeous, and there were just so many great details for this look. The fabric was stunning, such a great shine, but was not doing the work to make the look great, that was all Nancy!

I didn’t love Victoria’s look, but it wasn’t a bottom look either. It just annoyed me that the judges could even compare this red salsa dress to Nancy’s utterly divine gown. I reiterate again, this dress looked cheap, not like $400 went into it. One of the judges even pointed out her poor fabric choice, which I immediately made note of as well. It read cheap and it was so wrinkly on the runway. It was funny seeing her called out on poor fabric choices, when just earlier in the episode, she said the same thing about Marquise! I did really like the work she did on the top portion of her look, but it was very short. You would think that high of a budget, there was more you could have spent on fabric to make it somewhat longer!

To me, there was no real top 3 or top 2, but if I had to put another designer as safe or more towards the top than the bottom, it was Brittany. From the judges’ view, I guess it was a 4-way tie for the bottom between her, Sergio, Marquse and Geoffrey. I don’t see how they came to that conclusion and very much disagree that Brittany or Marquise were in that spot. I will admit, Brittany’s fabric choice really did make the dress. Brittany’s voice and work wasn’t there. It did read very traditional bridal or even to some extent prom. That said, it’s not like Brittany didn’t put work into the look and I didn’t note any technical or quality issues.

I also don’t think Marquise was deserving of a bottom spot. Up close, I kind of loved his look less. The overlay on the bodice didn’t look as great. But I did like his braiding work and the flow with the skirt portion was beautiful. I think he lost his voice here, but it was still a great dress. Not top or bottom worthy, just safe.

I still contend that Geoffrey’s look was the true bottom look, but I do think Sergio could have done a bit more with his dress. I loved the color. I loved that it wasn’t form fitting. I don’t get why there was so much emphasis on a maternity look needing to be tight?? But it seem as though there was some technical issues and it did read a little basic. This is what the client wanted, but Sergio kept it super simple and did play it very safe.

But Geoffrey got his look all wrong and it did not read at all as Project Runway worthy. It read cheap. I didn’t see anything of Geoffrey in this look. Sure it could be a sexy club dress, but with PR, there should be a little quality, a little more than something you could buy cheaply online. And I used the word cheap a lot in my critiques or basic because once again, I was flabberghasted remembering the budget was $400 and these were the looks produced to match that budget.

It’s a Tie-Dye Party on Project Runway

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I was excited about the challenge this week, to see who could re-invent tie-dye looks and elevate them to chic, runway ready looks. Each designer would create their own tie-dye textile. As the news kept coming, it seemed to being throwing Delvin for a loop. Especially then hearing this would be an overnight challenge! Yes, so that meant the designers would work straight thru the night, no sleep, all the way up until the runway. A few of the designers were excited, but first, all would take a master class from Metro Dye teachers Kate Nolan & Craig Eaton. They work with Proenza Schouler and Oscar de la Renta.

The designers were showed different techniques, such as ombre and starburst. Brittany was the only one taking notes, which she bragged about later, but she still helped everyone out with answering questions. Since Marquise won last week, he chose his model. Karlie handed out assignments at random to the remaining designers. The designers next chose which fabrics they wanted to use, silks or cotton. Sergio said silk was the best way to go as it would take the tie dye easier. Everyone then sketched what there looks would be. Afterwards, the designers practiced with some of the tie-dye techniques. Nancy used the time instead to drape and get more of her look ready.

Victoria and Delvin were discussing their plans. It was hilarious hearing Victoria giving Delvin advice on not being repetitive. I see some repetition with his work, but she still holds that crown! It was then off to Mood to shop for supplemental fabrics and notions. The tie-dye still needed to be the main focus of each look. The designers had a budget of $175. The designers were then back to work, where we saw Nancy was going for a pants look again. Even though Nancy does a good bit of pants, I don’t see them as the same looks. Most designers don’t do pants because it is harder than just whipping out an easy dress. So I applaud her for making pants that are always done well and don’t read repetitive IMO.

Next up, Siriano sessions. Nancy filled Christian in on her tie-dye history. But she actually hadn’t even started her tie-dye work yet. Christian expressed concern! And for other advice, Christian warned on this being a battle of the tie-dye, with some similarities in that regard, the focus should be on strong silhouettes. Christian also mentioned repetition to Delvin. It was then time for model fittings, which seemed like a disaster! Nobody was ready because of the tie-dye work. After the models left, a few designers slipped into their pj onesies for a little fun. Nancy finally started dyeing. Delvin and Victoria were the only 2 designers who used cotton, and both saw that was the wrong call and had to start over. Brittany and Sergio lent Delvin and Victoria some of their silk fabric.

At any sleepover, it’s perfect for a pizza party, a little break for the designers, but not much napping! The morning of the runway was right there, especially as the designers worked thru the night, no sleep! Christian walked in with a burst of energy, and I am sure the designers were jealous. He then announced this would be a flash sale challenge. Christian was still worried for Nancy as she didn’t have a top for her look. Given how well her tie-dye textile came out, it didn’t seem she had a problem there, but so much went into her pants that the top was definitely done super last minutes. Based on what we saw on the show, it seemed as if she made it in 30 minutes. But everyone was working down to the wire on this one!

This week’s guest judge was actress and comedian Leslie Jones. Karlie reminded the designers that there was no immunity moving forward, and with the Siriano Save now gone, there would be no more second chances. Each runway counts and anyone could go home! The safe designers were Marquise and Brittany. It was very weird seeing only a bottom 2, even though it was pretty evident who was in the bottom 2. But I think had it been a bottom 3, Marquise would have been there. But I really liked Brittany’s look. I loved the pink she used, very soft and intricately detailed look. I wouldn’t have minded if she were in the top.

The top 3 was actually Nancy, Sergio, and Geoffrey. Although it was clear Geoffrey had this one in the bag! The judges can faux debate between him and Sergio all they want, but no way was Geoffrey not winning this challenge. Guest judge Leslie Jones was going bananas and I think everyone was pretty much on that page. If I could give one critique, I don’t know if it needed the orange tie part. But the rest was just immaculately stunning. So elegant and nobody would think this is tie-dye. He really did elevate this like no other designer.

I actually really liked Nancy’s as a close 2nd. I think she did the best with the actual tie-dye textile. She was rushed on the top, but for Brittany to even think for a second this was a bottom look was hilarious. So many women would wear this and love being in it. It was so chic, read very luxe, I was completely enamored.

The judges liked Sergio’s dress a bit more though. I thought it was very pretty, certainly a great look. But the details he put in were hard to see until you saw it close up. I don’t think it was the best use of the tie dye work.

And as I said earlier, the clear bottom 2 was Victoria and Delvin. I really didn’t care who went home, but as it is always in Project Runway history, when looking at the bottom 2, the one who did more, took a risk, always stays versus someone who played it safe. I think you could have taken what Delvin made and at least had made it wearable. I can’t say Victoria’s risk was worth saving. But she has been in the top more, so the judges I guess saw more potential with her. She prided herself on breaking repetition this week, and we saw perhaps why she repeats her work. Because she doesn’t do well with other silhouettes! She also was again not really focusing on the challenge parameters. Her look was in no way focus on tie dye by just creating a tie dye top. And her splattering paint on her jeans doesn’t count. I don’t know why she keeps getting second chances on doing poor work and breaking rules, but the judges are clearly trying to shove her down our throats and I for one am over it!

That all being said, it was only one designer going home and seeing Delvin go didn’t bother me one bit. His look was super safe and it also wasn’t done well. It was very sloppy work. He definitely has some growing up to still do and learning more on his craft. I appreciated that he at least followed the rules and wasn’t super derivative. But I didn’t care for his diva antics and acting like a mean girl, especially towards Nancy. I saw where he went live after this show or the last one and was still continuing to speak poorly of Nancy, very much acting like a poor sport. Plain and simple at this point, her work is better and he is acting out due to jealousy.

Designers Go for a Modern Take on a Tuxedo

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This week on Project Runway, the designers were tasked to put their spin on the classic tuxedo. The inspiration was looking at the modern tuxe look Christian Siriano created for actor Billy Porter for the Oscars 2019 red carpet. Each look would need to incorporate satin. And the models this week would be a mix of male, female and non-binary. The designers were thrilled to hear this would be a 2-day challenge. And because this task would involve some extra work due to tailoring, all of the eliminated designers would be back to lend a helping hand.

The twist here was that the eliminated designers would choose who they wanted to work with, chosen at random draw, from the button bag. I think the remaining designers would have preferred choosing their help, but for the most part the pairings ended up looking pretty well. Not surprising, but Victoria was selected last, by Alan, and she didn’t even have him help that much. The designers were paired off and went to sketch. Brittany had never created any sort of menswear and was already starting to worry. The designers were then off to Mood, given a $600 budget. I feel like that is one of the higher numbers of the season.

While Brittany was in panic mode, Marquise felt super comfortable, in his element. Delvin originally migrated towards a powder blue fabric, thinking bad prom tuxe, but thankfully Christian saved him from that! With lots to do, it was back to the workroom for the rest of day 1 of this challenge. Delvin bragged on how his skillset would create for smooth sailing on this challenge. Brittany was still in panic mode, maybe having bit off more than she could chew. But at the end of Day 1, the designers were given a little break, having some fun, playing cornhole, and drinking cocktails.

The start of Day 2 also provided some treats for the designers, last season’s winner Sebastian Grey, and he brought them breakfast, with a side of advice. Next up with some advice, Christian with his Siriano sessions. He cautioned Nancy on fit, questioned Delvin on his fabric choice, and gave Brittany food for thought about maybe changing up some on her design. We later saw Delvin’s helper Tyler assisting Nancy with a bit of a pre-model fitting. Delvin was upset, but I guess was unable to act with any maturity and just ask Tyler to just focus on him. Instead he bashed Nancy because I guess that 15 minutes Tyler was away would be such a make it or break it moment for Delvin’s look!

The actual model fittings were up next. Everyone loved seeing some abs in the workroom! Victoria had some behind the scenes comments about Nancy’s work being somewhat derivative. This was laughable coming from the queen of repetition this season, who was just called out for that last week! Many designers overuse common elements, but Nancy has certainly created a variety in her looks. Some of the designers weren’t using their helpers as much as others, as mentioned above, Victoria with Alan, but also Sergio with Veronica. I can’t blame someone for trusting their own skillset versus designers who were eliminated for not the best skillsets.

The morning of the runway produced some true deplorability from a few of the designers. It was like a real life version of Mean Girls! Honestly though, it was abundantly evident these 3 cowards bashing Nancy were just trying to mask their own insecurities. But that is no excuse. Victoria was in the bottom 2 weeks prior, so who is she to throw shade? Delvin has been up and down from week to week, clearly seeing his skillset is not all he thinks it is, but rather than focus on himself, he chooses to tear others down, so sad! And Brittany knew she had a bottom look this week, knowing how hard it was, and yet also joined in on this nonsense. This is nothing but pure jealousy and very disappointing to see! Nancy overheard all of this and took the high road to not say anything. This is the difference between someone with class and those who act like immature children!

Rant aside, the rest of the morning was par for course. All of the designers were rushing to finish their looks. Britt was having some major last minute glitches (KARMA!), Marquise was trying to get his fit nailed down, and Alan decided to help Brittany since Victoria wasn’t using him. Delvin after already going in on Nancy all episode had another childish moment. Nancy was using a button machine, I guess there is only one and it broke. Of course Delvin blamed her, as if she did it on purpose. Thank God for Christian who provided Delvin with a dose of reality in that he could still just do the work himself and that those machines weren’t always around! He also had a helping hand in Tyler, so just make it work and stop whining!

After all of this drama, I was ready for the actual runway. This week’s guest judge was menswear designer Thom Browne. As this week’s runway was a little more menswear based, I looked at the looks a little differently than I do from other weeks. So not so much what I would wear, but focus on the technique, could I see that look on a red carpet, and did it meet the challenge, really taking the tuxe to a new, modern level. All of the designers received critiques this week, making it to a top 4/bottom 3. My top 2 would have been between Marquise & Geoffrey, but Marquise winning made sense.

I really liked the jacket he created, and doing the skirt/pant bottom was certainly one of the more innovative features I saw on this runway. There was a lot of great attention to detail. Given he was eliminated and came back, I am sure this win felt great for him. I do think it was justified in his elimination, but he should be very thankful for 2nd chances!

Geoffrey also did some great work making a tuxe into a jumpsuit silhouette. I could see a lot of people wanting to wear this. He made some great color choices.

I think Victoria was given more consideration from the judges for a top spot, but not for me. She didn’t have the best or worst look, but I wasn’t blown away. I did like the open back, but I felt the bodice area looked very bunchy. I also agreed with Thom Browne that this wasn’t really a next level tuxedo.

Sergio also received some positive commentary, and that was deserved. He created a very polished look, superior technical quality. The problem was that it did seem super similar to a well know Celine Deion red carpet look. I actually don’t think Sergio had that in mind when creating this. He didn’t intentionally break the rules as Victoria has done in the past. It was still a great look, very well made, and would have been hard to send him out on this look. I also wondered why Christian didn’t bring this reference up?? The hard part with Sergio was hearing his political message related to this look. I don’t think anyone wishes we were back in the 50s!

This left Delvin (KARMA), Nancy, and Brittany as the bottom 2. I hated seeing Nancy be in the bottom 2, but ultimately it didn’t matter. There was no way Brittany shouldn’t have gone home over her look. The other 2 looks were at least finished well, and it was just a matter of subjective liking. But Brittany’s look had so many construction issues, and was just such a hot mess! She kept saying she was trying something different and used that as an excuse for her poor look. I actually didn’t buy that. She created a shorts tuxedo look, which actually doesn’t even meet the challenge requirements. This has been done, so there was no real innovation here, just a poorly created look because Brittany doesn’t do menswear.

It was great Karma seeing Delvin in the bottom. Not just because of how he treated Nancy, but also because he was so overconfident all episode; it grew tiring! Supposedly being Mr. Tailor, I actually thought his look didn’t have a great fit, it looked super tight. The judges were correct to point out he had too much going on and should have streamlined his focus to what he does well.

I’m a huge Nancy fan, so seeing her in the bottom was a little nerve-wrecking. You can tell the judges like Brittany more, so it did worry me that they would choose someone they liked more, even though that person clearly had the worst look! I liked that she used a print and I would see a ton of people going with a look like this. I’m glad the judges hadn’t lost all of their marbles though and Brittany was eliminated. I get eliminations are tough, but I felt the judges were a little over the top on how bad it was that Brittany was being eliminated. She is a great designer, but she hasn’t had the most consistent work. Not many bottom looks, yes, a couple of wins, but also a lot of safe looks. I think we all knew though that Christian would use his save if he needed to for a few designers, Brittany being one of them. She was saved, good for her, hopefully next week she can focus on being a designer instead of taking part in mean girl antics!

PR — Go Sheer or Go Home!

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So our episode began with Victoria still whining. Delvin was completely correct in this situation, Girl needed to get over being in the bottom! Someone who actually had some room to be concerned, Dayoung. Dayoung was still not feeling great, very clear her body was giving out on her. It was hard watching her go because I do think she has talent, but seeing her be in this state, it was hard. I think she made the right call to go home.

But the show, alas, must go on….. I was actually very excited about this challenge. I love a sheer look, so it was exciting to see what the designers would create! Brandon actually joined the designers for the challenge assignment. The designers would have to use sheer fabrics to create a sheer editorial look. The look still needed to be tasteful, celebrating a woman’s form, to make them feel good, but not be all about exposure. This would be a 1 day challenge, which had a few designers shook!

Since Brittany won last week, she chose her model first. Very random is this season with model assignments. This week, the button bag was the way to assign. So as a designer’s name was drawn, they got to select the model of their choosing. It was also announced this would be the last immunity handed out for the season. The models actually would be working with their designer during sketch time, to ensure they would be comfortable with the design, as there would be some exposure. You could see lots of passion with the designers, but Sergio was calling the win!

As the designers got to Mood, they were surprisingly joined by one returning designer, Marquise. Since Dayoung just left, Marquise was brought back. The designers would have a $300 budget. I never understand what Victoria is doing, except trying to get away with just designing whatever she wants, and blaming any faults on anything else but herself. She says she doesn’t understand what sheer meant? It was clearly explained and shown to her, but yet she still designed something that would not work for a sheer look? Confusion aside, it was time to get to work! Christian quickly joined the designers, teasing a twist, but really it was just time for Siriano Sessions, what a prankster!

Christian expressed concern over Chelsey and Victoria. All of a sudden, Christian finally decided to let Victoria know she designs very derivatively. She doesn’t get it still, but clearly everyone else does! Christian should have said this to her 3 challenges ago though! And I will still never understand when a designer gets lost, how it seems they lose all elements of design, from the look itself, to fabric, to even technical skills?? Still not being a fan of negative criticism, Victoria was close to quitting. I don’t see why the designers even bothered with her on this. This attitude, this behavior is disrespectful to the process and to the other designers.

This being a 1 day challenge, the day of work really flew by. And of course the Victoria drama took up a good part of the day. So the morning of the runway, many designers were still working away. Victoria was giving Christian the silent treatment and Sergio decided to help Nancy with her final look details. This week’s guest judge was model and activist Paloma Elsesser. But the question remained was which designers felt the sheer joy for this week!?!

Brittany and Delvin were the safe designers. I get the desire to win, to be on top, but these two were actually highly delusional to think they should have won. Third to last, these 2 in safe, and even Marquise being 3rd, it could have gone a few different ways. But it was abundantly clear who the bottom 2 were this week, and who were the top 2. So hearing these 2 complaining, it was hilarious. And to make matters worse, showing true shades of jealousy and talking poorly about Nancy, let’s just say green with envy isn’t a cute look! I want to like Brittany, but seeing her childish side, I can’t support that. Last week, she was saying Nancy was her friend, her roomie, but now she is saying unnecessary and nasty comments. I don’t care for being 2 faced and petty.

Back to her & Delvin’s looks though, they were just okay. Good elements, but not knock outs. Delvin’s top was sloppy. And Brittany’s shorts were a hot mess, and not everyone wants to look like a poster child for Pepto Bismol! As for the top 3, Marquise, Nancy, and Sergio, I was mostly in agreement. Marquise did come back with a bang, but you could tell his look still had many imperfections. I just still don’t see his technical skills and work measuring up for the long haul.

I would have given Nancy the win over Sergio. I think Sergio did too much in his look, the fringe placement was off. Nancy however struck all the right balances. The top, the embellished neckline was divine.

Aside from Sergio’s random fringe placement, I did love this look. A little less fringe, it would have been an A+. This flower lace work was stunning!

The bottom 3 consisted of Geoffrey, Chelsey, and Victoria. I was surprised seeing Geoffrey in the bottom. I loved this color choice. The look felt different from the rest, very modern, sporty, and very editorial! Maybe up close the exposed bodice looked different, but I didn’t see it as all that bad. A lot of sheer work exposes breasts. The judges were clearly not sending him home and sang a bit of a different tune once giving the look a full evaluation.

Chelsey and Victoria were the clear bottom 2. The judges still seem obsessed with Victoria. For the sheer fact she told them she wanted to quit, I would have sent her home just for that. It is a slap in the face to then send someone home who got lost, but really wanted to still be there. Victoria only seems to thrive when everything is positive, going her way, almost as if life is all rainbows and sunshine. But sadly, the real world doesn’t work that way. You have to sometimes endure failure and take in some tough criticism. If you don’t fail and get back up, if you can’t work thru criticism, you can’t grow. I can’t support a designer being in this competition who is against growth. And not to beat a dead horse, but this look was horrible! Not understanding sheer, to me doesn’t translate to the fact that you forget all of your technical capability!

Unfortunately it was Chelsey paying the price for the judges’ unwarranted obsession with Victoria. I still don’t know if Chelsey could nab the ultimate win here, but I would have much preferred seeing her continue than Victoria. Chelsey isn’t derivative, she has a unique voice, she is open to growth, and she has fight, not a quit spirit. She unfortunately got lost in this challenge. Her look wasn’t great; it needed more. I have read people think Christian could save her? I feel we would have seen this if that were the case. I just hope Christian doesn’t drink the same judges’ Kool-Aid on Victoria and that in the future he wastes his save on her!

PR Designers Get Family Help

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Well not literal help from family members, but help from family histories. The episode actually began with a little Victoria segment. Hearing her faux guilt on making the top so much, it was quite laughable! Because in actuality, the judges are overly obsessed with her, and that’s about it. She is a good designer, but she is not the best in this bunch, and even her montage of looks shown prove that her work is very derivative, not overly innovative.

My shade aside, back to the challenge. The designers were tasked to think of their family histories and channel those stories, that background, into any look of their choosing. With such an unlimited amount of options here, Delvin was seemingly nervous. I get this show sets boundaries, but in the real world of fashion, designers always have that freedom, so I was a little surprised Delvin was struggling. Another point of nervousness for some designers was that this would be a 1-day challenge. Sha’Vi was clearly not excited as the last 1-day challenge was hard for him.

The designers were give tablets to research their backgrounds and sketch. All of the designers received calls from their family and it was a touching moment to see. It was then time to head to Mood with a $300 budget. I think Christian was feeling a little underappreciated on this shopping trip. Chelsey was not asking for any advice, and Victoria was ignoring Christian’s thought on her color choice. After shopping, the designers were back to work. Dayoung was feeling feverish so decided to put a scarf over her face and warned the other designers to steer clear.

Next up were Siriano Sessions. He urged Dayoung to not be as shy with her designs. Sergio at first didn’t want to show Christian what he was working on. But he later decided to show his political statement piece to Christian. I applaud Sergio for making a statement with his work. The rest of the day included model fittings. Delvin wasn’t ready for his, going from Mr. Finish Early to Mr. No Clue What is Going On. Christian was still not overly enthusiastic with Victoria’s work, especially the ice blue color choice. Before he left though, he did announce to the designers that this would be a flash sale challenge. Dayoung was still not feeling well. Shavi had so much to do, but decided to tackle it all in the morning.

The morning of the runway was filled with last minute rush drama. Sergio had a couple of the models helping him with his work. Brittany was upset by this, but the situation here was hardly a first occurrence on this show. Most of the designers were working up until the last minute! This week’s guest judge was fashion designer Fernando Garcia, who has worked with both Monse & Oscar de la Renta.

This was a pretty decent runway. Most of the designers were strong, and the ones who weren’t, they were correctly in the bottom. As a huge Nancy fan, I will give her a shoutout — I loved the jacket she created. It was super cool, very chic. I continue to be impressed with her work.

I did not care for Marquise’s work the past couple of weeks, but this was a big step back in the right direction for him. I would have much preferred seeing him, Nancy, or even Brittany in the top 3 over Victoria. Brittany probably not as much. Her look was okay, not her best, but it was good. I thought she was kind of pouting about not being in the top, but I did at least understand her frustration over Victoria being undeservedly in the top again.

The top 3 were Chelsey, Dayoung and Victoria. Thankfully Victoria didn’t win! I really don’t understand how this look ice blue eye-sore was in the top. The judges were split, and this was probably one of her worst looks. I just don’t get certain judges infatuation with her. The judges’ commentary regarding her actually is making me question their taste level. And the fact that her look had nothing to do with the challenge, she should not be rewarded for not following the rules!

Dayoung would have been my winner. I thought her look was gorgeous. Such a great color palette, clear story of heritage. But it wasn’t a costume. I felt it was a modern interpretation of that type of cultured look. Elaine asking about the color palette choice, and how that tied to her heritage, I was laughing that this needed any clarification. These judges certainly had me scratching my head at times during this episode.

Chelsey’s look was very cool, but to me it was just a letterman jacket. I didn’t mind her being in the top, but not on board with the win. I just didn’t find it overly innovative, or really set apart from other similar looks I have seen in this style of work. So when Karlie said it was fresh, needless to say I was scratching my head again!

The bottom 3 was abundantly obvious, Sergio, Sha’Vi , and Delvin, with the bottom 2 being Sha’Vi and Delvin. Sergio had such a strong story behind his look. I would have been really surprised if they had sent him home. Story aside, the look still needs to be great fashion, and this look was not that. The names were hard to read, the entire bottom portion was messy. At least Sergio finally seemed to be accepting of criticism.

Sha’Vi & Delvin both have done good work this season, but I do feel Delvin has stronger potential and was glad he stayed. Delvin got lost entirely in this challenge. This was probably his only shot at that level of mistakes, so hopefully he gets it together and bounces back.

Sha’Vi ‘s look was just not that great. And I do feel badly he messed up this poorly and had to go home. You could tell he felt bad and was truly upset for letting the ball drop on this one. I wondered if Christian was contemplating using his save, but ultimately, it might have just been too early to use it, not knowing what the many weeks to come would have in store.