It’s a Tie-Dye Party on Project Runway

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.