So in this 1st episode of PR Season 15, besides learning that glitter is the herpes of the design world, we of course also met this season’s batch of new designers! We started with all of the designers meeting in a hall, sipping on some champagne, seeing that 2 designers already knew each other, and being introduced to one of the most unique laughs I ever heard. But as Heidi & Tim entered the room, we all knew it was time to MAKE IT WORK!
For this 1st challenge, it was very much like previous seasons in that each designer was expected to show their POV as a designer. But the shake-up was bringing in what is generally later on in a given season — the unconventional materials challenge. What were the unconventional materials? The spirit and vibe that the decorations in the meeting hall had created, would be the same materials the designers were to use in order to infuse spirit into their looks. And with that, the designers were off running around, making a total mess naturally. And my oh my, those poor flowers!! Chill-ax gents!
The designers were then off to the workroom to begin this 1-day challenge. Tim-time was a little fiesty, well at least with the discussion between Ian & Tim. Skipping to the end since Ian of course left this week, but wow, future Tim/Ian meetings would have been interesting!
As we came closer to the runway, we saw that JustFab was here for the accessory wall. And for all things GLAM, Mary Kay was on board for the makeup and Sally Beauty for hair. This first episode’s guest judge was The Today Show’s Savannah Guthrie.
The judges praised the 1st runway, but overall I saw a lot of safe designs. I saw too much by way of snooze-fests and crazy sleeves. Unconventional is hard, so I know the season will only get better! I saw a few designs which I think better occupied spaces in both the top & bottom, but for this 1st recap, I will focus on the judges’ top & bottom picks.
Of the judges’ picks for top 3, I preferred Tasha the most. I wouldn’t wear this look — it’s just not me. But I can clearly see this girl and for the right person, the could rock it! WERK!!
Dexter’s look was a showpiece, but I was a bit surprised it made the top 3. This is not to say it was deserving to be in the bottom, but it read too big to me. The bodice segment was quite cool and hip though.
An even bigger surprise for this top 3 was Erin making it and then winning! This is not again to say her look was so bad, but I was quite in shock that all 4 judges just loved this look that much. I thought it came across a bit too costume-y, gimmicky.
JustFab shoutout — love these killer heels!
Mary Kay shoutout — fresh, poppin’ beauty look
While on the subject of surprises, how Roberi landed in the bottom 3, please explain. My guess is that 2 judges, Nina & Savannah gave it a low score, but the fact that the remaining 2 judges didn’t, I just don’t see how he landed in the bottom 3?? Yes, the look was short, but no cheeks were shown! And this look was just so intriguing, so artistic. It just makes 0 sense how yawns and bores made it safe, but Roberi was bottom 3 — NO!
Sally Beauty shoutout — Cornelius was similar with the braid updo, so both were standouts to me!
Thankfully Roberi was in no danger of going home, with the bottom 2 being comprised of Brik & Ian. All episode, the other designers were loving these glitter pants. Was that fake?? I was going to be baffled in this made the top 3. He glued glitter on muslin pants, not too impressive. But the top, especially the shoulders made of caps was more impressive. The judges here were absolutely correct that this look was a disconnect.
But it was Ian who went home this week. His look wasn’t the worst of the bunch, but boy did his attitude suck. He clearly was not receptive of any criticism. Designers come onto PR, or at least should come on the show, to learn and grow. If you can make it on your own, you wouldn’t be on this show. Ian didnt’ seem to accept anything that Tim or the judges said and PR didn’t seem like a good fit for him.
