Project Runway began this week with a model brunch at a Brooklyn rooftop, teaching Tim Gunn the art of “selfies.” Meanwhile, Heidi was telling the designers they were off to meet Tim at this Brooklyn rooftop for the challenge details. Tim informed the designers that the models would be the client this week, in need of an outfit for a day off, #ModelsOffDuty. The models own personal street style, in this look, would then be captured by a photographer, to be shown during the runway show.
The models chose the designer they wanted to work with most. For this challenge, there was a $200 Mood budget, and 1 day to “Make It Work.” The Tim-time critiques included the models. And this week’s guest judges were country singer Kelsea Ballerini & designer Georgina Chapman.
I was pretty much in agreement with the judges’ top picks, although I would have included Batani! You could see her designer POV, but she also gave her model what she wanted. That delicate balance was struck!
I was not super impressed with the designers overall this week, so hoping for more in weeks to come! But again, in agreement with the judges, with Kentaro nabbing the win! I kind of thought this challenge was about streetwear, but I think that word was just casually thrown around a bit! But Kentaro’s look was streetwear and perfect for what any model could wear on a day off! It was well-made, very cool, overall just a great look! His model, Meisha loved it as well!
Shawn was also in the top, and I guess the bit of scandal on her look this week was that Claire assisted, but that it also might be a “knock-off” look. The judges this season have been quick to call out things they have seen before and they said no such thing here. Was this overly unique? No. But it was cute, trendy, and what the client, Janine, wanted, Yes!
Kenya rounded at the judges’ top 3 and I could see why this happened. Personally, I didn’t love the color/print combo and overall, it felt a bit momsy. I felt as though she was a bit surprised herself in this top 3 placement! I think it was Heidi who was not on board completely here, but this was very much a subjective look. But her model, Sanita, really did werk the look!
Moving to the bottom 3, I am not sure if this would have been my 3, and in that, I am still a bit perplexed in Samantha being sent home. I’ve seen many that say one of the twins should be out, but in this case, Claire wasn’t even in the bottom 2. Her look was very safe. The judges were correct in noting it needed a pop. And the shorts were short! I could see this being in the bottom, but not the worst look of the bunch! Her model Sian seemed pleased!
Margarita was safe and I guess of the bottom 2, this was the right decision. I didn’t love the pants, but I thought it was a cool style and really was what her model, Christina, wanted. What I didn’t like was that Margarita was quick to throw her model under the bus, making it seem as if she was too demanding. I didn’t see that as the case, but this being more of an agreed upon collaboration. I could see what the judges were saying in this being a super throwback, 80s look.
So yes, poor Samantha being out was the case. I wondered again if Tim would use his save, but I guess given her bottom 2 placement just the week before, he didn’t. It did seem that with all bottom 3 designers, their model clients were happy. This look was what Jazzmine wanted, rocker chic. But the judges were right in that this was not super fresh. Samantha even noting it as a “Lolita” dress didn’t bolster her argument. And it was the case again, that the dress she was wearing herself, was better than the look on her model.
Until next week….
