ENTERTAINMENT REALM

Between the sponsored design challenges and lackluster designers, Project Runway has less pizazz than in earlier seasons. I barely remember who won the past few seasons and can’t recall that many designers that really stood out. In a few weeks there’s another Project Runway All-Stars and looking at the list of designers, I only recognized three and I’m almost positive I only missed the first season and *maybe* one other. I’ve liked Dom since episode two and wanted her in the final three and that’s happening. Of course for the final spot, as with the past few seasons, Heidi decided that the judges would make the designers complete collections and then show the judges three looks on the runway. One designer would advance to New York Fashion Week [NYFW].

The remaining designers need to create a 10-look collection for Spring.

$9000 budget and one look designed with unconventional materials. They have six weeks to design their collections.

Bradon and Dom are designing for NYFW.

Alexandria, Justin and Helen must compete to show at NYFW.

Tim Gunn visits everyone at home to see how they’re progressing.

Dom in Philadelphia
–raised by single mom and her mom runs a restaurant
–inspired by Blade Runner and retrofuturism, angular lines meeting curved lines
–did some drawings and prints with watercolors and made prints
–Mending braces for doors for unconventional piece
–only 3 ½ looks completed
–Dom’s drawings are gorgeous and her concept’s great.

Bradon in Los Angeles
–inspiration growing up in New York state with crocuses poking up through the snow and springtime “clash of nature”
–he’s completed six pieces
–Seeing lots of floral dresses. Unsure what to think and not inspired by his inspirations.

Alexandria in San Mateo, Calif
–edgy, strong and modern “neo-romantic-punk”
–she says it’s “understated but detail oriented”
–she takes Tim to Camp Couture. Not sure if it’s sweat shop training or what it’s supposed to be. the kids are cute and look pretty happy.
–I like the idea for her collection but it’s all in black, beige, gray and white.

Helen in Unionville, NJ
–inspiration is clairvoyance—knowing the unknown—took a photograph of an eye
–using red and some print
–Tim says: “you need to do something that speaks to some innovation”
–Not liking her color palette. The entire collection’s red and a blue print. That never works.

Back in New York when talking to Tim, Helen kept saying how long she worked on something and how hard she worked. “I spend hours on this.” As soon as she talked that way which she’s been doing the entire show I knew she wasn’t making it to New York Fashion Week. Although she’s been a good designer and had won some challenges she’s insecure about her designs and can’t push herself enough. Her vision isn’t clear enough on its own. She needs more time.

Justin in Raleigh, NC
–inspired by sound waves and the story of before and after he got his cochlear implants.
–for unconventional he’s using test tubes and covering a garment with them
–Seems pretty cool.

Runway

Justin

“I am so happy that Tim Gunn used his save on you and brought you back. I thought it was very fashion forward. Your clothes are very fashion-forward.” –Heidi Klum

“Your first look is very chic. You finale is a wow piece. The 3-D printing is so cool. It’s a great resource in technology.” –Zac Posen

“There’s something very poetic about your designs.” –Nina Garcia

As far as a theme, Justin’s collection has it. And the story’s inspirational and intriguing. His test tube dress looks totally cool.

Alexandria

“Your clothes are fashion-forward. There’s so much detail. I want to have all of this.” –Heidi

“It has a luxe quality to it. The detailing looks very professional.” –Zac Posen

“When it walked out I knew immediately it was you. I fear this is going to look boring. I don’t know if these clothes are show-worthy clothes.” –Nina Garcia

When the judges were discussing the three designers later, Heidi said “poor thing she thinks gray, beige and white are colors.” Very funny.

Helen

“I love this minimal yet feminine silhouette that your clothes have.” –Nina Garcia

“You get modern women. The last dress looks like a concept that didn’t come to fruition.” –Zac Posen

“I’m so not happy with what you did today. They’re stuck and they look sad to me.” –Heidi Klum

Justin is IN. Not surprised at all. Alexandria is IN. Both showing at NYFW.

Helen is OUT.