Season 15, Episode 10
Overview
It's time for another Project Runway episode review. The last few episodes have been great, and episode 9 was no exception. There's plenty of fashion and drama for any viewer. Except my dad. You couldn't pay him to watch an episode of Project Runway.
(All photos are taken from the Lifetime TV website - except for the picture of Patrick Star.)
The Recap
Last week, the designers created outfits for a special woman in their lives. This ranged from mothers to daughters and best friends. It was a very emotional episode for all the designers (especially Mah-Jing, who couldn't stop crying - I love that guy). Unfortunately, Jenni was eliminated, after making a strange outfit for her mom to wear to work. The judges may have ripped it apart, but at least Jenni and her mom both loved it! It's too bad, too. I was starting to really like Jenni!
The designers still in the competition are: Rik, Erin, Cornelius, Mah-Jing, Laurence, Natalia, Roberi, and Dexter. We're getting down to the wire.
The Challenge
At the beginning of the episode, the designers find a cryptic note left by Heidi. It advises the designers to "keep their heads out of the clouds." Heidi also warns, "you can't just wing it and win it." This spurs some lively discussion among the designers, and Dexter basically admits he's deathly afraid of ostriches. I'm definitely not judging. Their beady eyes are unsettling. Back on topic, the designers are taken on... a helicopter ride! Apparently there's a Project Runway helicopter. Now I understand why the designers usually only have about $250 to spend at Mood every week...
The designers are told they are to create "an editorial look for a powerful woman." They should draw on inspiration they receive from the helicopter ride. Everyone looks amazed as they hover over the New York buildings. Mah-Jing nearly cries again - he's afraid of heights.
The Workroom
Back in the workroom, nobody wastes any time getting started. They only have one day for an editorial look, after all! Rik begins hand-dying his white fabric. The end result is a messy Pollock-esque piece with black splatters, although Rik thinks it "hasn't been seen before." Yeah, sure. I love it, Rik, but I'm not buying the originality! Erin begins making a weird light-pink cocoon jacket, which Rik rightly describes as "Patrick from Spongebob Squarepants."
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| I couldn't find a picture of Erin's dress, so this will have to do. |
Nathalia begins worrying and doubting the direction of her design. Naturally, she decides to ask everyone in the workroom about what she should do next. This irritates Dexter (what doesn't?). Mah-Jing creates a look using denim and a fall-colored tweed which faintly reminds me of popcorn.
Laurence decides to step out of her "leather jacket" comfort zone and use a print! Tim has high hopes. Dexter, however, decides to do another jacket reminiscent of the Mickey Mouse-eared monstrosity. Underneath the jacket, he envisions a lace dress with lingerie peeking through. Okay, I admit - maybe the Mickey Mouse jacket isn't as bad as I thought it was; a lot of people liked it.
The Critique
Tim comes in for the critique and leaves some sad, worried designers in his wake. Erin decides to scrap her dress and start over, and Nathalia grows even more worried about her design.
After the critique, the models come in for their fitting. It was uneventful as usual, until Dexter reveals a huge secret to his model - "Everything is see-through, so wear black underwear." So he's not going to make a bandeau or something for underneath?! The judges won't like that. Rik tells the camera that Dexter's design looked like a dress for a "S&M dominatrix." Rik then goes to take a nap, having finished his garment. He is really on fire lately. This carefree attitude he's developed lately is the best. I may have a new favorite!
The Runway
As the models line up for the runway, the designers nervously take their seats, awaiting the judges' unpredictable criticism. Also, has anyone noticed that the "anonymous runway" has no point when everyone nudges and praises the designer whose look is going down the runway?
Cornelius Ortiz
It's a cute look and I am loving the little pop of colors.
Dexter Simmons
It's definitely gothic. I like where he was going with this look, but it looks strange all together. Maybe if the darned coat was gone, it would be a little more cohesive.
Erin Robertson
She looks like a pastel mermaid.
Laurence Basse
This is something very different from Laurence! The fabric she used for the skirt is beautiful as well.
Mah-Jing Wong
All I can say is it's unlike anything I've seen before! I can't tell if I love it or hate it - I'm leaning towards loving it.
Nathalia JMag
This piece could have been so much more editorial with a few tweaks. The concept is great, but the execution makes her look like she's defending earth against an alien invasion.
Rik Villa
Rik was inspired by the Statue of Liberty, and it really shows. She looks poised and regal. But, you know, in a modern, slightly streetwear way.
Roberi Parra
Adorable. It's another one of those pieces I want in my closet, now.
The Judges
Cornelius: Top. Cornelius' look is Heidi's favorite! Heidi wants to wear it. The guest judges are huge fans as well. The look even impressed Nina.
Nathalia: Bottom. Heidi says the look is more like a power ranger than a powerful woman. Plus, there's lots of side boob. Oops. Zac and Nina join in on the design bashing, comparing the look to something they would see on Star Trek.
Mah-Jing: Top. Nina loves it. That's the highest compliment you will ever receive. Zac thinks it's "fantastic" and praises the contour.
Rik: Bottom. Zac absolutely loves the front of the dress but hates the back. The rest of the judges say it is incomplete and looks like an apron. One of the guest judges, however, absolutely loves the look and says it's "one of her favorite looks today."
Dexter: Bottom. The guest judges love the look, but hate the Mickey Mouse jacket. The design scares Heidi. Nina expects to see more from Dexter. However, the real nail in the coffin came when the judges found out that Dexter didn't even create the lingerie underneath the dress.
Erin: Top. The judges have mixed reviews on the look. The guest judges seem to like it, but Nina tells Erin that it's a "safe" dress. Heidi and Zac don't seem too keen on the look either.
The Results
The judges deliberate as the designers sweat over the results.
Cornelius is declared the winner of the challenge! His look is going to be featured in Marie Claire, and Cornelius couldn't be happier. This is his first win of the season. I feel so happy for him, especially since he was feeling a little insecure after being voted off, then saved by Tim.
Heidi builds up the drama and anticipation before announcing which designer is out. She tells Rik that he is safe (yay) before the dramatic music kicks in. She looks at Natalia and tells her that she is out. Natalia receives the ceremonial Heidi cheek kiss before exiting the runway. Dexter cries, believing he's in the clear. However, Heidi drops another bombshell, revealing that Dexter is out as well!
It's a double-elimination for the records. The workroom seems happier than it does after most eliminations, as Nathalia and Dexter gracefully accept the results. They are both proud of their achievements on the show and are excited to see what the future holds.
The next episode is... an avant-garde challenge! My favorite!! Tune in Thursday at 9:00 EST for another exciting, new episode!
