The fashion TV show “Project Runway” airs on the ‘Lifetime’ cable network each Thursday night at 9/8 p.m. (Check local listings). It is hosted by model Heidi Klum & fashion guru Tim Gunn. A new idea was introduced for season 11 called - “The Team Challenge.” 16 fashion designers were split up into two groups. They are judged on collaborative team-work as well as individual style according to their weekly challenges. The groups are called - ‘The Dream Team’ & ‘Keeping It Real.’ One designer was sent home last week (Jan. 24) who received the lowest score by the judges. Her group ‘The Dream Team’ was voted as the worst fashion designs of the challenge. The winning group was ‘Keeping It Real’ & Native American fashion designer Patricia Michaels is part of that team. The second episode challenge called, “Spin out” was introduced Thursday night on Jan. 31, 2013.
According to the official website of “Project Runway” the synopsis of ‘Spin out’ is right here - “The designers find themselves bouncing off the walls when they are tasked with creating new ‘server’ uniforms and ‘ball-boy’ outfits worthy to walk the floors of “Spin Ping Pong Social Clubs” around the country - owned by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon - who serves as the guest judge.”
Tim Gunn gave instructions to all designers by having them work at the ‘Spin Club.’ It gave them ideas on what to design for this week’s challenge. Patricia Michaels made everybody laugh by saying she was fired from ‘Spin.’ Each group was given $500 to buy fabric on a timed 30 minute clock search. They were also given female & male models to wear all designed uniforms. Each group was paired up in two’s. Right from the start the ‘Dream Team’ had problems with control & their ideas were not in sync with each other. Tim Gunn came in to give advice & said the group had collaboration problems.
Native American designer Patricia Michaels chose to design a bottom pant or leggings for one of the male models. She told the TV viewers she will do what the team wants. It seemed that she was worried about living up to her team. One of the other designers said she was a little defensive. When Tim asked her what she planned to do when her group gave input. He criticized her for talking about herself instead of about the group. Patricia apologized & later said she was frustrated.
“The Dream Team” was voted as the losing team after this week’s challenge. The judges called their ideas - “disturbing”, “tank tops messy”, “receptionist in the suburbs”, “sad & dated”, “guys wouldn’t wear a dress” (A male designer created a kilt) & “group creative process unbalanced. ” - James designed the worst uniform & was sent home.
“Keeping it Real” was voted as the winning team. The judges called their designs - “Sexy, practical & fun”, “strong,” “not too sexy” & “adorable.” One designer created an apron that looks like a skirt called a “Squirt.” Her design won the team challenge & will be used at all 'Spin' outlets across the U.S. Susan Sarandon loved that idea. She also liked the ping-pong-stick-attachment on the back of the male waiters.
TV viewers didn’t get a chance to see what Patricia Michaels created as part of the ‘Spin’ uniform. She said her work looked good on the runway though. Patricia will head into the third week facing new judges, a new challenge & more fashion designs.
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