Maya pulls away from the pack
Overall, this week was a disappointment. The offerings were unimpressive, especially considering the budget given to the designers. There were no remarkable standout designs. The contestant going home was predictable.
The challenge on this week’s episode of Project Runway was to create a high-end signature look, worthy of the museum collection the contestants viewed at the M.E.T. They were given a $500 budget to do this; the highest ever given on the show. The contestants worked in teams of two and were given the additional challenge of creating a “look for less” for $50, inspired by the high-end creation of another design team. In a time when bridge collections are outselling designer ones and major fashion hitters are creating lines for Target and Kohl’s, it is especially important to be able to create stylish fashion for budget customers.
The winner of this challenge was Mila. Mila created a stunning jacket for the signature look, inspired by a pink Balenciaga coat. It was a graphic, black-and-white color block, sportswear –inspired, cutaway coat (longer in the back than front, like front portion has been cut away; think tuxedo). Although the other contestants, including her partner Jonathan, were critical of the time she put into a single article of clothing, the judges were most impressed by this item. Although they were thrilled the duo opted for separates, the coat itself garnered the win.
Those who felt Ping should have gone home last week were overjoyed at her exit on episode 3. For their signature look, Ping and Jesse created a pieced dress with several long drapes of fabric attached in the back. While the dress was striking on the runway, it wasn’t wearable. The judges commented that the model had to stand like a “statue” to wear it. The dress only looked lovely when draped over her arm. Their look-for-less was criticized for being very plain, with no design. Both dresses were sewn by Jesse. It was apparent from this challenge that Ping had one idea (innovative draping). She tried, in vain, to translate this same idea in several ways and she had no technical or construction skill. Check out the extended judging from Lifetime.
Jesus was finally able to make it out of the bottom two. However, this doesn’t make him safe. He made a wise decision in choosing Amy as his partner for this challenge. Together, they created flowing harem pants, a black tank with sheer, lace overlay, and a glamorous, fitted, black lace dress with frayed, pieces attached all-over; the latter design being the fan favorite. It remains to be seen whether Jesus has what it takes to stand on his own. However, for this challenge, he made harem pants look good; a challenging feat.
The one surprise this week was Maya. Barely noticeable the last two episodes, this week she created a silk and organza gown, cut close on one side and very bold and full on the other. Guest judge, designer Matthew Williamson, felt the design was modern and appropriate for the red carpet. Nina loved the bare side of the dress. The look-for-less design from the pair, Maya and Jay, was equally as noticeable. It had lots of detailing and pleating causing Michael Kors to comment that their $50 look appeared to be more expensive than the $500 one that inspired it. It will be interesting to see if her designs continue to gain strength as the competition commences.
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