Project Runway recap - NYC night nonsense

July 30, 10:01 PMChicago Style ExaminerJennifer Rifkin

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                          The should be winner

Seriously?! I mean…really honestly truly the judges though that a poufy asymmestrical Ft. Lauderdale lawn furniture dress was the winner of this week’s competition? Another shocking conclusion to Wednesday night’s episode of Project Runway and so much to talk about!  Like, ex-mormon bandana Keith and his icky arrogance. Or Suede’s constant over use of referring to himself in third person. And finally, how Terri is the best of the best and getting trampled on!  Let’s get this party started with some answers to these life inspiring questions, and a breakdown of tonight’s attempt at fashion.

May I start by saying that Skelelash Stella was looking particularly Adam’s Family this week, and even gave us something to smile about when she wore that strange leather baseball cap in one of her interviews.  Her BFF relationship with Heeman Blayne is hilarious, as was his creepy big eyed Jack Nicholson in the Shining “I will eat you” freak out in the work room.  These two are one big horror film made in heaven. 

Did anyone have questions as to whether Jerrell was gay? Did he answer loud and clear when he strutted out ready for bed in his green clay night mask? You go girl – don’t neglect your pores. Of course there is also closet homosexual Keith, with his dirty bandana and sob story about growing up in Mormon country.  I am definitely ready for him to be gone, especially after his shredded kite string mess of a dress tonight!

The challenge this week was for our fledgeling designers to hit the city streets of NYC at night, and find inspiration in graffiti, clocks, tree grates, and horse stirrups. Winding up with an eclectic mix of stunning and sudsy waltzing down the runway to the tune of Heidi Klum.  Here’s your quick fix of each designer creation, and the obvious frustration oozing out of my depiction of the final outcome.

Jennifer (who I constantly mix up with Leanne) bored the crowd with a navy silk sleeper that failed to stop time in its tracks.  What it did was make me think she needed some pearls and feathered kitten heels and she would be ready for bed in the 40’s.  Leanne however, stunned the audience this week with her sleek two piece ensemble.  The cowl neck blouse with twisted straps was the perfect connection to the delicately layered petal skirt, showing us a talent we have yet to see in this shy little cookie.  Keep it up!

Both Jerrell and Daniel transformed the New York night into luscious metallic gowns.  The pleated detail in Daniel’s one sleeved cocktail dress was interesting and wearable, while Terrell’s cascading floor length creation was all ruffle and romance.

Korto managed to steer clear of breakdowns this week and made a modern day maneater in her black fitted jumpsuit.  Kelli punked out her model with knit detailing on the top, grey belting that looked spraypainted, and a slick leather skirt that must have made Stella Skelelash proud.

Suede needs to tell himself that his outfit was bedazzled and boring.  Heeman Blayne had some interesting knotted techniques, but that neon neck explosion crawled down her side like flourescent nuclear waste. Joe’s dress was inspired by a light fixture, but looked too Cleopatra runs into some fishnet for my liking.

The only reason Stella’s outfit didn’t get called out as a bad version of Coyote Ugly uniforms is because it came straight from her wardrobe and the Judges thought that was good. I disagree.  The leather embossed halter vest and lace up leather pants have no place on a 2008 runway, not to mention a 2008 biker bar.

Keith and his ragdoll trailing toilet paper dress were right down at the bottom of the barrel along with loser Emily’s runway ruffle.  His dress belongs on a doll with yarn hair, while hers is a barbiedoll gutterpiece.  She definitely deserved to go, even if the outfit she actually had on herself was quite adorable.

Now to the showdown; Kenley vs. Terri.  I don’t even understand the question here? This girl used Floridian fabric to sew a dress with shoulderpads, a turtleneck, tight wrist length sleeves, and a pouf of tulle sprouting from the hip.  While guest judge Sandra Bernhardt could barely see out of her uber bloated face, she managed to be worthwhile by adding that it looked like a goiter sticking out of the model’s leg.  Yet the judges found it interesting, and well made while simultaneously referencing bad 80’s television programs.  Go figure.

My big winner of the night was Terri.  Not only was she a sweetheart throughout the show, giving hugs to down-in-the-dumps Jennifer, but her final creation was thoughtful, modern and flattering, something you could and would want to wear right off the runway.  The bold print was subdued by the sheer flowing weight and the way she draped it beautifully down the cinched bell sleeves.  The backless accent was feminine, sexy, and unexpected.  Pair the whole thing with perfectly fit black pocket pants and…SOLD!

This is the second week in a row where I thought that Terri was a little sideswiped by the judges, and that the chosen winner was not my favorite.  What is your vote? Are you screaming, bring back the tulle! Or are you ready to shoot off an email to Bravo asking where you can immediately buy Terri’s gauzy gorgeousness? There’s only 13 designers left…who will be the next to kiss kiss goodbye?