[Warning: Spoilers ahead if you havent seen Thursday's episode.]
This week, the designers pick up the pace to create a look for a woman on the go.
And speaking of a woman on the go, we learn a few more details about Andrea, who left the Atlas Apartments in the middle of the night. Tim Gunns announcement about her sudden departure draws some critical responses from her former competitors. Was Andreas decision to leave justified or just plain wrong? Ill share more of my thoughts on this in just a bit.
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Michael Kors greets the designers in his flagship store on Madison Avenue to inspire them for the next challengeto design a stylish, fashionable piece for a busy, modern woman that is also versatile, practical, and comfortable. The designers get $150 and one day to create a look that reflects their own aesthetic.
In the Workroom
Thirty minutes of sketching and a Mood visit later, Christopher and Buffi are still processing the news of Andreas exit. However, Kooan has some news of his ownhe is leaving the competition. WHOA.
Heres my insight into the quitting phenomenonProject Runwayis freakin hard.
There will be plenty of haters for Andrea and Kooan, but personally, I can empathize. There was a point during my time on All Stars when I was ready to leave. The demanding schedules and exhausting challenges take their toll physically and creatively and the pressure is unbelievable.
That said, between the two quitting designers, I have more respect for Kooan. Andreas vanishing act was harder to swallow, especially when she claims she has brass balls in her early interviews on myLifetime.com.
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Kooanat least took ownership of his decision and stood on the principle that he was only happy when he could create in his own way. With Andrea, who knows? Hopefully, well find out during the season 10 reunion.
After the designers say goodbye to funky, little, weird guy Kooan, they say hello again to negative, red-carpet-hating Raul who has returned to the competition. Getting auf-ed should have humbled Raul, but he is as arrogant and delusional as ever.
At another workstation, Christopher is pushing Buffis buttons with his suggestions and criticism. Im totally Team Buffi for her fabulous attitude and eclectic style but I also admired how she stood her ground. Still, she struggled with this challenge and it shows in her garment.
On the Runway
Heidi, Michael, & Nina are joined by guest judges Hayden Panettiere and Rachel Roy. After some disappointed words from Heidi about the designers who quit, its time for the runway.
Heres what I thought of the looks:
Sonjia: She really listened to the challenge and delivered a very strong look. The dress was well-constructed, wearable, versatile, and looked comfortable. She took a potentially boring fabric and manipulated it into something very interesting. Really well done.
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Alicia: This look was ok. I thought there were some interesting design elements in the shirt but the hem on that pant was a little strange. Overall, the look was clean and well-proportioned, but I didnt feel it translated from day to night as successfully as others.
Melissa: Im normally a fan of Melissas work, but this look was too costume-y for me. It looked a little Lord of the Ringsvillain meets death eater from Harry Potter. The layers and textiles look comfortable, but I dont know where this girl is going day or night.
Buffi: This look was busted. As much as I adore Buffi, I thought her garment looked like bubblegum stuck to a zebra-print rug. I just didnt get it. While I respect her for staying true to her point of view, Buffis playful vibe came off as tacky and wacky for this challenge.
Fabio: I like this print and I think his girls styling is spot on, but otherwise its not a strong look for me. The proportion of the jacket to the dress was off balance and the look as a whole was not very innovative. Comfort? Maybe. Glamorous? Not really.
Gunnar: Not a fan of the color palette here. Something is off about that deep purple paired with those brown/tan tones in the skirt. Its more Chicos than chic and I dont see this look going successfully from day to night.
Nathan: I dont like the colorthis in black or a better neutral shade could have helped the look. But this girl can use her cape for a nap, so I guess that means the garment is comfortable and versatile? Its a little odd.
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Dmitri: Its a nice look, but kind of expected. I feel like we have all seen this dress before. Still, there are some nice details at the neckline and I feel like he addressed all of the points of this challenge well.
Ven: I didnt think this dress was as polished, clean, and sophisticated as Ven proclaimed it to be. There were some fit issues in the back and the front was just another version of Vens favorite draping techniques. Is there more in his bag of tricks?
Raul: Badly styled, poorly constructed, and disconnected. This look seemed more like an experiment than a fully formed idea. The pockets on those trousers made the models butt look lopsided and the proportions of that Golden-Girls-Dorothy-Zbornak vest were completely unflattering.
Elena: I actually thought this look had the most high-fashion feel of the bunch. I really love the modern, structured feel of that coat and I really appreciate how successfully Elena tackled separates. Still, this look doesnt translate to evening for me.
Christopher: I like this look, but Im touchy about the jacket. I would have liked to see the dress on its own just for comparisons sake. I think by itself, the dress seems more evening-appropriate than daywear, so I understand why the look needed the contrast with the jacket. She was a modern girl.
The High Scores
Sonjia: Heidithought her dress was stunning. Michael liked the choice of grey jersey. Nina said its conservative yet sexy. The dress was one of Haydens favorites and Rachel sees something special, saying that she would even be interested to see the dress worn front to back.
Christopher: Heidi loves it and is impressed that he created his look for only $150. Hayden lusts over the jacket. Rachel thinks he styled the look perfectly. Nina thinks it looks polished, easy, comfortable, glamorous, and sexy. Michael thinks he nailed it.
Dmitri: Michae lthinks its the hands-down best garment on the runway but wished it were a brighter color, like red. Heidi liked it but didnt have to have it. Hayden wants bigger shoulders? Nina really liked it and Rachel thought it was safe yet beautiful and exquisite.
The Low Scores
Buffi: Hayde wanted a focal point in the shoulder. Heidi thinks it looks inexpensive. Rachel suggests a more editing eye. Michael thinks Buffis girl looks like she belted a hairdressing smock to escape a burning salon. Nina questions her technical skills.
Raul: Michael hated it, Vampira points and all. Heidi points out the poor construction. Hayden thought the crotch of the pant was scrunchy. Nina thinks the proportion of the vest is too long. Rachel points out the heavy-handed styling.
Fabio: Michaelwants to see Fabios personal style more clearly in his designs and Rachel agrees. Heidi would have preferred a longer blazer to balance out the short dress. Nina thinks he could have done so much more.
The Judges Decisions
In the end Sonjia was named the winner while Buffi was bid auf weidersehen. Sonjia also got the bonus of Hayden wearing her design to a red carpet event.
I think Sonjias win was well-earned. It was sad to see Buffi go but I understand the judges decision. Raul dodged a major bullet todayhis look was a train wreck. I was surprised that Fabio scored so low. Personally, I would have put Gunnar in the bottom before Fabio. At least Fabios look was modern. Gunnars look was outdated and confusing.
What did you think? Was Sonjias look the true winner? Did Buffi deserve to go home? And how do you feel about the departures of Andrea and Kooan? Weigh in and sound off in the comments below.
Denver fashion designer Mondo Guerra earned a runner-up finish on Project Runway season eight then went on to claim victory on the debut season of Project Runway All Stars. In addition to an upcoming guest editor position at Marie Claire, Mondo has also launched I Design, a new HIV/AIDS education campaign with Merck. To learn more about Mondo, visit mondoguerra.com.
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