Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 12

Bryant Park became a reality for three designers on Project Runway last night. But, for two, it was the bittersweet end of their short-lived, reality show lives.

Tim Gunn took the designers to The J. Paul Getty Museum where they were invited to use the center as inspiration for their last design. To get the creative juices flowing, Gunn also brought out the models to serve as muses while the designers were perusing the Getty Center. From the striking architecture to the beautiful interiors and inspirational paintings, there was something for each of the designers to focus their designs on.

This was the final challenge for the five remaining designers and as the gravity of the situation set in, the tension in the studio could be cut with a knife.

Carol Hannah found a luxurious French bed from 1775 and designed a gold evening gown that the judges thought was beautifully executed but not reminiscent of the inspiration. While they all agreed that it was perhaps the most show-stopping piece on the runway, they also warned her that was playing it a bit safe.

Gordana fixated on a painting by Monet and created a dress that symbolized not only her simplistic and sophisticated design aesthetic but also her strong spirituality. As her model walked down the runway, she remarked that this was the best dress she felt she had ever made. The judges all agreed that her piece closely resembled the painting with the flowy, gorgeously draped material, but wondered if her performance would be strong enough to carry her all the way to Bryant Park.

Irina also spotted a painting, but she was interested in replicating the gauzy, sheer material that was draped over two voluptuous women. Her flowy number was beautifully crafted but she definitely missed the mark with the accessories. Her delicate dress was overshadowed by clunky shoes, heavy bangles, large earrings and a distracting headband. Once the accessories were removed, the judges all agreed the dress looked much simpler.

Christopher is the last man standing in this challenge and he knows he is the wildcard. He has always stayed true to his own visions, even at the dismay of the judges. At the Getty Center, he spotted a rocky water fountain and focused on the algae at the water’s edge, creating a dress in a slate blue-gray color. The judges felt he had chosen the wrong fabric for the dress and wondered if his lack of experience was becoming a hindrance.

Althea tried to recreate the architecture of the museum into the structure of her skirt but found that her material was much more difficult to manage than she had anticipated. Heidi Klum said she was disappointed with her and surprised to see such a messy design.

Luckily for Althea, her strong body of work was enough to save her and send her to Bryant Park along with Irina and Carol Hannah, whose designs stood out above the rest. Although Klum admitted that this was the hardest challenge to decide, the judges decided to send Christopher and Gordana home.

Next week is sure to bring a fresh dose of design drama as the designers get to make their own collections and head across the country to Bryant Park. Be sure to tune in next week to see how these three women will fair in the Big Apple!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin Simpson

Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 10

Now that the cast has dwindled down to just seven remaining designers, it has become increasingly harder to pinpoint who will go home.

This week’s challenge was to pick one of Michael Kor’s favorite destinations and create an ensemble inspired from that locale. Designers had to choose between New York City, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, San Tropez, Aspen, Greece, and Palm Beach and finish the entire look under the impossibly tight deadline of one day.

Gordana spent most of her time creating an elaborate, detachable crystal neckline for her dress that the judges all agreed was the focal point of her dress, making it a spot-on design fit for a Park Avenue Princess.

Irina once again wowed the judges with her Aspen-inspired snow bunny outfit, using her tight budget to create an expensive-looking, three-piece outfit. The pants were modeled after ski-pants, the top was a roomy, cowl-necked sweater, and she completed her look with a luxurious faux-fur vest. Although it was clear her muse was not stepping anywhere near the ski trails, the judges named her the challenge winner because of her ability to make a beautifully executed look that perfectly encapsulated Aspen’s snowy atmosphere.

But the judges narrowed their least favorite looks down to Nicolas and Christopher, failing to find anything awe-inspiring about their interpretations.

Christopher, who has found himself in the bottom three the past few weeks after such a promising start to the season, had trouble capturing the style of Santa Fe. Although he managed to create a beautifully intricate belt that guest judge Mila Jovovich gushed over, the rest of his dress looked more like a costume than a southwestern inspiration.

In the end, it was Nicolas’ Grecian-gone awry outfit that baffled the judges and sent him packing. Everyone agreed that his gauzy shirt with the disproportionate sleeves and the slightly flared menswear pants captured the wrong Greece. Instead, his ensemble looked more like something Olivia Newton John would have worn in her hit musical, Grease!

Designers are dropping like flies and those remaining are getting closer and closer to a trip to Bryant Park. Tune in next week to find out who Klum will give the boot to next!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin Simpson

Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 7

Okay, take a look at these two outfits. Now try to name their similarities. Having a hard time? So did Klum and the judges on last night's episode of Project Runway.

Just looking at these two very different dresses, by Epperson and Christopher, most people would never be able to guess that this week's challenge was to create two complimentary looks for Macy's I.N.C. brand, working in teams of two. In fact, these two dresses were so off the mark that they almost sent Christopher and Epperson packing

Christopher and Epperson were obviously surprised by their low marks and had even remarked halfway through the challenge that they were the "dream team." So when they found themselves trying to defend their outfits, Christopher lost his cool and broke down in tears on the runway.

The green dress' neckline was definitely unflattering for the modern woman and the shirt dress started out as a good idea, I thought, but the shimmery material was its downfall.

Rivaling Christopher and Epperson for the bottom spot was team Louise and Nicolas. Their ruffled dresses looked like outdated bridesmaid dresses, which did not stand well with the judges. Luckily, Nicolas had immunity after winning last week's challenge, a saving grace that Klum did not let him forget!

After threatening to send home two designers, Klum finally voted Louise off the runway, letting Christopher and Epperson stay in the competition for another week.

But Irina and Jordanna, despite their differences during the challenge, managed to clinch the top spot and Irina was named the challenge winner. Although she did not receive immunity this week, she did win the opportunity to design a holiday dress for the I.N.C. brand. I would say that is a fair trade!

And thank goodness, Michael Kors finally made an appearance back on the judging panel. His critical input has been sorely missed the last few weeks and I hope he is back for good!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin

Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 6

At 10:58 last night, I was stopped dead in my tracks. Heidi and her entourage had made their final decision and decided to eliminate Ra'Mon. I was absolutely stunned! This was exactly the kind of upset that Project Runway needed to get fans sitting up straighter in their seats. It definitely worked for me!

This week, the designers chose from five different movie genres and their challenge was to create a character within that genre and design a costume for it. And, just to raise the stakes a little higher, the designers were only given one day to complete the challenge. This challenge truly tested each designer's time management skills and their ability to think creatively under an extremely tight deadline.

After Ra'Mon created the beautifully flowy dress that resembled seaweed, with the accompanying avante garde batik a few weeks ago, I was so suprised to see him leave after only one failed attempt. But, in the end, the judges felt his lime green Sci-Fi inspired ensemble looked more like a messy swamp monster.

Instead, the judges allowed Louise to stay for one more week, even though she had never been a challenge winner and, this week, made a disappointing dress that looked way too boring for the Film Noir genre it was supposed to represent.

On a more exciting note, this week also showcased some showstopping numbers by Christopher, Epperson and Nicolas. Epperson had to create a Western costume, a genre he was not thrilled with, but he made the best of his situation with a gorgeously ruffled denim dress that perfectly blurred the lines between contemporary chic and seasoned saloon girl.

Christopher chose to work in a Period genre and decided to create a dress for a vampire bride that was equal parts costume couture and runway ready.

But the winner of this week's challenge was Nicolas with his fantastical interpretation of an ice queen. His white dress, with its interestingly feathered neckline, was praised by the judges for its beautiful shape and amazing on-stage presence.

I loved this week because it presented a number of upsets and kept me on my toes. I mean, who would have thought that Nicolas would be named the challenge winner and Ra'Mon would be sent home?? Definitely not me! I hope next week throws me for another delightful loop!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin

Reality Check: Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 3

On Thursday night's episode of Project Runway Mitchell proved that sometimes the third time isn't always the charm. For the third week in a row Mitchell found himself in the bottom two after, yet another mediocre performance.


This week Klum divided the cast into teams of two and challenged them to create a functional and chic surfer outfit and a second, avant garde look. In theory, it seemed like a relatively simple challenge. But no two creative minds think alike and this challenge was no exception. While some pairs seemed to be a match made in heaven, the bulk of the this week's drama came from mismatched pair Mitchell and Ra'Mon.


Mitchell, who was named team leader, lacked in focus and concentration, and quickly forced a frustrated Ra'Mon to take the lead. Ra'Mon managed to carry the team by creating a gorgeous, sea-toned dress inspired by a stray piece of seaweed at the beach and a hand-dyed batik. Klum was less than impressed when Mitchell admitted that Ra'Mon did most of the work. For the first time in Project Runway history, Ra'Mon was named the challenge winner while his partner, Mitchell, was sent packing.


These two weren't the only personalities that clashed. Qristyl, the team leader, picked Epperson as her companion because she admired his talent and creativity but quickly became irritated by his dominant nature. In the end, their inability to work together was almost enough to send them home.


The always stylish Californian, Rachel Bilson, was this week's guest judge, offering her opinion and critique of the surf-inspired looks. Max Azria also took a seat on the judging panel but where did Michael Kors go?? Will he be coming back?? Guess we have to wait (impatiently) until next week!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Erin

Reality Check: Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 2

I'll be the first to admit that I've developed an inexplicable pleasure in watching reality TV personalities. There's just something so satisfyingly entertaining in watching real people fight their way - tooth and nail, to the top. Why watch fictional drama when you can capture the real deal on camera for the whole world to see?

On last night’s episode of Project Runway, the intensity ratcheted up a notch when the designers were faced with a rather large challenge. They were asked to design a chic maternity look for supermodel and mom-to-be, Rebecca Romijn, while keeping in mind a tailored and elegant silhouette that would flatter her curves.

While weighing their options, the contestants looked slightly panic stricken, most of whom admitted that they had never created maternity clothing before. But as they buckled down to work, the individuality and creativity of each designer became quickly apparent.

Louise captured the understated glamour of the 1940’s with one of her signature cocktail dresses that the judges agreed displayed excellent craftsmanship and a great attention to detail.

Althea, the Southern Belle from Charleston, SC, used a dark, dramatic blue jersey to create a floor length evening look that was both accentuating and flattering, making her my favorite designer of the night.

And Shirin stole the night with her elegantly draped red dress and a well-tailored coat lined in a fun, complimentary print. With an interesting neckline and gorgeous pleating around the baby bump, Shirin proved that she knows exactly what every pregnant woman craves. The judges all agreed that her dress was the most wearable look of the night and named her the winner of the challenge.

However, the most entertainingly ironic part of the show by far was watching the stick thin models strut down the runway with a disproportionately huge bulge strapped around their waists. As if these women could conceivably carry 30 pounds of dead weight around their midsections as if they were nothing!

The judges finally narrowed it down to the two designers who managed to fall too short of the mark this week. Once again Mitchell found himself in the bottom two after producing a sloppy pair of shorts, in which the judges all agreed they would never wear. Malvin took the challenge a little too literally, using the concept of fertility to create an unflattering white top that was supposed to resemble an egg.

Personally, I was really torn between these two. On the one hand, Mitchell really should have stepped up his game after last week’s disappointment. However, Malvin’s outfit, complete with black feathers that supposedly represented the "mother hen," was just a little too bizarre for my taste.

Had Malvin been able to separate his concept from the construction and create something more relatable; both to the viewers and to the judges, he would have stood a much better chance. In the end, the judges decided to send Malvin home and give Mitchell a third chance... but not without a stern warning from Klum.

Tune in next Thursday at 10 pm to see if he can redeem himself before Klum gives him the boot!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin