This challenge marked the LAST WEEK before the final three designers created their collections for New York Fashion Week.  They were to design red carpet looks inspired by Los Angeles, which was more of a struggle than I anticipated.  It was honestly a really stressful episode.  I did some therapy eating to compensate.

I'll once again rank this week's looks from my most favorite to least favorite!

1. Kelly Dempsey

I still am in disbelief that craft-store Kelly has come so far!  The fact that she created her own textile in two days is unbelievable in and of itself, and it was definitely the most creative look of the bunch.  Her red carpet inspiration was "Katy Perry at the Grammy's," and while this look absolutely suits that vision, it's still versatile enough that it could be worn in many other scenarios (can we say Emma Stone at Cannes??)  This was flawless in every way, and I'm so proud of little Kelly from the Deli!!

2. Candice Cuoco

When the designers were shopping at Mood and Candice chose black fabric, I was not remotely surprised but a little bit disappointed, because OF COURSE Candice would make a black red carpet dress.  After last week's red dress, I had hoped for something a bit outside her box.  That said, in the end she made a very refined, classically beautiful gown.  Photographs really don't do it justice.  Classic and refined.  Love.

3. Ashley Nell Tipton

This wasn't my favorite look by any means, but as Ashley's first attempt at formal wear, I thought it was really solid.  I adored her fabric (which unfortunately doesn't show well in photography - the gold sequins had a silver underside that was revealed when touched) and the design definitely had potential.  If she had refined her construction, it would have been a stand-out piece.

4. Edmond Newton

What.  The heck.  Happened.  I seriously can't believe that Edmond created this 80s showgirl nightmare.  I get that he committed to the fabric, but he started off with a long column gown made of this fabric and it wasn't half bad.  Then he cut it short.  Then he opened the back.  Then he added WINGS.  I don't know what he was thinking.  Of all the remaining designers, he probably has the best body of work throughout the competition, and this was not the final impression he should have left on the judges before fashion week.


So Edmond was sent home by the judges.  Or was he?!?  Tim did not make an appearance at the end of the episode to say goodbye or to tell Edmond to clean up his workroom space.  My prediction is that Tim will use his "Tim Gunn Save" on Edmond, which would be fine by me.  Just because he massively failed this week doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a spot at Fashion Week!

They've had four designers at Fashion Week before, so we'll see how it goes!

This week's challenge had several dimensions to it (no pun intended.  Just kidding, totally intended.)  The designers were to draw inspiration from iconic New York City bridges to create an Avant-Garde look.  In addition, they got the opportunity to incorporate 3D printed pieces into their design, and the winner of the challenge would win a Cube 3D printer! 

The only designer who has used 3D printing in the past on Project Runway is Justin LeBlanc, who has created multiple collections of 3D printed pieces over the years.  It was really exciting to see other designers expand their horizons to this new medium, and I'm glad PR jumped on the 3D bandwagon.

This phase of Project Runway is always SO HARD to judge because literally everyone is good.  Even the designs on the bottom are pretty great, and since there are only five designers left I'm just going to comment on all of them, rating them from my most favorite to least favorite.

1. Edmond Newton

Edmond's look fit all the criteria of the challenge.  Avant-Garde is all about creating something new that we haven't seen before, and this look accomplished that.  He played upon the "x" shapes in the bridge in the bodice and in his 3D printed pieces, he incorporated a sculptural shape into the skirt while maintaining clean lines, and he even created a printed textile within the mesh he used.  It's nothing like anything he's made before, but it still has Edmond written all over it.  Literally written all over it, because he put his name into his 3D printed pieces!  Just genius.

2. Candice Cuoco

I won't lie, I was a little worried about this in the work room; after Candice's street walker moment from last week, a red satin gown could have gone really cheap, really fast.  But it didn't!!  It was BEAUTIFUL!!  I don't know if I've ever seen a more well-made gown on this show.  The only real inspiration from the bridges was the repeated triangle shape, and it was a pretty wearable gown which didn't exactly fit the Avant-Garde challenge, so I get why she didn't win.  That said, her use of the 3D printing was probably the best of the bunch, and guest judge Mel B chose her gown to wear to an event, so at the end of the day, she really was a winner!

3. Kelly Dempsey

While I was disappointed with Kelly's use of the 3D printing and I was concerned with her fabric choice, she really did pull out a great look here.  She went very literal in representing the sturdy shape of the bridge and the cable ties that hold it all together, and it turned out way better than I expected.  Her styling was impeccable, and while it wouldn't have been my top choice for the win, I can see what the judges saw in it.  Definitely one of the best looks she's made all season.

4. Ashley Nell Tipton

I understand where the judges were coming from when they said this was two looks that didn't go together, and I think Ashley's original design before Tim's critique was a little better.  She struggled with the 3D printing aspect of it and in the end it wasn't the most successful.  For Ashley, though, this was a very dramatic and "out-there" look.  She is a ready-to-wear designer by nature and I liked her interpretation of what Avant-Garde means to her.

5.  Merline Labissiere

This is not a bad dress by any means, and it was nice to see a more refined version of Merline.  Unfortunately, it wasn't Avant-Garde, it wasn't identifiably inspired by the bridges, and her use of the 3D printing use wasn't that great.  For a designer that has a background in architecture, this could have been a great challenge for her, and she just didn't work to her best potential.  I understand why she went home.


So congratulations, Kelly!

I thought it was pretty hilarious that she pointed out that she doesn't even have a 2D printer, so the 3D printer was a major win for her.  If she makes it to fashion week, I'll be interested in seeing if she incorporates more 3D work into her designs!

This week was the Sally Beauty challenge, also known as the "real women makeover" challenge.  Any time the designers have to create looks for women who don't have model bodies, you know something is about to go down.  This season, to add an extra special wrinkle, the designers were creating looks for Project Runway crew members.  Which meant the judges were extra invested in the results.  Oof.

There are only 6 designers left, which means EVERYONE IS JUDGED THIS WEEK! 

My Top Three

1. Merline Labissiere

This dress wasn't all that great, and because Ashley is a plus-size designer I expected better from her.  That said, I understand her not wanting to create the same shape she usually does and to get in trouble for that, and I think she got all designed out.  I really didn't mind the print like the judges did, and I think if she had moved the waist up three inches and kept the peplum solid, it would have been an okay piece.  Not the best, but definitely not the worst!

My Bottom Three

1. Candice Cuoco

Good.  Lord.  I don't know how Candice went from "the client's favorite color is blue, so I'll create my signature style with pops of blue" to "I'll make an 80s street walker dress and throw everything but the kitchen sink on top of it."  Seriously.  No woman in her right mind would ever leave the house in this unless it was Halloween.  Candice should know better, and she's done better.  I'm over it.

2.  Swapnil Shinde

I understand to a degree why they sent Swapnil home for this.  He had been on the judge's cut list for weeks, and in the end his model wasn't happy with the finished look.  THAT SAID.  His model was incredibly difficult.  She never fully expressed to Swapnil what she wanted (other than long sleeves and covered legs) and when she didn't like something she couldn't tell him why.  He had no direction at all, and with no direction and a few hours to whip something together that she might not totally hate, this was a fair attempt.

3.  Kelly Dempsey

I seriously can't believe this look won.  IT WON.  A pair of purple pleather overalls won the design challenge.  Seriously.  What.  Even.  I get that the client is really into overalls and tank tops.  But pleather??  It's not practical, it's not comfortable, it's not cute.  No.  No.


So.  After Tim's explosive blowup and one of the better designers getting sent home, I don't know where things will go with the top five.  We're in the home stretch!!

 (For those unfamiliar, every year Project Runway has a sponsor that provides accessories (shoes, bags, jewelry) for the designer's looks.  This year's sponsor is JustFab, and for this challenge the designers had to create a ready-to-wear look to be reproduced and sold at justfab.com.

The designs had to fit in with JustFab's "style profiles," and Candice, being the winner from last week's challenge, got to choose the profile for each designer.

The judges were in SO much disagreement over which looks they liked and disliked that there were no top and bottom scores until the very end, when a winner and loser had to be determined.  Fortunately, I'm more decisive than Heidi, Nina, and Zac.

WOOO!  This.  Look.  Was.  Perfect.  Edmond hit this challenge out of the park.  He totally mastered his "bombshell" profile, his styling was flawless, and he absolutely deserved the win.  He created a dress that every woman would want to wear and that JustFab would have no problem selling.  Well, well done.

2. Kelly Dempsey (Trendsetter)

The judges were in major disagreement over this look, and I can understand why.  It's not something everyone is going to like, but for the "trendsetter" design profile, I totally think it works.  Her combination of prints was really well accomplished, her vest (while, granted, a little Muppet-y) added a healthy dose of chic-ness to an otherwise very sporty look, and her styling was impeccable.  The judges are always looking for designers who aren't cramped inside a box, and Kelly is anything but within a box.  I think it was a win.

3. Ashley Nell Tipton (Girl Next Door)

Ashley's look definitely fit the "girl-next-door profile", but she struggled with defending herself and really showing her work to its potential.  The top was fitted beautifully and had cute detailing in the back, but her model never took the jacket off so the judges didn't know about it.  HAVE CONFIDENCE, ASH!!!  The fabric choice was love it or hate it, but the overall look could have been really sellable to the JustFab customer...if only she had SOLD IT.

Honorable Mention: Merline Labissiere (Femme Nouveau)

I got where the judges were coming from with Merline's look.  "Femme Nouveau" is supposed to be modern, but flirty and feminine.  Merline went modern and sporty.  Even though she had some construction problems, I did really enjoy the dress, and it's something I'd probably wear.  It simply didn't suit the challenge.

My Bottom Three

1. Candice Cuoco (Trendsetter)

I really couldn't hate this look any more.  Candace has been all over the road for me all season, but particularly after last week's high point, this was particularly disappointing.  Her profile was "trendsetter."  What trend is this setting?!  The trend of grandma-esque built-in scarf lapels?  The trend of pleather dust ruffles around one's butt?  Sorry, but I don't see any of those trends taking off.  In addition, the challenge was to create a look that could be reproduced and sold to a mass market.  This can accomplish neither.  If she hadn't had immunity, I don't know where she would have ended up.

2. Laurie Underwood (Modern Classic)

Laurie's concept fit within the "modern classic" realm.  That said, her top was poorly made and not remotely able to be reproduced, and after her boob issues from last week's challenge, she shouldn't have gone with a braless look again.  It really wasn't up to par with the other designs in the group, and I understand why she was sent home.

3. Swapnil Shinde (Bombshell)

This really wasn't a bad dress overall.  If Swapnil hadn't been determined to made a sculptural cover-up and if he hadn't included the metallic butt-flap, he might have fared better.  I don't really know why he struggled with making a bombshell dress, since that's what he makes on the regular, but the judges are picking up that he isn't working to his full potential, which is bad news for him.  Better luck next week, Swapnil!


The disappointing aspect of this challenge is that the reproduced version of Edmond's dress that's available online is...awful.

The neckline is wonkey, the ruching is concentrated on the hips and the butt instead of allover, the hemline is too long.  It's now a cheap, tacky dress instead of the beautiful bombshell Edmond created, and if I were him I wouldn't want my name on it.

This has happened before to Mondo and Anthony Ryan when their looks got reproduced, and I'd really like Project Runway to do better on that front.

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All photos from www.mylifetime.com and www.justfab.com
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This week the designers got to see the Broadway production of Finding Neverland, which became their inspiration for the challenge. They were able to create absolutely anything based on this inspiration, which is the most freedom the designers have had all season!

My Top Three:

1. Candice Cuoco

This look had so many good things going for it, and after last week's tech-y disaster, I was really impressed with her effort.  The coat had great movement with so many ethereal layers, and to contrast the softness of the coat with her signature leather pieces underneath.  Well deserving of the win!

2. Edmond Newton

The judges were divided on whether they liked the vest (I, personally, am a fan,) but there was no question that his pants and top were flawless.  His styling was brilliant, and he pulled off a fantastical, futuristic Tinkerbell.

3. Merline Labissiere

I was pretty sad that this look was only safe.  As Tim Gunn always says, the success of the look is determined at Mood, and Merline probably had the best fabric choice of the bunch.  I want to see this on the Queen of the Night in Mozart's Magic Flute.  So gorgeous.

My Bottom Three:

1. Laurie Underwood

I saw the photos of this look before watching the episode, and it definitely photographs better than it was in person. Good grief.  Her top was COMPLETELY sheer, the only reason her butt wasn't out on the runway was because she added a panel at the last minute, and there were just too many ideas going on at once.  I guess, in the judges eyes, too many ideas was better than not enough, but this look was just a rough time.

2. Lindsey Creel

I didn't think this was all that terrible, and I would probably wear it if I needed a pretty gown.  But I'm a normal person who doesn't need superbly fancy clothing, and I can understand that in a fashion design competition, it's a little boring in comparison to the other designers.  The judges have disliked her style for some time and it's not surprising that she went home.

3. Ashley Nell Tipton

This look wasn't all that bad, and the idea was definitely good in concept.  The top had some fit and proportion issues, and her draping wasn't very successful.  All in all, she struggled with the fabric and it showed.

Special shout out to the EVER GORGEOUS guest judge, Coco Rocha.  I've been in love with her forever and I always love when she's on.  Even here, in a totally candid shot, she's flawless.  UMPH.

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All photos from www.mylifetime.com
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An unexpected turn of events occurred early in the episode; Jake Wall found out that his beloved dog needed to be put to sleep, so he chose to leave the competition.  I'm sure that was one of the most difficult decisions he's ever had to make.  Project Runway is a huge opportunity, but when you love an animal it would be horrible to not be able to say goodbye to them.  Sending lots of love Jake's way. <3

I'm sure the designers are pretty tired of unconventional challenges by now, but this week brought on another.  This challenge had the designers dumpster diving to find old technology (keyboards, floppy discs, mouse pads, metal tubes, wires, etc.) which they used to make modern designs.

My Top Three:

1. Kelly Dempsey

This was a clear standout.  It's still insane to me that she was able to take metal tubing and make it into a gorgeous dress worthy of a modern Daisy Gatsby.  If I had the body for it I'd wear it in a second!  She had a great look last week, but this is definitely the best piece Kelly has made all season.  I hope she keeps it up!

2. Ashley Nell Tipton

We all know I'm a fan of Ashley's work, and this look was no exception to her greatness.  I mean, it's a dress out of Polaroids.  She used the dye inside the Polaroids  to make a PATTERN.  Even if this was a dress out normal fabric, the design itself is super cute and flirty.

3. Swapnil Shinde

Swapnil procrastinated a fair bit on this project, and I do think it could be better and he shouldn't have used muslin for the bottom, but the WAY he used muslin for the bottom was beautiful, and the end result of the whole look was really ethereal and creative.

My Bottom Three:

1. Candice Cuoco

Remember Andy South's unconventional ribbon look from several seasons back?  This looked like Candice was trying to do that, but didn't do it as well. Her execution is poor, and I've seen it before. And that, kids, is how you rhyme.

2. Lindsey Creel

I loved the top of this look, and the effect with the keyboard pieces was really great.  But the waistband, the little "bow" on the neckline and the skirt looked  a little too crafty.

3. Merline Labissiere

Now, Merline had immunity, and she said from the beginning that she was going to use her immunity to create something unique that she would never normally make.  That she did, but it wasn't good.  The design and the shape was creative, but it was just sloppy and slapped together.  When muslin shows through the covering and when you don't have enough dress to cover a model's backside, it's a problem.


I understand why Joseph Charles Poli was eliminated because design wise, there really wasn't much to his look.  I know I haven't been a fan of his in the past, but I feel a little bad that he was sent home for this design.  He really did try to push his aesthetic into something sexier, and if this look had been made out of conventional fabric it would have been pretty solid.

So we say so long to both Joseph and Jake.  Sometimes a contestant leaving means everyone remains safe, but not this time.  WHO KNOWS what next week will bring.

That sounded ominous.  It's Project Runway.  It's not that ominous.

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All photos from www.mylifetime.com
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