When we last saw them, Althea and Irina were at each other’s throats, criticizing one another for stealing inspiration. This week, the stand off continued — and the ladies still weren’t speaking to each other, creating a tense and testy work environment for everyone. With the promise of Fashion Week looming, the five remaining designers headed to L.A.’s Getty Center to find inspiration in art and architecture.
Tim’s Take: Althea and Irina may have given each other the cold shoulder, but Tim Gunn wasn’t holding anything back during his inspections. He said Irina’s sheer dress looked like “road kill” after she draped some fur on top, quipping, “It’s like a post-apocalyptic moment.” Then he gave Althea’s architectural skirt a dressing down too. “It’s just a panel of puckering,” Gunn said. As for the others, their wise mentor just implored the designers to do well. “I want Nina Garcia’s stilettos to blow right off her feet and shoot across the runway,” he said.
The Surprise: When it came down to the runway show, the designers were in for a surprise: Only three would be competing at Bryant Park, which meant that two were going home this week. Unfortunately, Michael Kors couldn’t even make it to the final challenge, though Garcia was indeed there — in cute shoes, too. Joining her and Heidi Klum on the panel: Cindy Crawford and designer Cynthia Rowley.
Now let’s break down the looks:
Althea: Her look was a flop this week with the judges. Rowley saw the architectural inspiration, but Heidi called it a “bit of a messfest.” Ultimately, the designer’s strong past performances — and willingness to take a risk even if it didn’t work out — carried her through to Fashion Week.
Irina: A strong contender all season, the judges thought the catty designer’s look was over accessorized but well-executed. She also (wisely) ditched the road kill fur and was sent through, first, to Bryant Park.
Gordana: Though she was brought to tears by her own creation, a lovely, angelic gown, the judges thought the designer hadn’t pushed herself enough. “I still wonder if there’s a moment where you can really take a chance?” Nina asked. So, Gordana was auf’d — but praised for her skillful dress.
Carol Hannah: Her golden gown was “safe perfection,” as Nina put it, but Carol Hannah’s classy aesthetic won over Heidi and the other judges. Despite the fact that she’s made dresses week after week, the panel recognized her skill and sent her through to the finale.
Christopher: That means Christopher, perennially in the bottom, had another reason to cry this week: The designer was the second causality of the episode. Klum said he was full of interesting inspirations and ideas — just not experienced enough to go forward.
And that’s this season’s final 3! –Brian Orloff
Tell us: Did you agree with the judges’ picks? Who will win Project Runway? And whose clothes would you wear?
Mike Yarish/Lifetime
Permalink | Comments (58)
