In This Section
|
« Project Runway
Episode Recap: Raw Talent
I’ll admit, I peeked on this one. Usually, I’m not a fan of spoilers, but I read the challenge description and was very disappointed. I couldn’t believe Project Runway would charter this territory. However, tonight actually turned out well! I can’t believe I ended up enjoying this challenge. It was one of my favorites thanks to the "models". I'd take the women of the WWE and use them for the rest of the season if I could! They were full of personality and so happy to work with the designers.
The Challenge: The designers were introduced to the top six female wrestlers of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). The wrestlers were not runway models, but they have beauty, poise and personality. All of the wrestlers were confident and had their own unique sense of style for the ring. Each designer chose a wrestler and went to work.
The Designers: The fabric was bought at Spandex House. Oh, the lovely fabric that stretches… it’s a part of our everyday lives whether we want to admit it or not. However, shiny silver and pink spandex remind me of a dance costume I wore in 1988. Even as a dancing six year old, I knew it was a fashion-don’t. Times haven’t changed in that department. Sweet P and Rami were both in trouble the moment they left the store.
Sweet P’s model, Candace, is the top female wrestler in the WWE. I don’t know if that means she has won the most matches or she is a fan favorite or perhaps both. Her wrestling attire is loud and proud. It shines and sparkles for the whole audience to see. She may have seemed difficult during the challenge, but Sweet P should have known what to expect and chose a better color fabric for her design.
My girl Jillian did a fantastic job. Her wrestler is the girl-next-door who enjoys sports. A beautiful tomboy. I loved the blue and white color scheme. The boy shorts looked like miniature boxing shorts and the top was stylish, sexy and secure.
Christian did a fabulous job. His last “make the customer proud” challenge was the teenage drama, er, prom queen. However, Christian really took this challenge and ran with it. His model said she loved leather and lace and that’s exactly what she got. Her entire outfit was well made, especially the jacket. The black, leather chaps were perfect for the ring. I thought she looked sexy, strong and of course, fierce!
Rami, like Sweet P, chose a horrible color. Hot pink. His wrestler/model said she was the all-American, "innocent" girl-next-door. I think he should have gone with a patriotic color scheme. It didn’t have to be entirely red, white and blue, but the pink made her look too Wrestler Barbie. [Someone call Mattel!] Personally, I thought Rami's was the worst, but I don't think the judges will ever vote him out.
Chris' green, leopard fabric worried me at first. I’ve never understood people’s fascination with animal prints, especially colorized leopard. Then, Chris’ creation started to come together. When his model tried on her hooded jacket, I was so impressed. It looked fantastic on her. When she stepped onto the runway my mouth dropped. The entire look came together so well. The cage-inspired top was well-fit and sexy. The black glitter shorts and gloves matched the lined, leopard hoodie beautifully. It actually looked expensive and wearable; as in, “I want to be a green leopard for Halloween“ wearable. Still good!
The Decision: Chris won and Ricky was auf'd.
Ricky didn’t do a horrible job. If it has been a Victoria Secret swimsuit challenge he would have been safe. I didn’t think the orange was awful, but the gold tunic was cheap looking and unnecessary. I agree with Christian, although Ricky won last week, I personally do not think he was top six material. Even if he had done exceptionally well tonight, I still would have wanted him to go home.
I also think Sweet P needs to go. I adore her personality and charm, but she‘s way out of her league. Christian, Rami and Jillian are on a much higher level. Chris has always been one of my favorites, but he needs to bring his game. He has done well with extreme challenges (Avant-Garde and WWE), but can he make it to Bryant Park?
Best Quote: “Furocia Coutura and her power is... she sprays girls in their eyes with hairspray!” - Christian, when discussing his wrestling stage name and diva strength
Check out more Runway in our Online Video Guide.
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 12:31 AM
|
Great recap, Casey.
I loved this episode. Fun and crazy. I think most of the designers were having a great time making trashy...er, sexy things.
I agreed with the judges. And it was definitely past time for Ricky to go home. Chris won this hands down, as far as I was concerned, but Christian's was darn close.
I had one question. Why did they do the model-choosing thing at the beginning when they weren't even going to be using those models this episode?
Hi, Wheezy.....I know you must have been watching.
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 3:04 AM
|
Well its about time that Chris won a much deserved challenged. He should of won the Prom Dress, and the Hershey on as well. And it was about time that Ricky was finally Auf'd. If Heidi said he was safe again, I think I would of thrown my remote at my tv. He should of been gone along time ago. And I'm surprised that he didn't cry when he said good-bye to everyone. I thought for sure he was going to start the water works.
I was rolling my eyes when I heard about this challenge. What were they thinking? But like you Casey, I also enjoyed this weeks challenge. Of course I liked Chris's. I also don't understand the fascination with animal prints. I also liked Christians and Julians. Rami's did looked liked something Barbie would wear. And he did do some draping on the top. Sweet P's should of gotten some more fabric for the robe, and in a different color, and it could of been something different.
And as for Ricky, he was in trouble. That would of made a cute swimsuit, but not with the Wonder Woman cape.
I'm getting sick and tired of Christians attitude. I thought he was going to throw a fit when Chris was announced he was the winner for this challenge.
I agree with your picks for the final 3, but at this point I'm still clueless on who its going to be. You never know what's going to happen. And they might do a final 4 like they did last season. But I'll tell you one thing....if Rami is in the final 3 or 4, I don't want to see his whole collection in draps.
And who else wants to see Tim Gunn take on the WWE DIVAS?
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 4:59 AM
|
There seems to be a lot of sentiment that this was an inappropriate challenge so late in the competition, that it didn't give the designers a chance to really show what they could do. Christian said it himself, blogging on the Bravo website. However, this season has really been about moving the designers outside their comfort zone, and those who respond the best should make it to Fashion Week.
It was past Ricky's time to go, and Sweet P is way overmatched by the other designers as well. I expect next week will be her final existential crisis and she will be Auf'd. Michael Kors blogs on Bravo's website on the subject of Ricky's endless waterworks. Basically he says, there's no crying in fashion. Grow up.
Of all the designers (and it pains me to say this), Jillian is the one who has responded the best and most consistently to the curveballs thrown her way. I think Christian has been the strongest designer overall, but he had that terrible meltdown in the prom challenge. And last night Rami tried to drape a wrestling costume, and if he weren't the judges' darling he would have been Auf'd. He just didn't have a clue.
This challenge was perfect for Chris, and he did not disappoint. I really like the guy, and he has done some stunning work. He's had a few misfires too. I did think Christian had the best look last night. He went all out, even finishing his sketch after the look was completed. Anyone who thinks Christian's reactions are rude or inappropriate when someone else wins, should check out Santino from Season 2. That man thought he should win every single challenge and raised eye rolling to an art form.
According to the schedule, we have one more regular challenge before the designers head home to work on their collections. According to my math, that means we will once again have a Final Four.
Thanks for the great and timely blog, Casey!
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 8:34 AM
|
I noticed on the Bryant Park website, aka Mercedes Benz fashion week...Project Runway has a runway on Friday morning....would we be able to find out who is in the finals? I wonder if that website will block that show?
Anyone know?
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 9:08 AM
|
I figured that when Ricky won last week, he would be Auf*d this week. It seems that has happened in previous seasons with some of the weaker designers. Sweet P has survived this long because she really listens and makes revisions when Tim tells her that her designs are not working. She always saves her bacon at the last minute. I do think her time is up next week, though, the other designers are really strong. Here are my handicaps:
Chris He is the king of trannywear, but frequently has really well executed, restrained designs. If he brings his A game, he could win it all.
Gillian She is my favorite - I love her designs and she puts her Ralph Lauren background to good use. Her time management issues could do her in - even if she has months to prepare because oftentimes, she bites off more than she can chew.
Rami He is this season's One-note Designer (every season has one). Way talented, but is afraid to explore uncharted territory. No One-note has ever won, Rami needs to do confidently step out of his drape box to do so.
Christian alternately hilarious and obnoxious, he is a talented designer and a skilled sewer (I do not think we have had a combo like that in other seasons). His designs are never as great as he thinks they are and that blindness can be a great liability. He needs to get over himself to get to the prize.
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 11:09 AM
|
|
I think in the previews it was said that next week is a double elimination. ??
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 12:37 PM
|
I also wondered why they eliminated the model at the beginning and then not use models??? Now next week they will have to eliminate 2 models and since the designers are usually loyal, that means Ricky's model who was "safe" this week, she went WHEW...now she will most likely be out next week...why go through this?
I am thrilled that Chris won, I know Christian thinks he is fierce, but did you see the previews??? he is making that same little pouffy jacket/shirt. For someone who is so smug..his talent is beginning to bore me
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 1:01 PM
|
Rushmore - Thanks for bringing up my all time favorite PR contestant, Santino. Oh how I miss those eye rolls and Timm Gunn impersonations.........
Anyway, last night rocked! I laughed so much!
Chris is just a snarky little sprite, but I wouldn't have him any other way!
I too thought Jillian's design stood out - absolutely loved the color and boy shorts.
I love that Chris and his diva had matching leopard prints on. Great job Chris - you so deserved the win and Rickey so deserved the auf-fing!
I hope to see Chris, Christian and Jillian at Bryant Park.
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 1:06 PM
|
|
Sorry - I mean CHRISTIAN is the snarky little sprite~!
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 1:07 PM
|
|
Kaycee-Santino is also one of my favs of PR. Love, Love the impressions of Tim Gunn and Micheal Kors. Bravo is doing top 20 moments in their reality shows. I hope "Where's Andrea?" Makes it to number 1.
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 1:28 PM
|
I already commented on this in Rousch's Rave, but did anyone else think there was something going on between Jillian and Rami? I know Kevin said he was the only straight guy there during the Tiki Barber challenge, but I noticed Jillian lounging on the bed with Rami at the beginning of the episode and hanging on Rami before they met the "clients". Just wondering!!
Love Project Runway and it has been a big help in getting through this strike season. The season has flown by and I hope it doesn't take so long to get to the next season!!!
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 4:49 PM
|
|
Holly1, I'm pretty sure that Rami is gay. He was a little coy about it earlier in the season, but the implication was there. I think he was hanging out that way with Jillian because they have become good friends. They were paired together for at least one of the challenges and got along very well. Plus, they sort of have a similar design sensibility (even though Rami is all about the draping) in that they both go for elegant pieces that are somewhat timeless. I kind of get the sense these apartments are kind of like dorm life back in college. They spend so much time with each other in the work room, and then they live together also, it's not at all surprising that strong friendships (or the opposite) would develop. I can't remember how many times I lounged on a friend's bed in college or a friend on mine and it was just hanging out.
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 6:27 PM
|
I loved Jillian's personal outfit (that seafoam, long-sleeved dress) on judging day. Wonder if she made it herself.
Trafficgirl, last year, the Bravo website had videos posted of four collections at Bryant Park including the one female designer that didn't make it to the final runway show. They had her do a collection as well so that people wouldn't know who the final three were.
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 7:34 PM
|
i wasn't too sure about wanting to watch this episode b/c i don't enjoy wrestling, but i have to say i really liked this episode.
Jillian- although i don't always like her outfits, i think she did a good job. i loved the color and the little white stripes that made it "boyish" was a great touch.
Chris- i love him. i am just happy that he was himself and didn't tone it down. the jacket was awesome.
Christian- i have to say, i didn't like his this week.
Rami- i agree that the judges won't get rid of him. not that me deserved to go, but i do think the judges like some ppl and refuse to out them.
|
|
Feb 7, 2008 8:59 PM
|
|
|
