Wow, Season 14…. I am officially starting to feel old, thinking all the way back to my season! It is truly amazing that the show has generated so much excitement and interest that it continues and thrives for so long. I am excited to meet the new designers and additions to the “Project Runway” family. I hope they have the skills to keep the audience and judges interested!
The episode starts with the general introductions of the designers. I am excited to see Ashley, a plus-size designer with a great story and am looking forward to see her take on dressing the usual size two model each week. Amanda, an early reject from Season 9 is back with more “confidence.” Lindsey doesn’t work well with others and looks to me like she is going to be the problem child of the season. I love Blake who won me over with his observation that baseball is played at Madison Square Garden.
Speaking of Madison Square Garden, I get really excited when the designers are summoned there for their first challenge! I love sports and was looking forward to an exciting challenge marrying my love of fashion with athletics. Unfortunately it was only a prop, as the seats of the Garden are only used as a place to drape the fabric for a challenge where the designers can create anything they wan — the caveat being it has to represent them. The only twist, I suppose it’s a twist, was that they have a limited time to select their fabric and have to battle for the fabric they want….a theme we see often on “Project Runway.”
Once the designers return to the workroom we learn there’s a “Project Runway” first! Three designers, David, Merline and Swapnil, did not bring their designer kits. Huh? I don’t think that you need a lot of supplies to be a designer–a ruler, scissors, chalk, hand needle, and thread are musts–but zero supplies?! I don’t know if they have changed the “Project Runway” contestant welcome packet or not but, when I was a designer it was clearly mentioned to bring your own supplies.
These unfortunate souls are going to have to rely on the kindness of other designers for supplies. I have a feeling there will be a mix of “Too bad,” “Okay but I will bitch about this in my confessional,” and maybe, “I feel so bad for them!”
Surprisingly, the designers are all really kind and offer supplies with no problem. Although, I am sure a few wish they wouldn’t have been so generous with Merline, who quickly annoys everyone with her nonstop singing and chatter.
Now, don’t be disappointed in the lack of a bitter, or selfish response, from the contestants; because Tim Gunn brings all the drama that you need. The annoyed Mr. Gunn starts out with some compliments, but then really digs into the contestants, their pronunciation, their taste, their skill, and their talent. Overall he does not seem to have much confidence in the designers.
They all seem a bit scared for the runway tomorrow based on what Tim says because as Merline so eloquently (and rather obviously) states, “They call him Tim Gunn because he is the TIM GUNN.”
And now on to the runway…
Blake – I do think that he did a great job manipulating the print but overall I am not crazy about this dress. The drape does not seem particularly elegant and I am not a fan of the pop of color lining on an already busy dress.
Amanda – I love the top of this dress and like the way that she used the print but the asymmetrical skirt does not seem new or particularly innovative to me.
Laurie – I love the simplicity of this dress and the cut. It is too bad that the slit is so high or it would easily be a favorite of mine.
Hanmiao – I think the shape and print are interesting, but I do not think the yellow was the right fabric choice. It makes the garment look like it does not fit well and the seam is distracting with the minimalistic shape.
Swapnil – I do love the bodice and the beautiful technique that he used, unfortunately the skirt is a little disappointing.
Duncan – The drape and simplicity is very beautiful, and I love the back of the dress. The front of the dress does not seem as exciting or flattering.
Edmond – This dress is definitely MUCH better then his original attempt. Still it is not too exciting. Looks like a design we have seen before, however the excellent fit carried it.
Merline – Wow, love this dress. I absolutely did not expect this from her! It is very modern and chic. I’m impressed!
Lindsey – I believe that this outfit is a little too basic, but it is cute, safe look for the first challenge. Not a crazy idea…
David – I love this look! I was not expecting this from him! The mix of prints is great and the pockets make it look elegant, and yet casual at the same time.
Joseph – Same as Lindsey; this outfit is a little too basic, but cute. Once again, it is a safe look for the first challenge.
Kelly – WOW, did she step it up or what?!?! Not the best fit but a really interesting top, and importantly in my eyes, she kept the creativity in the bottom as well.
Jake – I agree with Tim Gunn, the fabric carries this dress. There is nothing particularly innovative in the design.
Gabrielle – I do not hate this design. I do think the bottom and color are great! The issue is in the fit of the garment. I do hope that the judges will see the sleek design over the fit issues.
Candice – Another middle of the road look for me. While I do think there are some interesting design elements, overall it comes off as a fairly basic dress.
Ashley – Love! The mix of fabrics is stunning. Very chic. It’s an easy look that deserves to be in the top.
Ultimately, the judges choose Ashley as a winner and send Duncan home. I am really disappointed in the results. I had selected Duncan as one of my favorites to watch this season.
I can’t help but think that if Tim had given some better feedback with the top of the dress he would still be here. Will we have, as in the past few seasons, some misdirection from Mr. Gunn “because he is the Tim Gunn.” What are your thoughts?
