This week’s episode resumes where last weeks cliffhanger left off… Tim comes in and everyone is holding their breath waiting for him to announce that he will be using his “Tim Gunn Save.” He does not disappoint, we learn right away that all four of the remaining designers are going to be showcasing a collection at New York Fashion Week.
First up, Tim is off to San Diego to visit Ashley. She is designing a plus size collection that is inspired Mexico City in the 60’s. I love the hairpieces that Ashley has created for all her models, despite the fact Tim seems none to impressed. I recall wishing I had done more bold accessories with my collection when I showed on “Project Runway.” Overall, I have to say I was very impressed with the amount of work that Ashley has accomplished. She really seems to be in a really great place. I also loved meeting Ashley’s family and absolutely love her mother’s glasses! I want a pair!
Next up, Tim moves on to San Francisco and Candice. Where we meet her with her family on the beach. Honestly, the beach is the last place I would have expected as Candice’s selection to meet Tim. They then move on to her studio. I am intrigued by her dramatic collection. Tim actually tells her that she needs to set back, tone down and edit. Here again, I disagree with Tim, I believe the judges always love a show and will appreciate the drama that she is bringing. I also think that her pieces are interesting enough that using drama is not an attempt to cover a noncreative collection.
Tim now flies to the other side of the country to visit Kelly in Massachusetts. I immediately love her theme of Studio 54 meets modern streetwear, but I am not as in love with her collection. It seems dated to me. Plus, where is Tim Gunn? And whom is this imposture that tells Kelly he “loves fanny packs” and is totally “mind molding” this collection?! This Tim loves the show aspect of Kelly’s collection. What?! He doesn’t like the more tasteful drama of Candice’s collection, yet this mashup get a thumbs up? After dinner with Kelly’s family she takes him to her deli, where you hear Tim politely saying, “Wow, look at all this,” like it was the first time he had ever been in a deli!
Last but not least is our beloved Edmond. Unfortunately, he is not in a much better position then when we left him in the last episode. He still has a lot of garments to complete and Tim does not seem that impressed with the pieces that he does have. I am intrigued with his looks and excited to see more of them in New York. We then meet his family and understand why Edmond is so kind. His family is just as nice.
Overall, even with my reservations about Kelly and Edmond, I am excited to see the collections that each of these designers bring to New York. They are all so different.
Back in New York the designers are a little stressed and suspiciously eyeing each other’s collection, definitely feeling the pressure. This of course is only the beginning as they realize that they are going to have to show an additional look, and that they will have to create it that same day. They will have to show this look with two other pieces from their collection. Hardly a surprise anymore as this challenge, or a form of it, seems to happen every season. I love how secure Edmond feels even though he has a TON of work to finish. I do start to see where his confidence comes from when he starts to pull out looks from his collection. There are some definite “wow” pieces.
On to the “mini” runway…
Candice – Love the print and shape of the jacket of the first look. You clearly see the Asian inspiration, and the silhouette is very unique. I would have preferred a different top, as the red leather corset seems a little dated to me. The second look while done well, it is a little expected, and not unlike something we have seen before. Her last jacket is my favorite piece of the mini collection. I think the collection would have been stronger if the cropped leather corsets were traded in for a chicer blouse. I also really love her innovative headpieces that reference her inspiration.
Kelly – I just do not get this. The prints look cheap, nothing looks extremely well-executed, and it seems devoid of any uniqueness. I was actually a little surprised by her picks to showcase, she had a few other pieces in her collection that were stronger looks, such as the mesh dress she scrapped. My favorite of the three looks shown is the last look with the bellbottoms and emerald sequin. Her inspiration could be seen the most here, being modern and something a lot of woman would want to wear.
Edmond – Here, somewhat similar to Kelly’s choices, I am surprised that he went with these three pieces. It seemed there were a lot stronger pieces back at the workroom. Perhaps this is all part of their master plan, give a small taste and then blow the judges away on the runway. Seems a bit risky to me… My favorite look is the second look. I like the femininity and movement. A very chic look that would wear well on a lot of woman. His last look, and his personal favorite, is actually my least favorite. To me the ruffle down the front just cheapens it. I agree with the judges that the entire collection needs that edge and sexiness that he is able to bring. Finally, did anyone see Tim’s face when the first look came down the runway? Regretting his “Tim Gunn Save” perhaps?
Ashley – As one of the of the designers mentioned previously, I too was surprised, and a little disappointed, that Ashley did not incorporate prints into her collection. I think she did a great job on making the plus size models look fantastic, but the pieces looked a little bland for me. I also agree that if you are going to make a clean collection, the details need to be there, as well as the fit. I am interested to see how she takes the feedback from the judges to take the collection to the next level.
We leave this episode on another cliffhanger. Will the designers be able to take their collections to the next level? It truly seems like anyone’s win at this point, all just depending on what they are able to accomplish over the next couple of days.
