“Project Runway” is BACK! Yes, for the eleventh straight year Heidi, Tim and Nina return again for Season 14; and I’m happy to also be back, here on myLifetime.com, to recap the episodes for another season. In this premiere episode, Emmy-nominated hosts Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum assure us that there will be a lot of drama, tears and fashion that “inspires us, excites us and scares us,” and oh, Tim will drop the “F-Bomb.” Ready for another season? I am. Let the “Project Runway “Season 14 Fashion Games begin…
Sixteen aspiring designers show up to Madison Square Garden for their first challenge. The Season 14 designers are a diverse crew; consider it a “Project Runway” Benetton ad for 2015. They include Duncan, a fresh-out-of-school 24-year-old from New Zealand; Kelly, a hoop earring-loving Boston gal; Mumbai India-based designer Swaphil; Ashley, a self-described “fun, funky and fat” San Diegan; David, a swarthy-sounding Italian residing in NYC; Hanmiao, originally from China but living blocks away from Madison Square Garden; Savannah Georgia-based Merline, a former architect of Haitian descent; Amanda Perna who got into Season 9 but did not make the “first draft pick” cut; Blake, who thinks of himself as “fabulous”; and Edmond, who has applied to “Project Runway” since THE VERY FIRST SEASON and now, finally made it.
Tim and Heidi await them to introduce the challenge: one day to create a look that shows who they are as a designer. There are swaths of Mood fabrics, scattered throughout the arena. The designers have three minutes to shop, yank and grab–up to four different textiles–to then bring back to the workroom. Post fabric grab session, it’s time to haul the designers back in the vans and get them to their workroom.
They’ve barely had time to get some beef jerky from craft service when Tim walks in to make an announcement: every season, the designers are told to bring their own personal tool kits when coming on the show and for the first time in 14 SEASONS, three designers–David, Swaphil and Merline–did not. What were they thinking? Maybe they also thought they would arrive at the workroom and see a room full of petite mains that were going to actually sew their garments? Newsflash: NOT! Tim is angry and dismayed at the situation. All three have useless excuses. As a viewer, and former alum of “Project Runway,” I throw them some serious judgmental shade through the TV. When you are cast on “Project Runway,” you receive a list of approved items that you are allowed to bring in your kit. When I received the list, I would have NEVER thought that “Project Runway” would be providing me with tools. And like any good tradesperson, your personal tools are very important to you. I would want MY scissors, MY rulers, MY tracing wheel, etc…Those three are already starting with negative points in my book.
Only a few hours have passed in the workroom and Ashley is already crying while sewing (Jeeeesussss, it’s the first CHALLENGE, girlfriend!) and everyone is annoyed at Merline because she can’t stop singing and being an obnoxious Chatty Cathy. Note to the P.A.’s: you might want to make her double-shot of espresso latte a DECAF. Like NOW!
Tim checks in. While Edmund thinks his look is “Fashion Rebel Chic,” in actuality, it’s anything but, and Tim says so. It’s so funny how so many times designers on the show think they are something when it’s clear to anyone with a one-year subscription to Marie Claire, that it’s completely the opposite. While Tim thought Duncan’s draped creation looked “sophisticated,” I thought it looked like a mess; it was more bed-sheet toga than Grecian goddess. Another chaotic drape was Blake’s design (What was that side kangaroo pocket cowl thing?). And then, there was poor Hanmiao. One of the biggest lessons a budding fashion designer has to learn is: the FABRIC SHOULD SPEAK TO YOU, and in return, you have to listen. Hanmiao did not listen. In short, Tim is disappointed with what the designers are creating, saying that they all seem to have “a big lump of coal up their rear ends!” Ouch!
Side note: I was jumping off of my sofa for the sheer joy of hearing Tim chastising Can’t-Stop-Singing-and-Talking Merline for incorrectly saying the word MUSLIN over and over again. Ten points for Tim. Take those kids back to school, Sister Tim!
Day of the first runway show and judges Heidi, Zac Posen: Creative Director of Brooks Brothers Women (who knew?!), Nina Garcia and Tim are all there. The guest judge is Sports Illustrated model and host of the new “Project Runway Junior” Hannah Davis. Here’s some “Project Runway” trivia: Hannah was 15 years old when she modeled on “Project Runway” Season 2! She walked for Chloe Dao back in 2006 for her winning NY Fashion Week Finale show.
Now for the good, meh and oh dear fashion from the runway:
Edmund’s super sexy black mini with train was very Heidi K. I was sure she would love it. And his model was GORGEOUS! Merline was the surprise. Even though the editing made her look all kooky and obnoxious during this first episode, she turned out one of the best looks on the runway; her design was polished and modern. I also LOVED Ashley’s design. The combo of the textured top and printed skirt looked effortless Hamptons Summer Dinner Chic.
Laurie’s UBER sexy look was hoochie-licious; and not in a good way. That side slit was so high, it bordered on vulgar. Lindsey’s look was a big “MEH.” It looked like something one can buy from “Nasty Gal” for $29.99. I was surprised that she was safe. Blake’s was overworked and circus-like. He thinks he’s “fabulous” but maybe, not-so-mucheey.
Hanmiao’s yellow and plaid tunic/vest combo was shapeless and not flattering. I get what she was trying for but it ended up being 5% Prada, 95% picnic tablecloth sac. Duncan’s salmon pink draped creation did not improve with an actual model in it–even with makeup/hair and accessories; it just confirmed to me that this was probably the first time he’s ever tried to drape. People think it’s so easy to create a “Grecian Goddess”-like gown. You need more than hands, pins and a form; it takes lots of technical know-how plus pattern knowledge–as well as the obvious draping skill to know what to do.
The top were Merline and Ashley. Ashley’s “Hamptons Chic” ensemble won. Well deserved. The bottom was no surprise: Blake, Hanmiao and Duncan. Upon closer inspection during the Judges Session, I was still perplexed; Blake’s was a sewing and overdesigned mess, but Hanmiao’s was just drab as drab can be. And Duncan’s was a poor man’s toga for a background actor in HBO’s “Rome.”
Duncan’s “I’m still trying to learn who I am as a designer” excuse added insult to his design injury. He only just graduated from design school and one could argue he shouldn’t have been accepted onto “Project Runway.” However, there are several instances where a fresh-out-of-school aspiring designer did pretty good on the show–Hello, Christian Siriano (won!) and Daniel Vosovic (finalist)–yet that is few and far between. And those two had no doubt about their design aesthetic and vision. There was no “I’m still learning” nonsense. So with that, Duncan became the first casualty of Season 14. Hopefully David, Swaphil and Merline are scrambling to get their hands on his tool kit!
