With Season 14 of “Project Runway” at its halfway mark and only eight designers left, it’s time for them to take center stage and shine. Quite appropriately, this week’s challenge involved Broadway. That analogy of stepping into the limelight was repeated over and over in this week’s episode culminating in some wonderful “leading designs,” and some recurrent “fashion understudies.” But enough of the theatrical metaphors, time for my recap.
The episode begins with an announcement from Heidi Klum. According to Heidi, she recently took her children to see the Broadway musical “Finding Neverland” and lo and behold, she LOVED IT…and thought it would be a good source of inspiration for a challenge. Cut to Tim Gunn with actor Matthew Morrison, star of “Finding Neverland” (and “Glee” of course), at the historic Lunt-Fontanne Theater. After explaining to the designers that the musical is about “what happens when you believe in yourself and you make your dreams come true,” Morrison introduces the challenge: to create a look inspired by the musical.
Tim explains to the designers that they can do ANYTHING. Yes, anything. As long as it’s still fashion and not costumes for the musical. Oh, and they get a $250 budget and (wait for it) get to go to Mood! But before all that, they get to see the musical. I love Broadway shows so I know that if I was one of those designers, I would have been very pleased by the two and a half hour “brain cleansing” time spent seeing the musical. It makes for a nice relaxing break from the surreal and very stress-filled atmosphere of being on “Project Runway.”
The following morning they are at Mood and the designers have expressions of, “What do I do?” and, “Where do I go?” Not surprisingly, since this is only the second time they have been to the iconic fabric store. Side note: I wonder if they were filming “Project Runway All Stars” at the same time and therefore Mood time had to be limited since those contestants were using it? (Talk amongst yourselves.)
Back in the workroom, after the designers begin their creations, Tim checks in. Swapnil is inspired by the tartan he saw in the musical and is using Glen plaid fabric and chiffon to create a dreamy and structured look. Tim tells him that so far he’s only working at 40 percent capacity and that he needs to be at 150 percent. True that Tim. Kelly is working on a look inspired by pictures she noticed on the walls on the way to the bathroom. Um okay, Kelly. It turns out she wants to do a 1920’s Hollywood Glamour-like design, inspired by the “good ol’ days” when theater goers actually dressed up. What a novel idea. Tim is questionable of Laurie’s design, not liking the so-called “old lady” fabrication. And finally, Candice is inspired by the “dark side” (naturally!) of “Finding Neverland” and Captain Hook. Just looking around as a viewer, I can already see who’s on top and who is in trouble. On top: Swapnil and Candice. Bottom: Ashley, Laurie and possibly Lindsey. It isn’t difficult.
The following day in the workroom and my predictions are heightened with poor Ashley being very behind and Lindsey saying she has “A LOT” to do. Three things I need to discuss. First, I am always astonished when contestants on “Project Runway” attempt to do something they’ve NEVER done (Exhibit A: Ashley). Why would you do that? I understand “stepping out of your comfort zone,” but at least use the fabrics and techniques you are comfortable with. It is hard enough to attempt new styles and silhouettes within the challenge without adding another layer of uncertainty. On a side note (involving Ashley and her design), I’d like to reiterate how people just don’t understand how difficult it is to do eveningwear, especially draped evening wear. It’s not that easy, folks.
And now to my second point, this one involving Lindsey. It’s NEVER a good sign when there’s a designer two hours before runway saying they have A LOT to do. It rarely turns out well. There’s only so much you can do with glue and two-sided tape…or last minute hand-tacking.
Thirdly, I must discuss the “pasties and minis virus” of this season. I’m talking to Laurie (this week), Blake (two weeks ago) and Swapnil (every other week!). What is up with this season and all the boobie PASTIES and HOOCHIE short lengths? I. Just. Don’t. Get. It. It’s tacky, not cute and most of all, not fashionable.
Okay, now time for the runway. Model Coco Rocha is on hand as the guest judge. The designs come out and here were my favorites: Swapnil, Swapnil, Swapnil! One word: Merveilleux. His design was a statement-making one–powerfully romantic. Merline’s was my second fave. I thought it was a modern, ethereal, “Game of Thrones”-like couture. But somehow, when Heidi announced the safe, top and bottom picks, neither Swapnil nor Merline were on top. I literally had to press “pause” on my DVR when this happened. What are those judges thinking? Once again, they made a perplexing decision in placing those two in the “understudies room” and deeming them safe. I just don’t get it (and neither did Swapnil or Merline).
Needless to say, the judges gave it to Candice. It would have been my third choice honestly. It was a strong look reminiscent of John Galliano’s Fall 1998 Dior Haute Couture collection titled “Diorent Express” inspired by Native Americans and the Pilgrims. (Look it up kids!) I liked the silhouette, although I wish the arms would have been more exaggerated, and the mixture of taffeta and leather. Her model was indeed “Captain Hook-ina” fab.
In terms of the rest, I was not a fan of Edmond’s purple “puffy clouds” vest. I totally agreed with Heidi and Zac on this detail. His top and pants were sleek, but not fashion-earthquake wow. Kelly’s was uneventful. I wished the under-dress had not been short and was more modern and chic. And I’m sorry to say that I wasn’t a fan of the gloves. But the worst were Ashley, Laurie and Lindsey. Ashley’s was a ruched mess. Amateur hour. You can’t do that kind of gathered draping in two days. It takes me FIVE different muslin drapes to get it perfect! Laurie’s was a bit of a discombobulated mess. Nina got it right–if not so delicately–when she deemed it, “TinkerHELL.” Ouchy. Naturally it was three-times-at-the-bottom (and now four) Lindsey, who received the auf. Her hi-low design was ill-fitting, crooked and boring. No good reviews for her. Sadly, Lindsey’s Broadway fashion moment went dark.
