Well hello there, “Project Runway” Season 14 cast! I see y’all really came to play.
As we’re introduced to the designers I can’t help but feel like this is an especially good-looking cast. Which is rude. You can’t be talented and attractive. Here’s hoping they all have ugly crying faces!
One of these pretty, talented people is Amanda from Season 9. Remember when she got cut before the competition even began? Harsh. But now she’s back with a fresh new ‘do. She’s about to find out the hard way if blondes really do have more fun.
The designers tentatively shuffle towards Heidi and Tim on the court inside Madison Square Garden. Heidi is ROCKING a fuchsia pantsuit, but are we even surprised?
The Challenge: Mood fabric is placed strategically around the arena. The designers are given three minutes to race up and down the stairs, grabbing four pieces of material each. They are charged with the vague yet crucial task of creating a garment that reflects who they are as designers, and they’re given one day to do it. It gets a little ugly as the designers panic and fight for a chance at the more interesting fabrics, but no one is seriously hurt. I guess it’s too early for the claws to really come out. Bummer.
Tim stops by the workroom for a quick hello but also to point out all the swag the “Project Runway” gods have bestowed upon them. For one, there’s the Just Fab accessories wall – not gonna lie, I drooled. They’ve also got the Brother sewing room and a Brother garment printer, which will be available to them all season.
In a “Project Runway” first, it’s revealed that some of the designers weren’t aware that they are not provided with everything. David, Swapnil and Merline just straight up didn’t bring toolkits. Tim says he’s “incredulous.” Another thing these designers are missing: a dictionary.
As they work, the room gets tense. The always-effervescent Merline is as loud as her outfit but no one wants to tell her to zip it. Meanwhile, we learn a little bit more about some of the contestants. For example, Edmond really wanted to be on the show. He may have even tried out for it every season. Also, Candice is the size of the average model. And like, I hate her for this, but I also love her because she’s committed to serving us modern Morticia Addams realness at all times. Pint-sized Hanmiao could easily moonlight as a comedian, the beautiful Laurie is all sass and Swapnil is an Indian dreamboat. The “Project Runway” seal is officially broken when Ashley (you’ll know her as the one who is absolutely slaying the pastel hair trend), is the first to cry.
Fave Tim line of the episode: “It’s the antithesis of joy.” He’s talking about darling Edmond’s dress here, which is unfortunate, but it’s a perfect phrase and I’m stealing it!
During the critique Tim expresses his disappointment in pretty much every design. Several contestants scramble to change their looks in the hopes of pleasing him and the judges. Several other contestants don’t change their looks, though they probably should.
Runway: Ahh, that familiar doomsday theme as Heidi glides to the center of the runway. The happy queen is excited about the day’s festivities, which always ends in a fabulous but swift beheading. And her loyal designers are all too happy to indulge her. Who shall be the sacrificial lamb?
Our best frenemies Zac Posen and Nina Garcia are back and hopefully as sharp-tongued as ever. Today they are joined by model and host of the upcoming “Project Runway Junior,” Hannah Davis. Tim joins them as per the newish norm and Heidi explains that he’ll have a Tim Gunn Save this season. And again, the runway show is anonymous.
The Top:
Edmond: Little black tube dress with a twist. There is a lovely train lined with a neon lime material. It flows beautifully and fits impeccably.
Merline: An orange working-woman’s power suit. It’s all architectural lines, modern curves and sophistication.
Ashley, the Winner: A box pleat skirt in a large yellow, black and white print. (Complete with every girl’s dream – pockets!) Add to that a lovely open-backed top made from a textured white material and you’ve got my (and the judges) favorite look this week.
The Bottom:
Hanmiao: Oversized tangerine dress and long matching vest. The poor model is lost in the sack-like garment and the judges argue that had this been done in a different fabric, it may have worked.
Blake: A sort of circus tent draped and fitted around the model, lined with yellow to boot. Top it off with a plunging neckline and a multi-layered necklace and you’ve got a rainbow disaster.
Duncan: A pink drape-y maxi dress. Nina describes it perfectly when she says it feels like “a salmon toga.” Duncan’s inexperience is apparent and despite the fact that the rest of the designers loved his dress, Duncan is sent all the way back home to New Zealand. Did I mention he was a Kiwi?
