Episode 302 (7/19)
Recap The designers are told that the next Challenge will be to create a dress for an “American Beauty.” Miss USA, Tara Conner, is revealed - and it's also announced that she will wear the winning design in the next Miss Universe pageant. Designers pitch their vision to Conner, seven finalists then lead the design and the seven remaining designers pair off with team leaders to create the garments. Conner chooses the winner, and the second contestant is eliminated by the judges. *** Tim's Take Heidi delivers the second challenge: Design an evening gown for Miss USA, the gorgeous Tara Conner of Tennessee. And this isn’t any ol’ evening gown. Tara will wear this gown in the eveningwear competition at the Miss Universe Pageant. If this isn’t a “Wow!” then what is?
Back in the workroom, Tara engages with the designers. She tells them that she’s relatively short for pageants of this sort and, therefore, wants a gown that visually elongates her. She likes earth tones and monochromatic fabrics, and she does not want white. Furthermore, she wants to downplay her cleavage; that is, she wants to be sexy, but not vulgar.
Each of our 14 designers is given 30 minutes to sketch, after which each will pitch their design concept to Tara. In turn, Tara will choose seven designers’ concepts, and those designers will each choose a teammate. Our team leaders are Jeffrey, Kayne, Keith, Laura, Malan, Uli, and Vincent. After they choose their teammates, we go shopping with a budget of $300.00. The designers have two days to execute this challenge.
Tara Conner will choose the winner of this challenge. The collective judges will decide who is OUT.
Kayne wins. Kayne was teamed with Robert, and their pairing relieved me, because I was concerned that Kayne would potentially be “too Kayne.” Specifically, as our resident pageant designer extraordinaire, Kayne sees the virtues in being a float in a parade. Whereas, for this challenge, Tara requested a gown that is more red carpet than pageant. I was confident that Robert -- the epitome of sophistication and quiet restraint -- could help tame him, and I was right. I don’t mean to imply that Kayne’s design was compromised in any way. Rather, it was Robert who talked Kayne down from the glitz-and-glitter ledge. And I applaud Kayne for the confidence he had in his vision, as demonstrated at MOOD. He consciously went against Tara’s request for earth-toned fabrics by selecting a purplish effervescent organza. I believe that he said something like: “Trust me. I know what I’m doing. Tara will love it.” Tara was totally seduced by Kayne and Robert’s entire look -- the fabric choice, the silhouette, and the brilliant halter masquerading as a necklace. Brilliant, boys!
Malan is OUT. He was partnered with Katherine. Lest anyone think that any designer is kept on the show because of personality, let Malan’s departure dispel that myth. I was concerned -- very concerned -- from the first moment I first saw Malan’s design being realized in three-dimensions. I knew his design intentions from the sketch that he presented to Tara and from our conversation about the work, but this hulking stump of light-absorbing brown fabric eluded me. Then there was the hem. Malan and Katherine waited until their model fitting to cut the hem. (Insert a big “UH-OH” here.) It was cut too short -- so short that the fabric edge couldn’t be turned over to give it an appropriate finish. Egads. Tara had liked the corsetry of the design, but how would she respond to this iron lung of a dress, and a too-short iron lung at that? Malan, I truly regret that we won’t be seeing more of your work and more of YOU. You’ll be very much missed.
Jeffrey and Alison were close to making Project Runway history; that is, they were closer than any previous designers to not being finished. In fact, I still marvel that they succeeded! Yes, I understood the asymmetry of the design and I support Jeffrey’s desire to eschew most things traditional, but this is a gown for the Miss Universe Pageant, not a costume for the Beaux Arts Ball of Existentialism. I didn’t get it. The patchwork quilt of fabrics, and the rumpled and wrinkled condition of those fabrics (intentional, I was told) simply caused my eyeballs to hurt. Yes, it’s a point of view, but one shared by how many… or how few?
Keith and Bradley did an excellent job. Keith’s design was beautiful -- flowing and graceful and seductive. My question was basic: Is it too modern and fashion-forward for the ostensibly conservative Miss Universe Pageant? If so, then send it down the red carpet at the Oscars. It’s still a winner. (Remember that Keith brought immunity with him into this challenge.)
Laura and Michael worked together in a very collaborative and synergistic way. They and Kayne/Robert were one of the two teams that possessed that aspect of “two heads are better than one.” Laura’s design for Tara was a refined column of nude fabric and it was beautifully executed. The selling point on the runway was going to be the rhinestone appliqués, which were to be dispersed across the entire body of the dress like the Big Bang. Time was not on their side, however, because each rhinestone had to be glued and applied individually. The final effect was anemic when compared to their intention, but it was still beautiful. For me, the question was: “It is anything more than a pretty dress?”
Uli and Bonnie were more ambitious than time allowed. I understood Uli’s design from the onset, but how was it going to happen in two days? Then there was her rethinking of the top. Why? Just work and don’t over-think. Too many back-and-forths later, she and Bonnie had to nail it. I was concerned about that the dress suffered from a rushed finishing (and it was rushed) and I was also concerned with the fit. I’m merely glad that Uli and Bonnie are still in.
Vincent and Angela get the prize for Project Runway’s most dysfunctional couple, even over Kara and Zulema of Season 2. Vincent has his issues and Angela has hers, but mix them together and one has an incendiary working relationship. Vincent was hell-bent on being a solo, and he did all that he could to set up a blockade to keep Angela (and me, too) away from him. Angela was hell-bent on not being out. I was pissed at Vincent for his exclusionary behavior, and I was pissed at Angela for being so “whatever” about it all -- she was like a limp rag doll slumped over in the corner. In her behalf, I will say that she tried to work with Vincent, including offering feedback about his design, but he would have none of it. I stepped in several times to facilitate a discussion between them, but Vincent was intractable. Quel frustration! In the end, Vincent produced a dull column of green silk with puckering hems and the most preposterous epaulets. What was he thinking? I don’t think I want to know. And Angela, please stop your petulance!
Okay, I’m off to take my medication…. Until next week, everyone!
Recap The designers are told that the next Challenge will be to create a dress for an “American Beauty.” Miss USA, Tara Conner, is revealed - and it's also announced that she will wear the winning design in the next Miss Universe pageant. Designers pitch their vision to Conner, seven finalists then lead the design and the seven remaining designers pair off with team leaders to create the garments. Conner chooses the winner, and the second contestant is eliminated by the judges. *** Tim's Take Heidi delivers the second challenge: Design an evening gown for Miss USA, the gorgeous Tara Conner of Tennessee. And this isn’t any ol’ evening gown. Tara will wear this gown in the eveningwear competition at the Miss Universe Pageant. If this isn’t a “Wow!” then what is?
Back in the workroom, Tara engages with the designers. She tells them that she’s relatively short for pageants of this sort and, therefore, wants a gown that visually elongates her. She likes earth tones and monochromatic fabrics, and she does not want white. Furthermore, she wants to downplay her cleavage; that is, she wants to be sexy, but not vulgar.
Each of our 14 designers is given 30 minutes to sketch, after which each will pitch their design concept to Tara. In turn, Tara will choose seven designers’ concepts, and those designers will each choose a teammate. Our team leaders are Jeffrey, Kayne, Keith, Laura, Malan, Uli, and Vincent. After they choose their teammates, we go shopping with a budget of $300.00. The designers have two days to execute this challenge.
Tara Conner will choose the winner of this challenge. The collective judges will decide who is OUT.
Kayne wins. Kayne was teamed with Robert, and their pairing relieved me, because I was concerned that Kayne would potentially be “too Kayne.” Specifically, as our resident pageant designer extraordinaire, Kayne sees the virtues in being a float in a parade. Whereas, for this challenge, Tara requested a gown that is more red carpet than pageant. I was confident that Robert -- the epitome of sophistication and quiet restraint -- could help tame him, and I was right. I don’t mean to imply that Kayne’s design was compromised in any way. Rather, it was Robert who talked Kayne down from the glitz-and-glitter ledge. And I applaud Kayne for the confidence he had in his vision, as demonstrated at MOOD. He consciously went against Tara’s request for earth-toned fabrics by selecting a purplish effervescent organza. I believe that he said something like: “Trust me. I know what I’m doing. Tara will love it.” Tara was totally seduced by Kayne and Robert’s entire look -- the fabric choice, the silhouette, and the brilliant halter masquerading as a necklace. Brilliant, boys!
Malan is OUT. He was partnered with Katherine. Lest anyone think that any designer is kept on the show because of personality, let Malan’s departure dispel that myth. I was concerned -- very concerned -- from the first moment I first saw Malan’s design being realized in three-dimensions. I knew his design intentions from the sketch that he presented to Tara and from our conversation about the work, but this hulking stump of light-absorbing brown fabric eluded me. Then there was the hem. Malan and Katherine waited until their model fitting to cut the hem. (Insert a big “UH-OH” here.) It was cut too short -- so short that the fabric edge couldn’t be turned over to give it an appropriate finish. Egads. Tara had liked the corsetry of the design, but how would she respond to this iron lung of a dress, and a too-short iron lung at that? Malan, I truly regret that we won’t be seeing more of your work and more of YOU. You’ll be very much missed.
Jeffrey and Alison were close to making Project Runway history; that is, they were closer than any previous designers to not being finished. In fact, I still marvel that they succeeded! Yes, I understood the asymmetry of the design and I support Jeffrey’s desire to eschew most things traditional, but this is a gown for the Miss Universe Pageant, not a costume for the Beaux Arts Ball of Existentialism. I didn’t get it. The patchwork quilt of fabrics, and the rumpled and wrinkled condition of those fabrics (intentional, I was told) simply caused my eyeballs to hurt. Yes, it’s a point of view, but one shared by how many… or how few?
Keith and Bradley did an excellent job. Keith’s design was beautiful -- flowing and graceful and seductive. My question was basic: Is it too modern and fashion-forward for the ostensibly conservative Miss Universe Pageant? If so, then send it down the red carpet at the Oscars. It’s still a winner. (Remember that Keith brought immunity with him into this challenge.)
Laura and Michael worked together in a very collaborative and synergistic way. They and Kayne/Robert were one of the two teams that possessed that aspect of “two heads are better than one.” Laura’s design for Tara was a refined column of nude fabric and it was beautifully executed. The selling point on the runway was going to be the rhinestone appliqués, which were to be dispersed across the entire body of the dress like the Big Bang. Time was not on their side, however, because each rhinestone had to be glued and applied individually. The final effect was anemic when compared to their intention, but it was still beautiful. For me, the question was: “It is anything more than a pretty dress?”
Uli and Bonnie were more ambitious than time allowed. I understood Uli’s design from the onset, but how was it going to happen in two days? Then there was her rethinking of the top. Why? Just work and don’t over-think. Too many back-and-forths later, she and Bonnie had to nail it. I was concerned about that the dress suffered from a rushed finishing (and it was rushed) and I was also concerned with the fit. I’m merely glad that Uli and Bonnie are still in.
Vincent and Angela get the prize for Project Runway’s most dysfunctional couple, even over Kara and Zulema of Season 2. Vincent has his issues and Angela has hers, but mix them together and one has an incendiary working relationship. Vincent was hell-bent on being a solo, and he did all that he could to set up a blockade to keep Angela (and me, too) away from him. Angela was hell-bent on not being out. I was pissed at Vincent for his exclusionary behavior, and I was pissed at Angela for being so “whatever” about it all -- she was like a limp rag doll slumped over in the corner. In her behalf, I will say that she tried to work with Vincent, including offering feedback about his design, but he would have none of it. I stepped in several times to facilitate a discussion between them, but Vincent was intractable. Quel frustration! In the end, Vincent produced a dull column of green silk with puckering hems and the most preposterous epaulets. What was he thinking? I don’t think I want to know. And Angela, please stop your petulance!
Okay, I’m off to take my medication…. Until next week, everyone!
Designer: Kayne & Robert (Kayne WINS)
Designer: Keith & Bradley
Designer: Laura & Michael
Designer: Malan & Katherine (Malan OUT)
Designer: Uli & Bonnie
Designer: Vincent & Angela
