Dec 6 2007
Model Swap
Heidi started this week by bringing out the two eliminated contenders’ (Marion and Carmen) models and the winning contender’s (Jack) model, explaining that because they used male models last week, they would need to eliminate two of the regular models this week. Heidi gave Jack, as last week's winning designer, the opportunity to either keep his model or swap her for another model, including the eliminated contenders’ models. Jack opted to swap his model for Ricky's, who was none too happy about it. In the end, the losing contenders' models ended up being eliminated.
L'eau d'Project Runway
Chris, the 44 year old from San Francisco, noted that Project Runway should get in on the latest hot trend and have a perfume, which he joked should consist of 'tears, sweat and Chinese food.'
What Was Out is In Again
Tim Gunn was joined by Nina Garcia, who presented the designers with 12 pictures of outdated fashion trends, such as neon, pleather, baggy sweaters and shoulder pads. After having each of them choose an outdated trend, Nina explained that the challenge would require them to work in teams of 3 to design 3 looks, incorporating 3 outdated trends in a modern, cohesive way
Choose Your Teams
The 12 remaining contenders break into the following teams, named after the designated team leaders: Team Chris (Chris, Steven and Sweet P), Team Christian (Christian, Jack and Kit), Team Jillian (Jillian, Rami and Kevin) and Team Ricky (Ricky, Victorya, and Elisa).
Specifics
Each team was given $225 and 2 days to complete their designs.
‘Elisa-Speak’
Ricky managed to communicate quite effectively with the oftentimes eccentric Elisa, commenting that he used to be a dancer, and he just talked to Elisa the way a lot of his modern dance teachers spoke to him. He likened their speaking style to that of someone 'high on pot.' Whatever it was, it worked.
Who's the Leader?
Ricky and Victorya clashed early on, and it became clear that 'Team Ricky' had leadership problems, with Ricky wanting things done one way, while Victorya, who had seemingly acquiesced to Ricky's desire to lead, wanting things done another way. They butted heads on everything from the designs, to fabric selection, to fitting on the models. Ricky would want things done in one way, and Victorya would passive-aggressively undermine his authority by just doing things her way. Needless to say, the team had serious problems with the ‘cohesive’ aspect of the challenge.
A Difference in Style
Ricky was not the only one having problems as team leader. Rami confronted Jillian on her 'laissez-faire' leadership style, especially with respect to Kevin, who seemed to be working too slowly. Jillian confessed that it's not her style to breathe down people's necks, and micromanage them.
Fashion in a Nutshell
Christian, the 21 year old from Baltimore, summed up Project Runway (and fashion in general) pretty well by noting that even though he thought some of the other designs were ugly, the judges may 'die over it. . .or die because of it.'
This Week's Guest Judge. . .
. . .was Donna Karan, who joined the regular judging line-up of Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Heidi.
Doing Things a Little Differently
Because they were paired up in teams of 3, there was no 'bottom 3 designs' this week. Rather, Heidi immediately announced Team Jillian as the winner, finding that Jillian's team managed to incorporate their selected trends (overalls, poodle skirt, and 70's flare) into a cohesive, modern design that all the judges loved. We have to admit, their designs of modern-cut overalls with wide legs and flare, denim baby doll dress with a poodle skirt, and denim shorts with a fitted top that had a high collar looked terrific.
Lack of Cohesion
Ricky's and Chris's teams landed in the bottom because both lacked 'cohesion.' In both cases, it seemed that only 2 of the 3 looks fit with each other. Elisa's short black dress, with neon, satin cut-outs at the neckline didn't seem to mesh well with Ricky's and Victorya's lingerie-inspired designs. And Steven's outfit simply didn't look like it belonged with Chris's long dress/bolero-like jacket combo and Sweet P's sweater dress.
Asking the Tough Question
Each of the 6 contenders facing elimination was asked by Heidi who'd they eliminate from their team. Predictably, Ricky and Victorya happily put each other up. Steven put up Chris because he was the team leader, and Sweet P reluctantly put up Steven because his design stood apart from their team's overall 'look.' And Elisa and Chris both put themselves up for elimination.
The Buck Stops Here
The 2 contenders on the chopping block were team leaders, Chris and Ricky, who both had leadership problems, as well as the worst designs on their respective teams. Ricky's mini-skirt/mesh top combo in dark neon pink with yellow accent looked ill-fitting, and slightly garish while Chris's tan colored long dress with a short, bolero-like jacket with huge shoulder pads, was given the dreaded 'mother of the bride' label by Michael Kors. But once again Ricky escaped elimination, as Chris was sent packing.
