By The Lovely Les! With a purple pen assist by Tamara Tattles
One day you’re in and the next day you’re out is a known Project Runway mantra. I am here this week to write the Project Runway recap because our beloved CJ Bomb is out of town. Sadly, she has no live-streaming capabilities during her lovely weekend ride. So let’s code it out to the fashionable drama of the week!
Cue the classic music at any arcade. There is a backdrop with Karlie’s video game alter ego. Then, Karlie walks out in a lackluster plaid ensemble that sort of drowns the excitement. Thank goodness there are Fashnology gurus are to the rescue! Welcome to Fashnology where fashion and technology intersect!
The Challenge
This week’s Project Runway challenge is all about creating a powerful female video game character and bringing her look to life. Her outfit should be functional and fashionable. But don’t go too costumey or it might be game over! I can already see the coding on the wall. Lots of shouts for joy and lots of woe is me’s. Thank goodness this is a 2 day challenge. They each have $300 to spend at Mood and they get to keep their model from the last challenge.
It’s time for the Mood adventure which seems to have become an extremely important part of how Christian mentors this group. I find him very focused on reaching out to each person and really trying to get them envision the end goal. I think Tim was always a great mentor but I don’t recall as much coaching to each individual while at Mood. So Bravo to Bravo again for amping up this season.
Seeing Red
Christian starts the group off with a simple phrase – “This is a fashion challenge. No costumes”. As he walks around Mood, he is concerned about the lack of color in everyone’s fabrics. This is a video game world. It is not just gray, white, beige or black.
So then everyone pulls a red fabric. Christian says there are other colors in the world of video games. At the register, Rakan is way under budget. Who knew burgundy lycra was so cheap? Venny Etienne was flummoxed by a last minute decision to change his color to anything but red. He was over by nearly a hundred dollars. How many superheros is he trying to dress?
A Dominatrix, A Farmer, A Savior And A Throng Of Warriors Go Into A Bar…
In the workroom, animators are there to help design the on screen version of their alter egos. It’s crazy how letters and symbols can translate to a bad ass warrior so seamlessly.
Tessa Clark wants to pay homage to her father and his family name of Miller. The Miller family had a lot of experience around the farm. So her Miller girl will be dressed in the tradition of a typical male farmer while carrying her sack of flour.
Garo Sparo is quite inspired by the crossover of a fashion editor and a dominatrix. Is this code for Nina? And yes, the infamous hand made whip will be part of his ensemble.
Venny Etienne is inspired by his faith. Too inspired. His woman is a savior. She helps people who are sick or in pain and guides them towards the Heavens. Also, what is the deal with the flirting between Bishme and Tessa. It’s the oddest thing I’ve ever seen.
Rakan Aldeen is designing for a warrior queen from Syria who was famous for fighting the Roman army. She is a street fighter. Rakan should have paid attention in history class.
Renee Hill also wants a warrior but with a soft interior. She wants to help her community stay a community and keep the love that she helped to rebuild in her community but also fight any intruders. She has a super cool chain lasso – watch out!
So Many Warriors!
Lela Orr really digs the video gaming world and is super excited about her warrior woman. He warrior loves a roundhouse kick and conjures up the wind to help her attack her enemies.
Sebastian Grey is somewhat baffled as he is not a gamer. His girl’ superpower is to make people disappear.I need this superpower. She is the goddess of the moon. He is going to write some coding onto her dress.
Sonia Kasparian’s creation has the superpower to withdraw the sting of bad memories. I love this concept. Her lady hero wants to provide escape and bring harmony to the world. Don’t we wish this was a universally accepted way of life?
Christian Tries To Save The Designers From Themselves
Has Bishme always been this weird? His girl is Queen of Hearts in red dress with heart shaped hips. In her story, she has stabbed her finance in the heart on the wedding day because he killed her father. Christian says he gets it. He’s lying. Bishme’s refers to a prior relationship in a talking head. Is he high? Sleep-deprived?
Jamall is creating a femme fatale/James Bond tuxedo with a cool looking mesh undershirt. Christian points out that tuxedos are not original so he needs to really push his boundaries. And then comes the classic foreshadowing, Jamall believes his design is actually NOT boring and that he will stick with his plan. Sorry Christian.
Next up is Hester! She is actually wearing the top she is going to send down the runway. She is priceless. I adore her energy. Lady in black? Check. Intricate story about said lady and her world? Check. Superpower? Oops! She will make a jetpack for her to wear sporting space age cargo pants.
Venny references a teleport skill for his female video avatar. He is using a ton of white. Christian points out that he needs to add some color to his outfit so that it can come to life. So instead of color, Venny ventures towards lace (white) and feathers (white). Not sure if he heard anything Christian said.
Day Two Christian Tries Once Again To Save The Designers
It’s Day 2 of the 2 day challenge. There are several conversations and reflections going on.
Hester reveals how she recently moved from New York to Santa Fe and that she misses her old community in New York. She is so happy to be back. Rakan is still a major gamer. Lela gave up gaming in order to focus on her fashion career.
Sonia has to start her skirt over. Rakan has nothing made because he has never worked with stretch fabrics. Why choose Project Runway to do that?
Sonia and Rakan have to rework their animation image to match up more with what they are actually creating in the workroom.
Jamall steams out all of his alteration markings by mistake and starts to flip out. With one hour left before the runway, Christian is concerned about Jamall.
It’s All Over But The Crying
Tessa’s superhero makes no sense to me. She’s a farmer selling flour? What the actual fuck?
With all the negativity, the group decides to exhale all bad spirits take a ferry back to the hotel. It seems to do the trick. This season’s contestants impress me again and again with their support for each other.
Panic Before The Runway
It’s the day of the runway. Rakan says his look is not good because of the fabric. It’s not because of him. Huh? Rakan is so out of whack that he can not even communicate to make up and hair on how to style his model. Really?
Venny has done some major color blocking and is worried his lady looks too much like a gospel singer. Gospel singers everywhere are offended by his comment.
Garo Sparo is fixated on the “X” over his model’s cleavage. Apparently, this means she is not open for business. I’m concerned as I think back to his rugby stripe pattern design and how terrible that came out because the stripes were not lined up.
The Runway
It’s Runway time. Garo’s model kills it down the runway. Rocks the whip. His corset detail is there.He used to dress dominatrixes! Renee’s design is a bit understated but I think this is part of her protecter plus mother earth image. Rakan puts something down the runway but it looks nothing like his original image. Lela put together a great juxtaposition of feminine and masculine clothing.
Sonia leaves no lasting impression for me. Her look has no color and lacks creativity. Tessa rocked it. It’s strong, powerful, creative. Design and construction are meticulous. Sebastian has a pretty design but his storyline is a bit far-fetched. Hester’s look could walk off the screen of Fortnite. She is very stealth and feminine.
Jamall’s model has no shirt and his model’s breasts are quite visible. She could not do any James Bond actions without baring all to witness. Venny has a great idea but the execution is terrible. Bishme really put all of his effort into this design. It is a gorgeous rendition of a bad ass queen.
Les Chooses her Tops and Bottoms
Top Three: Bishme Cromartie, Hester Sunshine and Tessa Clark. Tessa for the win.
Bottom Three: Venny Etienne, Rakan Aldeen and Jamall Osterholm. Rakan to go home.
The Judges Pick The Top Three And The Bottom Three
The judges top three were Tessa Clark, Garo Sparo and Hester Sunshine. The judges agreed with my choices for the bottom three. My DVR is about to quit for some reason. I hear Nina loving the whip and Brandon teasing her about wearing it in her trailer. Brandon is perturbed that Jamall could not find a bra ANYWHERE in the workroom. I can’t figure out why the model keeps pressing on her ear.
The judges love Tessa’s story. The judges literally laughed out loud when her look came out. Clearly, I am missing the joke. This is exactly what Robin wants for her video gaming world. She knows there are tons of stories out there waiting to be heard and designed. Yes, how is it that there are no video games about women dressed like male farmers selling flour? The fabric she chose was quite impressive to the judges. Hester’s look is adored by all. The jet pack made quite the impact on the judges.
Technical Difficulties!
At this point, Les’s DVR crapped out on her. I would like to take the time to point out THAT WE ALL NEARLY DIED LAST NIGHT. Loud thunderstorms, tornado warnings, sirens, from about 3 am (when I was pulling photos) until 8 am this morning. Then we had a bunch of technical issues. Because of course. It is a miracle that this post got up at all.
The Judges Critique
Elaine Welterworth says Rakan’s look was better as an avatar. His model looks like she is being choked. Brandon hates the cranberry Lycra. When Rakan says it was his first time with Lycra, Brandon urges him never to use it again. Nina thinks the faux leather looks like really big duct tape. Karlie says it looks unfinished. The gamer says, “material failures can happen in games too.
Everyone jokes about Nina Garcia being Garo Sparo’s inspiration. The love all the accessories. As for Tessa Clark. they love the wool. It’s such a modern interpretation of a gamer. My head might explode. It’s a farmer girl dressed like Super Mario carrying a sack of flour! Is it well made? Yes. Would I wear it? Absolutely. Is it remotely responsive to this challenge? NOT. ONE. BIT. #NeverForgetSunnyFong
Brandon is dumbstruck that Jamall didn’t even put a bra on his model let alone a shirt. Titties hanging out doesn’t represent strong women. The gamer suddenly doesn’t like men’s clothes on women. Putting a female in a man’s suit another one of the tropes she sees in video games. Now if the woman is dressed like a male FARMER, then that is a strong woman. Karlie wishes he has produced the turtleneck and hood that the avatar was wearing.
A Very Opinionated Guest Judge
The gamer loves Venny’s idea of a female savior. But it didn’t come through in his execution. Obviously, everyone hates his fabrics. Karlie doesn’t get the feathers. Brandon says she needs Jesus in her life. It did not take him to church. Venny needs to learn restraint. Nina though Venny’s look last week was tasteful. It wasn’t. It’s was just as bad as this. Nina calls Venny’s look a disaster from head to toe.
SEE ALL OUR PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS HERE!
Everyone gushes over Hester Sunshine’s look. Her gathered organza on the sleeves is everything. Hester is my favorite. I could not disagree more. I found this look offensive. It was the makeup I had a problem with. Where is Elaine to be offended on behalf of black people this week? Instead she calls it virtual reality Wakanda. She does say it reads a little “kisch” and “costumey.” A little? You can see Tessa thinking the exact same thing about all this gushing over Hester.
Backstage, Rakan says the three most talented designers are in the bottom.
The Judges Speak Freely
When the judges confer, Elaine is the only one campaigning against Hester’s look. I don’t think Elaine cares for Hester in general. However, someone needs to speak some truth here. She calls it tacky. Hester is shocked she is in the top herself. Everyone hates everything about Rakan’s outfit. Nina thinks Rakan is ready to go home. Brandon says he can’t even cut straight. Karlie isn’t sure Jamall is on the level he needs to be to compete on Project Runway.
Brandon seems to be pushing for Tessa to win. Elaine thinks Garo Sparo should win. Nina Garcia, Karlie and the gamer are all about Hester.
Tessa Is Screaming On The Inside
Ultimately, Hester Sunshine is the first to rack up two wins. I think that should have happened last week. This week I would have put her on the bottom. I’m not sure who is more shocked, Hester or Tessa.
Karlie tells Venny they question his tasted level. Ouch! But, it’s Rakan who takes the walk of shame and sashays away.
How do you think the judges did this week?
Next week: Elegance is learned, my friends. It’s Sebastian’s challenge to lose. And God willing and the creek don’t rise, CJ Bomb will be back for another Project Runway recap.
Tamara is an amazing recap genius and can swoop in to save the day just like our video gamers from last night’s show. Thanks TT!
This episode also deserved the hidden double elimination. Why don’t the judges just go with that! Jamall has consistently been underperforming but I guess since he can construct clothes – he skates by.
Bishmi – How in the hell did he create those wicked gloves while stroking Tessa? His murdering bride story was so out there that I chose not to go into it that much. I thought maybe lightening had struck me and I was making things up in my head. It’s like the female version of godfather. I did not get queen of hearts especially given she was originally a savior warrior???
So many of these outfits were truly costume vs. fashionable. I think this was a very difficult challenge to conceptualize. I wish Karlie had them pick “their” avatar from the bag like Tim used to do “back in the day” and then they could have gone for it. It was a telescoping project which I’m sure felt long as hell and why they were all so whacked out after Day 2.
Thanks for reading and keep the comments coming! See you next week!
I caught this episode starting at the runway, so I missed the set up and the workroom drama. It’s also the first episode I’ve seen this season. That said, my impression was about how well each outfit fit the assigned character and how well it was executed.
I loved all of the top 3, but liked Tessa’s the best. I thought the outfit was very cool and clever. I did think it matched the character, and it seemed that the character wasn’t necessarily a superhero.
That awful blueberry outfit was the absolute worst. Literal. Too Christian for the fashion industry, with its obvious cross. Weird color choice. Weird fabric choice with the lace and small feathers. Just awful. That guy should have packed his stuff.
Rakan’s white wool winter coat that got him into Project Runway was architectural. I want that coat and had high hopes for his work. He needs more time to think things out than two days. I also really liked the hammered wool miller’s outfit. Tasteful, I would wear that.
I’ve really, really, tried to enjoy this season but it’s awful. The challenges are wierd and the designers arn’t creative or talented. I blame it on the challenges. Knowing what the cast’s abilities are before filming, why didn’t the producers play to their abilities? The struggles seem real and judging from their output, it’s been a real trainwreck. It would be quite difficult to pinpoint the top and bottom each week seeing as it’s such a blur of pure ugly. This has not been a successful re-boot. Doubt I can watch any more.
Thank god for your recaps because I wouldn’t know where to beg
Agree with everything you’ve said here. I can’t tell what the judges are looking for and the rules seem to change as the challenge goes on. How does Hester’s not look costumey? And how do you even do a video game outfit that isn’t costumey? It seems like this one was set up to hand the win to Hester, especially in advance of an ‘elegant’ challenge. I understand she makes good TV but it is just a new type of crazy every week. Tessa seems to be a bit ugly on the inside. And enough aprons.
Yes! What is with the aprons!? I am excited to see what Hester Sunshine will do every week. Next week she is going to do whatever the fuck she wants since she has immunity. There are two ways to go with immunity. Take a breath and play it safe or go balls to the wall. Hester has chosen the latter route. It will be either spectacular or abysmal.
Your comment reminds to mention that Brandon was on WWHL recently and said a couple of interesting things. My favorite thing he said was that he didn’t know they were recording the judges comments during the actual runway. This was pertaining to him frequentling mentioning “a reveal.” On the camping trip he said something like “oh look, even in the wilderness, they have managed a reveal.”
He’s also said, “We clearly love a reveal.” He made it clear on WWHL that those comments were sarcastic and he doesn’t think a reveal has a place on the runway (I tend to side with the designers and enjoy a good reveal. Think a wig under a wig on Drag Race.” However, Brandon pointed out that this is not a fashion show where they are trying to show two looks on one model in an effort to show two more of a collection.” Instead,in his opinion, their best look should be seen from the moment they step out on stage and not “revealed” for a brief moment at the end.
I paraphrase, and probably incorrectly, but I believe that was the gist of it.
I liked Tessa’s and hated Hester’s.. Way too costumey and the makeup? Clowny, not super power.
Hope the weather stops pummeling you all!
SAME! I LOVED Tessa’s! I think the idea was that there are video game character that are not just warriors or heroes. Some of the characters are just workers.
Hester’s was super costumey AND ugly (what was up with the pink ruffles on the sleeves?) and I’ve also decided that I find Hester super annoying so I’m over her.
A tad interesting. Karlie and Christian made it crystal clear NO costumes. Then lo and behold Hester wins with a complete costume. Guess there’s a different set of rules for some contestants 🤔
I am a huge fan of Hester’s and about half way through started being sad that she was going home. It VERY CLEARLY STATED no costumes. IDGI.
Tamaratattles it kind of makes one go hmmmmmmm 🤔
I loved Nina’s (?) comment about Garo Sparo’s look. It was something like, “Sure the dominatrix look is a male stereotype of a strong woman, but, she’s not like a SLUTTY looking dominatrix. She’s fasionable!” Granted it made more sense than pretending like Hester who SPECIALIZES in HALLOWEEN COSTUMES did not in fact make a costume. Or pretending like a farmer’s daughter strong enough to carry a sack of flour was indeed a good idea for a superhero character in a video game.
I think Lela Orr should have won. Who was your favorite?
As far as design, Lela and Tessa were my top 2. Hope they start giving more airtime to Lela. Lol….most weeks I never know what her look will be until it hits the runway since they don’t seem to show her with Christian
I thought it was just me. On the week’s episode I thought who made that?! Then I remember the whole spinning and wind thing and thought the straps were a good nod to the super power without being to costumey or over the top. Her clothes look every well made. I guess we have to focus on the screwups for now.
Tamara, I think this link provides some good insight;
https://www.facebook.com/2445418568808622/posts/2648980958452381/
Dear Alex,
Links are prohibited on this site.
Dear Everyone else,
Please read Alex’s link.
Why is she alway in the middle? Lela has some really great designs.
Tamara, I apologize. I didn’t know one couldn’t provide a link. It most definitely won’t happen again. You’re rhe best! 😊❤
Tamara, being that you’re a subject matter expert on Project Runway and reality shows I’d love to get your thoughts on why Lela is always in the safe group and receives less screen time. Many of her designs have been top 3 worthy yet she’s always in the safe group. Very telegenic, well spoken and great detail in her designs. Also has a great niche of zero waste that would be nice to promote more for the environment. I’m scratching my head and at a loss. Thinking an expert like Tamara can give insight
🤔
I really don’t know. However, sometimes they do like to edit someone in a way that makes them look like they have steadily improved over the season and gone on to win. For example, we were all ready to just give the crown to Sebastain in the first few episodes and now they are focused on a rivalry between Hester and Tessa. One, I am not sure Hester knows she is in, by the way. And the promos for the next episode show Sebastian “quitting.” It’s just the story arc they have chosen for Lela. We’ll just have to watch and see how it ends.
I understood Tessa’s outfit as a miller. Her family history had millers who milled flour from grain. Not a farmer. It kind of gave off a flour sack/apron look.
So we can sign you up for the video game then? I kept waiting for someone, anyone, to ask her what her superhero’s superpower was.
I know. I wondered if her super power was making bread.
Looks like I am the odd one out here. I liked Hesters look, especially the cutouts . Missed a lot of the runway because the dog had to go out . His timing is always like that.
I was a little confused about the challenge….not sure but I don’t think their conceptual character for the Game had to have a super power or be a hero, just had to be an interesting female with “work” or a mission that would lend itself to a game. I kind of liked Tessa’s because I’m not very interested in Superheroes. I teach Preschool, and four year olds are big into Super Heroes so maybe I just need a break from superpowers when I’m not in school. I don’t know anything really about the Gaming World so I just wanted to see clothing that someone like me could actually wear. I like Hester, but hated the styling on her runway model….and that backpack was so “preschool!”. Tessa’s model head to toe looked great, to me.
This season was screwed the minute that red gingham abomination won.
AMEN to this! I do not like Hester’s aesthetic. At all. It is stunning to me how enthralled all the judges are with everything she does. I think she is charming, and I’d love to have lunch with her, but it’s all tacky/costumey with her! Ick! Tessa was robbed.
Agree with the both of you.
Me too!
I love your recaps on project runway. I realize it is a lot of work, especially with so many designers. You all do a great job. I love that you show everyone’s designs.
Past time for him to leave.
Elaine was spot on regarding Hester’s look (except for the Wakanda comment) . Out of the top three, IMO Garo should have won. Every week I am trying to figure out the judges and what they are really looking for. I wish Michael Kors was still a judge on the show.
I’ve done a complete 180 on Hester. When the show started, I thought she was a talent less weirdo.
Now, she’s my favorite.
The challenge was a video CHARACTER not a superhero. But all but Tessa went there. What do superheroes wear? COSTUMES.
I think Hester Sunshine herself would have been a perfect video character for this challenge — she’s colorful, spunky, strong and she’s got snap!