By CJ Bomb
Hey everyone! After last Week’s Project Runway Recap, where Tessa Clark managed to stay in the game, it’s already timer for another Project Runway episode.
I am solo tonight with Les hopefully chiming in at some point. She has family in as it is her birthday tomorrow, so everyone wish her a happy birthday in the comments. She is an amazing person and friend. I am blessed to know her.
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Speaking of those we thought were our friends…At the apartment Bishme, Renee and Jamall are giving Tessa shit about her look not being in the bottom. Bishme can’t believe she got away with unfinished hems when Sonia got sent home for an elegant dress. Tessa is so flustered she drops her cereal. Raw hems are one of her things! It was an intentional style choice! It seemed to be dropped, but you can tell that Tessa is upset.
Karlie Kloss and Marni Senofonte stroll out on the runway wearing looks only these two can pull off. Les texts that I must be loving Karlie’s walkout look which is black, tight, gothy, short and everything I love. She loves her some Marni, who has somehow combined Little House on the Prairie schoolmarm, Daisy Duke and a dancer from a Beyonce video. I tell her that Karlie and Marni can be our avatars in our fashion video game.
The Challenge
Marni explains that in fashion the story is in the styling. It’s a team challenge. They have to curate a collection for a celebrity headed down to Rio de Janeiro. Les texts that this sounds fun. The designers have to create a chic look for the beach, a cool daytime look and of course the ubiquitous evening wear. They also have to come up with three unique hairstyles to compliment the designs. The celebrity is Morena Baccarin. For once I don’t have to look someone up. She plays Vanessa in the Deadpool films. That is my youngest son’s favorite movie. (yes, he’s old enough to watch it). It’s a one day challenge.
Karlie draws buttons and whoever she picks gets to choose their teammates. Tessa gets picked first and wisely chooses Sebastian (who looks less than thrilled) and Lela. Then, Hester picks Garo Sparo (who looks less than thrilled but can’t say no to her puppy dog eyes) and Bishme. That leaves Jamall, Renee and Venny (Renee and Venny being less than thrilled because Jamall has immunity). Jamall doesn’t want to have immunity on this one because it’s a team challenge. He wanted to push the boundaries and he can’t do that when other people’s lives are on the line, so to speak. Yeah, that worked out really well for Hester last week. FORESHADOWING.
Time To Get Moody
Tessa was seriously irking me last week and now Hester is irking me again, proclaiming, “I have to be the boss or I become a problem child.” This is not cute or endearing, Hester.
At Mood. Christian reminds them to think of their clients style to help guide their choices. He knows and has dressed Morena. That’s yet another reason Christian is VERY good at this. He advises them to stick with her aesthetic. Renee has picked a print. A flamingo print. Little too literal for me. She is doing pants for her daytime look as it is easier to chase after kids in pants. Tessa is back to being a bossy betty. She generally hates colors and prints, so she is at a loss. Sebastian continues to look depressed he is stuck with her.
What’s The Story?
In the workroom everyone realized they went to Mood and picked the EXACT same color palettes. Was there was a BRAZIL STEREOTYPE section? They now realize they are really going to have to do work that stands out. Marni saunters in from the farm/nightclub/music video she’s been in, wanting to know what each teams narratives are. Renee, Bishme and Venny don’t seem to have a story yet. but, she’s coming home for Carnivale. Snore. Hester, Garo and Bishme’s story is that Morena is a disco queen in NYC come home to Rio to throw a party. Tessa, Lela and Sebastian have chosen Roman Holiday as their theme. But in Brazil.
Tessa Is A Hot Messa
Tessa is trying to tell Lela what to do and Lela is NOT having it. She tells her that they are both type A but Tessa is worse. I text Les that Lela should be a hair model in her spare time. Renee is more vocal this time about giving advice. Fortunately, they guys seem to be listening….wait…scratch that. Jamall is doing an avant-garde swimsuit. FORESHADOWING.
Garo’s strategy of handling Hester is to let her think that she is in charge, which is hilarious. I do that with my husband. He is doing a diaphanous flowy evening gown in bright colors with a cinched waist. Hester is working on a reversible swimsuit (love that idea) and trying to keep things clean while still retaining her quirky style. Bishme’s day look is a cool pair of white pants with a flowy top. He’s going to stay true to himself this time and do what he does best. Keep it clean Bishme.
Renee is using Venny’s pants math instead of draping the pants on the form like she normally does. Jamall destroyed a lycra panel on his look by ironing it. FORESHADOWING! Sebastian has the beach look. He normally designs speedo type bathing suits for men, so how hard can it be to do a suit for a woman? I text my friend Gerardo and ask if men only wear speedos to the beach in Columbia. Without missing a beat he says yes, he is wearing one right now. Lela is doing an elegant slip dress for her evening look. As always, Hester is flouncing around and Sebastian is doing most of the work.
Christian Tries To Save Everyone From Themselves.
On team Carnivale Christian reminds them that he has worked with Morena before and she likes to keep it classy and sophisticated rather than party girl. He doesn’t seem thrilled with their ideas and I’m surprised the immortal Project Runway kiss of death: LACK OF COHESION has not been uttered.
When Team Roman Holiday explains their concept, he also seems less than impressed. He reminds them Morena is FROM Brazil so the story needs to be more fleshed out. Christian asks Sebastian if he wants to talk. He lets his garment do the talking. He wishes his teammates were going a little more sexy as this is Brazil we are talking about after all. Poor Sebastian.
On team Disco Queen Christian immediately shuts down Hester’s shorts over the swimsuit idea. I’m guessing Hester doesn’t get to the beach much. Christian tells Garo to get more crazy with his simple gown. Garo’s response to to embroider the heck out of his corset. He tells Bishme to get more 70’s with his pants and add a little flare.
Magical Pants Math Is Hard
Renee is realizing she should have stuck to draping as Venny’s magical pants math isn’t working for her. Hester is also having fit issues. Venny is terrified he has chosen the wrong color. Seriously, this looks like Rio Barbie. Renee is looking at their outfits. She realizes not only is she screwed with her too big pants, the group doesn’t have a cohesive collection. Again, kiss of death. Tessa is still seething over Bishme’s raw hems comments. She passive aggressively tells Bishme she’s hemming her garment and will beat him. Les texts that she can’t stand Tessa. When they leave he throws snowballs at her.
In Sickness And In Health
Karlie comes in with Christian and everyone is dreading a twist. Everyone stops what they are doing except Hester. Everyone stares at her as she keeps cutting fabric…..loudly. Finally, she looks up. Karlie explains that she has to attend a dear friend’s wedding so she will be missing the runway. Also, Nina is sick so she won’t be there either. The designers are secretly relieved.Elaine will be in charge and Marni, Brandon and Morena Baccarin will be the judges.
Renee says if she gets kicked off she can go home and get married. Renee is getting married? Wow. I think she is resigned at this point. Sebastian is running around doing everything for his teammates. As usual.
The Runway
Hester, Bishme and Garo are up first. I am getting modern Body Glove bathing suit from Hester’s look which is good, but not disco.
Bishme’s pants are a perfect simple compliment to his more complex cut-out flowy top. Way to bounce back Bishme.
Garo’s dress flows nicely on the runway and would look good on a lot of women. It looks cohesive. It’s Les’s favorite.
Renee, Venny and Jamall are next.These guys are fucked. Sorry, I don’t know how to say it any differently. The bathing suit dress has screwed the team.
Renee’s pants are just bad. The top looks like it belongs on the lido deck of a low rent cruise. Venny’s dress is still Rio Barbie. Les agrees.
We are terrified Renee is going home.
Finally, Sebastian, Tessa and Lela’s models hit the stage. Sebastian’s overlay stitching is the common thread(see what I did there!) of this collection. His beach look is cool.
I hate to say it, but Tessa has redeemed herself as she has made an elegant look on the SAME model she was bitching about last week.
Lela’s dress is simple and flowy with nice accents. We pick this for second place as it is not as exciting as the first group.
The Judges’ Thoughts
We want Bishme to win and Jamall to go. We know that won’t happen so we are hoping for a last minute save for Renee. Elaine tells them that everything had the same color palette. Yup. Team Rio Holiday are safe and Tessa is confused as to why they aren’t in the winner’s circle. She seethes some more.
Hester’s Team
Hester explains their concept. She say she is the spiritual leader of the team. I can hear Garo rolling his eyes through my TV. Morena says her bathing suit was Hester’s favorite but she doesn’t know if she can do that much color. Hester quickly points out it’s reversible to a black side. Marni thinks it pops on the model. Everyone is very impressed by the construction.
Brandon loves that Garo’s dress shows how he can use a corset multiple ways to show off a variety of figures. Morena loves the movement of his gown. Marni thinks it would totally work in a club.
Elaine thinks that Bishme’s pants are a “palette cleanser” and beautifully done. Marni thinks the top is amazing but the shoes he chose were terrible. Morena loves the white clean pant. Brandon is amazed by the construction of the top. They welcome him back.
The Leftover Team
Brandon hopes that Jamall’s model won’t break her leg or drown in twisted fabric when she goes swimming in his avant-garde suit. Elaine got bad ice-skating dress. Morena is completely confused by it. Marni is getting the idea and the Balenciaga aspects of it, but wishes he made made something for the client rather than himself.
Brandon tells Renee that team challenges are not her thing. He tells her her drop crotch, mall-walking pants are god awful and there is no excuse for them. I couldn’t catch everything he said, but it was bad. Marni tells her that this is simply not her. Between Venny’s pants math and Jamall’s immunity we think Renee is screwed.
Morena tells Venny she would dress her daughter in his look. Marni says it is carnival not Carnivale. Elaine has no idea what his point of view is. She points out that none of these looks go together.
Winners And Losers
Back in the lounge Jamall is very upset he has screwed the team with his immunity. Renee says they all were responsible for their looks and he has nothing to feel sorry about.
Hester wins her third challenge. She tells the judges she wished it was Bishme. Then, just as my heart softens towards her she gets cocky again proclaiming herself a force to be reckoned with. She thinks everyone will now be scared of her. KISS OF DEATH. Remember the last time you got cocky? We got the pastie prom dress. Stay true to yourself, but HUMBLE.
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Tessa, The Biggest Loser
Speaking of humble when she and Bishme announce her win in the lounge Tessa says, “We love you but I didn’t love your look!” Does this idiot realize she is being filmed? Bishme is like, seriously? That isn’t cool. She JUST won. Tessa sounds like a petulant five year old when she compares his comments about her look in the last challenge to what she just said. Hester isn’t fazed. Tessa isn’t a villain, just an immature jackass.
Renee is out and very gracious about it. Les and I are heartbroken as we think she could have made it all the way. Les texts that she is no longer sure about Elaine as a judge. Renee points out that it only takes one bad look (or pair of pants) to send you home and she’s okay.
We are hoping there is a secret Siriano save but alas, Christian sends her to clean out her workspace. This one hurt….not going to lie. On a lighter note it is now past midnight as I finish this so……
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LOVELY LES!!! Have a wonderful weekend everyone. See you next week for another Project Runway Recap! Xoxoxo CJ and Les.
Happy birthday Les!! Enjoy your day.
Thanks for the recap CJ. I m doing a binge this weekend😉
I really liked Hester at first because she was the quirky Underdog. But you’re right, every time she wins she just gets cockier and cockier . And it is not a good look on her. I loved Bishme’s look. But in the picture on the website here the top was orange. But on my TV screen it looked bright pink. Do I need to adjust my color?
It looked bright pink (fuchsia, loved the name of that paint color in elementary school art class) on my TV too. I like the lighting of Sebastian’s dress in the photo, it’s all the one color but the photo gave the skirt a darker hue and some contrast, almost ombre…
Bishme should have won. Disappointed Jamall didn’t go home. I didn’t think much of any of the designs.
I yelled when Renee list!!! She could have gone all the way. She was one my top 3 favorites.
Why does Jamal put fabric in between the legs? This is the 2nd or 3rd design he’s done like that, it’s weird. Is it a homage to a designer?
Tessa is a petulant child and her fake support has been exposed. She is jealous of Hester’s win and thinks more of herself than she should.
Hester’s insecurities are displayed in her new cockiness… she’s still insecure and doesn’t know how to handle the acceptance and success she’s getting now.
She will be humbled. I think she is sweet underneath it all, not an undercover mean girl like Tessa
With Renee gone, Sebastian and Bishme are my favorites.
Why is it that Hester is called out for being “cocky” when she wins? We don’t say that about male contestants ever. Hester is finally being validated. So she is becoming more confident. That’s a good thing. If I was the only one with three wins over people like Sebastian, I’d be a big full of myself too! She said she was afraid the other contestants might knife her in her sleep. What did she say that made her so “cocky” that we are even talking about it. She is there ALONE and we’re the only people she really has to express her glee to. I just think she is gleeful.
LET THE GIRL LIVE! I don’t think she will win. So just let her have her moment.
In retrospect, I agree with you about Hester, she is not cocky. She is finally getting acceptance for her unique designs and she’s happy about it.
She won a Project Runway challenge 3 freaking times after years of not being accepted for her style !! That’s a big deal and she should be full of herself, deservedly.
She should have given Tessa the finger and said “F you, you loser” when Tessa said she didn’t like her design that just won the challenge.
I can’t speak to what “we” would say about a male contestant doing the same, but I would make the same statement if I thought a male was cocky. Actually, I would call a male something worse than cocky.
Seriously…Hester wins??? Didn’t anyone see the model walking back and the rearview look of the poorly constructed swimsuit riding all the way up RioDerriere??? Seriously? Plus the swimsuit looked like something you’d see a 6 year old wearing on the beach. But then hey, it is and has been Project Hester this year 🤣🤯
Thank you! I was shocked she won.
Yes! I couldn’t believe that she won. Not one comment about that suit eating her ass.
How about Hester’s win with a costume on the video game look challenge when multiple times they were told no costumes. ??? Clearly Hester gets different treatment.
a) i get it. b) how do you not have a costume for a video game challenge? c) i sort of agree.
He client, who was also a judge like it the best. That was the deciding factor between Hester and Bishme.
I didn’t hate Hester’s swim suit, considering the black reverse for Morena. I really love Bishme’s look, I could see this on Morena and on a lot of other woman. It looked casual but fun in sophisticated way, easy wearing for shopping, lunch, sight seeing…the top was unique, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it, I think he should have won.
I hate seeing Renee leave. I’ll be following her. Last night she really over thought her look and wasn’t true to her own style, that happens a lot in group challenges. She seemed tired and a little defeated too. I hope she can continue to do what she does so well and make a living at it, I hope I can support that and buy some of her pieces.
Oh Tessa…she needs to just slow her roll, focus on her work and take criticism without letting it become personal, even if it is. She’s made some mistakes and doesn’t need to justify them, she needs to learn from them. IMO she’s lucky to still be there after last week. Her look this week was soo much better and her model looked great this week.
I was suprised by the color and print selections of all the teams this week. In the end I was even more suprised they had as many decent looks as they did. Is it the one day challenges along with teams that block their creativity?
Thank you CJ and Les for the recap. You two are priceless! Happy birthday Les, wishing you a blessed day and another year of “making it work”!
Oh, I forgot. Happy Birthday Les!
I literally thought all of the designs were terrible! Confused as to why none of the ‘designers’ couldn’t come up with a more practical/elegant garment for that gorgeous client. Everyone is too much in their own heads. Lighten tf up and make something beautiful for fs! Missed Karlie on this episode. Will try to be optimistic about the rest of the season.
I am starting to wonder if Mood only has cheap fabrics! Perhaps it was just the cheap colors. I think all the designers made the same mistake in fabric choices this week. As CJ said the went for stereo typical Brazilian colors. Also, they relied too much on what she already has in her wardrobe. Like prints. They picked garish colors and even worse prints.
Bishme was the only one with a classic rich lady look. He was also one of the few willing to take whatever look the team gave him. For a one day challenge, the day look was the best option anyway. He was certainly worthy of the win. But I think once Hester dropped that the colorful suit was reversable to black with the colored accents that pushed the client over the top for the suit.
Tessa is on my last nerve as a human. I think she is way more “cocky” than Hester with way less to show for it. She always feels entitled to win. Hester always seems shocked that she won. At least we didn’t see any footage of Tessa degrading her model. I feel like it was not an accident she got the same one twice. I would wear her look this week if it were in a nicer quality fabric in a neutral color. I think this team could have one if they had gone with a black, white and gray theme.
I was SO SAD to see Renee go. She was one of my favorites to win. She’s classy and sophisticated designer. I would wear most of her designs. I would wear none of Hester’s. Hester has a specific, young (where the money is) client and Renee designs for every woman.
Thanks CJ for another great recap! I don’t envy having to recap a 90 minute episode. It’s exhausting.
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY LES! I so enjoy the friendship between the two of you! You are like two peas in a pod!
Did BRAVO watch ANY of the LIFETIME episodes? I was really hoping they would correct our biggest complaints as they revamp. Like one day challenges. Two judges were out – would it have killed them to just extend the challenge? So far I’m loving Christian and the new exciting feel of the show but not the uneven judging.
Happy Birthday Les!
I loved Bishme’s look, it was so cute and the styling of the hair sexy. I agree with Marni about the shoes though.
By the way, the jacket that one can/could buy of the winning look of Bishme from that Dapper Dan-episode, is it really the same fabric as he used or they use a budget-version? The colour and the work on the fabric looks different, or perhaps it is the light on the photos…
I get a weird feeling about Elaine as a judge and still can not forget what she said to H about her look in the camping episode.
Christian is such a good mentor, he knows what he is doing!
I forgot, what did she say
They should have thrown in a curve ball and sent Jamall home regardless of his immunity, especially for that outfit and his continual placement in the bottom three. One great outfit should not save a designer who consistently sends bad looks down the runway.
Ms raider. You’re so right! And a designer shouldn’t be sent home for one bad look either. Jamalls work has generally been bad and imo that winning dress was also. Jamall probably shouldn’t have even been chosen in the first place but for some reason he’s getting preferential treatment somehow. Renee was terrific. Elegant wearable unique clothing and reasonable mature person. Not right for her to be gone because of his immunity.
I could take a whole show of Christian and his day. He’s sweet, naughty and quick witted.
Oh yes, the clothes. I was so sorry to lose Renee. She was so dignified and it showed in most of her designs. Unfortunately, that outfit was awful. Boring and tacky. My fave was Bishme’s look. The blouse was everything, beautiful color, unusual style. Frankly, I almost liked Jamall look if he’d left that diaper thing off.
I am not a Hester fan. She designs for someone who must be the center of attention and it’s just not my aesthetic .
Sebastian needs to grow a pair if he wants to stop cleaning houses.
It’s impossible to not love Christian. He is charming and helpful to the designers. Tim Gunn was good, but Christian is great. More of him, please.
I agree! He is doing an amazing job!!!
Those designs, except for Bishme’s, were horrendous. Even that gown. Way too much fabric for the heat and no, that is not club wear in Rio. Renee’s outfit was the worst and, unfortunately for her, sent her home. The top was as bad as the pants. A skirt is far more comfortable for day in the tropics and I am amazed that nobody did that. Happy belated Les.
You are so right about a skirt. Also I thought Hester’s bathing suit looked ordinary and child-like. Shocked that it won. Loved Bishme’s so much!
I felt Sebastian group should of won and Sebastian the winning look.I thought all three looks were more of a fit for Rio. I want to know why everyone hangs on to everything Tessa says but Garo gets a pass at his condescending comments? It was Renee time. She should be able to make a pair of pants! Very important in designing. Garo is a one trick pony and nobody ever wears corset especially in Rio unless they want to sweat out all the carbs to keep weight off. I do believe we have a lot of great designers left.Im still rooting for Tessa and Sebastian. Also love Hester and Venny!
I’m not a Tessa fan, but I agree about Sebastian and Garo. He’s obnoxious and condescending without the skills to back it up. I wish Bishme had one but I actually liked the suit. I think the color on the model and it being reversible put Hester over the top.
Had won* I’m rooting for Sebastian
Thank you for all of the birthday wishes and a sweet shout out for Courtney’s recap as I had limited participation last week.
Overall, it was a stretch to say anything was a winner. I’m hoping it was the one day restriction that caused all of this mess with the biggest oops being Renee’s exit.
I guess I need to do some reading up on Elaine. I thought she was an awesome addition to the panel. I think the shoe is fairly big with Nina being at your side but I often get opposing messages from Elaine. As a contestant, I think it would be hard to reflect upon and adjust for the next challenge.
As much as the bathing suit rode up, I would have to say that in Rio that it would be a fairly common or accepted way of sporting your suit. After being in South Beach for a few days in March, I know that there is probably less coverage in Rio : ))).
Thanks for reading everyone! We love hearing from you!
Bishme should have won. I’m so sick of Tessa.
It’s interesting that there are designers who embrace designing for real people and then there are others that just freeze at the thought. I guess the latter just better hope that the one person they are designing for will find them. They are limiting themselves. I liked past season challenges where they would have the avant garde challenge and then the designer would have to create the accompanying commercial version of it. it made them give thought to what is practical in a garment. Jamal would benefit.
Cohesiveness is still a foreign concept to the designers. Venny didn’t need to trim his dress with the print to make it part of the collection. It nearly got him kicked out. Well that and the uneven ruffles and girly design. It did look cheap.
Tessa and Bishme. I don’t get why Bishme made the comment in the first place, guess it was an unfiltered thought. I don’t think we’ve seen him criticizing anyone before. Tessa’s ultimate response was immature as well. Tessa’s not a mean girl just a hurt girl who lacks confidence. naw, maybe she is mean.
Garo. I like him, but how can the judges consider that relatively skinny belt to be a corset? didn’t seem to be holding in anything. I think he’s onto something to by having a structured exterior spanx on his garments for body shaping and a focal point. Not that I’d wear a guaranteed stomach ache top.
I’d have given the win to Bischme. Oh, and the stylist needed a stylist. She looked clown-like. Not a scary clown, a silly clown