By CJ Bomb
Hey everyone! I am back from the beach. Thank you so much to the Lovely Les for taking over the Project Runway recap. I told her it was an amazing one. It was certainly an emotional one. I’m so glad Sebastian kept it together. Tessa left gracefully. So Les and I are communicating via text tonight during this Project Runway recap. We had a Ladies Night Out the previous evening (impromptu…the best kind). I’m so happy for the time and budget these people have to create a true collection. And I’m also extremely happy Christian Siriano is going to visit them and give valuable advice.
We start off with Christian headed to Santa Fe to visit Hester. Hester’s house looks exactly how I pictured it in my head, lobster and all. Her wife looks like Christian’s twin sister. I text Les that it seems like whenever Hester is allowed to do whatever she wants she goes too far off the reservation. Les is worried about this digital rococo idea. I text back that “girl needs boundaries”. Christian points out that it is all prints. Perhaps she needs a solid as a palette cleanser in a solid color look? This information does not register with Hester.
Christian Goes On Home Visits
Christian calls Ft. Lauderdale “a big gay island”. Sebastian looks to be in a much better place. His husband is lovely and supportive. Sebastian’s father is a leather worker so he has made all of the amazing bags and belts for Sebastian’s collection. The collection is inspired by the indigenous art of Columbia. Loving the palette. Christian is duly impressed but tells Sebastian there needs to be some ease in what he is doing rather than trying to show off every single skill he possesses. Unlike Hester, Sebastian wisely acknowledges that Christian is right and is going to take his advice. The woven leathers are insane. Les and I want one of his belts.
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Bishme seems adrift. He was living out of his studio for awhile because he was homeless. Bishme has taken shots of abandoned buildings around Baltimore. This is his inspiration? He only has two looks barely done and it has been two months. Christian is horrified. He gives him a pep talk and tells him it is time to get to work. He has a ton of sketches on the wall. Christian makes him pick one and tells him to get started.
Bishme’s In A Bad Way
Bishme has lost a family member and his beloved sister has just been diagnosed with colon cancer. Bishme’s head is obviously not in the game. I’m also very worried about the purple sequins and shiny orange fringe I’m seeing. That fabric looks cheap. As much as I adore Bishme, I have always questioned his taste level. I wish Renee had his spot.
We love that Christian wore his camouflage pants to visit Garo Sparo in the woods. Garo is inspired by the night sky and celestial events. He certainly has been busy. His husband is lovely as well. I see a jacket I want. Christian warns Garo to not even think about venturing into costume territory and keep everything high fashion. He promises he will. Somewhere Sonia is claiming she’s the reason Garo in in the final four.
Back In New York City
Everyone arrives at their fancy new design space. They are also genuinely happy to see each other. Everyone wants to see each other’s collections. Hester’s work looks like Betsey Johnson and Stevie Nicks had a baby. Sebastian’s looks luxe and the accessories are to die for. Garo has made a zillion looks so he can have more choices.
And Bishme? Bishme isn’t done. He only has eight looks. Five months Bish. We get that tough stuff is going on, but seriously?? This is either going to be a heroic come from behind moment or the most obvious foreshadowing ever. He just seems out of it. He asks if he can borrow some of Garo’s extra work. Les texts that he is so young and was homeless. Christian was younger and living in a 10 foot room with no bed. Get it together and WORK.
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Karlie and Christian come in to announce the last challenge to make it to the final three. I text Les that Karlie is an alien. Les’s daughter (who is SUPER smart) is headed to one of Karlie’s coding camps for girls in two weeks. Les hopes that she gets to meet her. I text Les that we should go too! Her teenage daughter won’t mind if we tag along!
The Final Challenge
The designers are headed to Elle Magazine headquarters where Nina awaits them. She will review their collections and assign them direction for an 11th look. Les texts: Oh My God! Bishme is fucked! His face is reminiscent of a deer in headlights. The Elle magazine offices are everything you think that they will be. Nina’s office….the Eero Saarinen table, the Eames chairs….I’m hyperventilating. But then she takes them to……THE CLOSET. I have to pause the show to take several deep breaths. She explains how she will meet with them individually to review their collections. Then she will give them their assignment. Les texts that she LOVES this Nina challenge. I think if I were there I would be terrified.
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Sebastian goes first. Nina tells him he needs something soft to break up the structured theme of his designs. Garo gets the opposite assignment. He needs something structured and tailored. He has to do a suit?!
Nina Garcia Calls The Shots
Bishme gets to do street inspired outerwear? WTF? How is that even close to being fair? Les thinks its because Garo has better skills but I think it is bullshit. It’s essentially setting Bishme up to succeed and Garo to fail. Bishme WON the Dapper Dan challenge with a street inspired jacket and a suit takes FOREVER to make and tailor. Les thinks it is is fair because each of the challenges are tailored to each designer but I disagree. No matter how amazing you are a suit takes serious time. Kini probably couldn’t do it.
And freaking Hester, STOP ARGUING WITH NINA GARCIA. Nina wants her to make a solid look. Nina obviously consulted with Christian before this challenge. Hester asks if she can just do one super large print so you can’t tell its a print. Nina says no. She asks if she can colorblock. Nina says no. Hester is in full blown panic mode. It’s like watching a tired five year old have a meltdown. I text Les that for someone who seems so funky, cool and free spirited, she’s really an OCD control freak who doesn’t like to be told what to do.
One Last Trip To Mood
The designers head to Mood and Bishme is lost. Hester will do a plain white dress. Christian tells her she’s insane and to do red. I think she’s taking this palette cleanser idea literally. Sebastian gets gorgeous flowy fabric with the idea of doing a dress with leggings underneath. Garo is still upset about having to make a suit. He notes that it normally takes several people and some time versus one person and 14 hours. Les thinks maybe it doesn’t need to be finished for the Nina view? Not likely.
Hester is making a basic white dress (dumb) with a bra overlay (very dumb) and just trying to get through it. The guys ask if she’s “Hestering” her look. I text Les that we will now use that as a verb when we want to go over the top with something. Am I the only person who remembers the pasty disaster? Christian points out that white shows EVERY SINGLE MISTAKE. She ignores him and keeps sewing until the sewing machine needle goes right through her finger! She bleeds all over the dress. Hester, this is a sign that the dress should be red. She’s trying to cover the blood with a bow?
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Garo is just sewing as fast as he can. Sebastian’s look is saved by Christian who tells him to ditch the leggings. The dress is transformed. Oh Bish. First he was going to recreated his Dapper Dan look…..then do a bomber. It’s his sister’s first day of treatment. He is a MESS. Christian barks at him that he hates quitters and to get it together. Les says it’s like Merlin telling King Arthur to go pull the damn sword from the stone. His other two looks are great. GET IT TOGETHER.
Runway Day
In the last two hours Hester finally realizes Christian was right all along and scraps her baby doll white dress that looks like it was worn by Courtney Love tossed around a mosh pit circa 1993.
She takes some of the faux red fur she created for another look, turns it into a skirt and does a simple red sheer top with a bra overlay.
Christian saves the day again. Or rather saves Hester from herself.
Bishme has made a sequined sack dress with a droopy hood. It is hideous. He knows he is fucked.
Garo is sewing like his life depends on it. He is not getting time to give the two other looks the attention they deserve. He is rightfully upset.
Sebastian is giddy. That belt on his flowy dress is everything. He had to hem the leather chain on his other dress so his model doesn’t fall walking the runway. Not an easy task, but necessary.
The Runway
Karlie walks out and I text Les that I think her legs should be in a museum. Steven Kolb, the head of the CFDA is the guest judge.
By the way, congrats to Brandon Maxwell, who along with my favorite designer Rick Owens, just won designer of the year. Well done sir.
Elaine Welteroth notices Bishme barely holding it together. When they ask if she is okay, he asks to have a few minutes to collect himself. He walks off to compose himself.
Never have I wanted to hug a human so badly. We wish the DAMN CAMERAS would give him a moment.
The designers and Karlie comfort him and tell him he’s awesome.
Sebastian’s runway show is beautiful. Give him the title now. The colors are fabulous. The accessories are amazing. Everything looks beautiful and expensive.
Three Hesters
Hester’s looks are cute. She says she wants to dress the world in her clothes. She thinks that no one does what she does. Now I like Hester. I think she’s very talented. But I’ve seen these clothes. I’ve got three things to say to you Hester, google Harajuku girls, watch Clueless and review all of Betsey Johnson’s work. You are putting your spin on something that has been done. Seriously, I think that first look was what Cher Horowitz was wearing in Clueless when she failed her driving exam.
Oh Bishme. The skirt and top are cute. I do think the top is a little much. The hard and soft of the leather bustier jumpsuit is amazing. I text Les that she would totally rock that. And then there’s the Nina look. I will say it again. Sequined, hideous potato sack.
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Garo’s flowy dress with a fitted reveal was cool. We are loving the sequined dress with leather accents. And then there is the suit. The suit is bad. Not fitted properly. He knows it and he’s obviously upset. Les picks Sebastian and Hester to move through and Garo for the third spot. I have to agree. We love Bishme but he’s given up.
The Judges Feedback
Nina explains that Hester did NOT want to do a solid but she is very glad she pushed her. She loves the bow. Elaine thinks it is an interesting use of faux fur and a very young way to wear it. (I so wish I had a picture of my faux neon pink fur crushed velvet Betsey Johnson coat from the nineties to show you guys. I so rocked that thing in NYC. Brandon thinks she does well with unconventional materials. Steven thinks her solid dress still feels like a print because of the contrasts.
Brandon felt that Sebastian’s Nina look was very fresh coming down the runway and that the finishes are exceptional. Steven says he can see this collection at New York Fashion Week. He loves the geometry in each look. Nina says he needed the softer look. He always has that push pull in his work with the hard and the soft.
Sebastian explains that came from his background as a ballet dancer. The shapes seem soft but are very strong. Les texts: Of COURSE he was a ballet dancer. Sebastian is certainly a renaissance man. Elaine says she could see the belt at Hermes. She says his craftsmanship and skill is on another level.
And Then There Were Three
Nina tells Bishme she is disappointed. She likes the skirt and would wear the black outfit. But, she doesn’t know what happened to the third look. Elaine wants to know why he chose these fabrics. He explains that they are scraps. He then launches into what’s going on in his life. Brandon tells him when stuff like this happens he has to FOCUS and go forward. He deserves to be here. Steven wants to know if he can do what was in his head for the runway. Bishme says he can. Along with two other looks?
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Nina thinks Garo’s suit fabric was smart but the suit seems ill-fitting. Elaine wants to know why the suit is so ill-fitting and asks if he got the model’s measurements wrong. I want to smack her. Nina thinks the design itself is dated. Brandon makes a Working Girl reference. He thinks all three looks lack freshness. Nina thought the reveal dress was clunky. She loves the sequined dress in the back. He promises there is something for everyone in his collection. He made 16 looks to have a huge range.
Sadly, Bishme is eliminated. The judges wish him well and remind him of his talent. He is gracious and excited for the other designers. To be honest? He seems relieved. I do love him and I know how much Tessa annoyed me. But I’m thinking of how she, or any of the other designers would have killed for this opportunity. They certainly would have put in the effort.
The final three hug each other and jump up and down. Well we are almost there! Wow! What did you guys think? Have a fabulous weekend and we will see you for the finale! Saint Diane Von Furstenberg is the finale guest judge! Xoxo CJ and Les
Great recap! 100% Cher’s outfit when she failed her driving test. I thought the same thing when it came down the runway. Hester’s designs remind me of the 90’s. Just amped up and more fun.
Do they even need a final runway?! Just give Sebastian the win now. His clothes are soooooo beautiful and luxe. Although I like he other designers, none can compete with him.
And spot on with describing Hester’s clothes as “Clueless”. She totally reminds me of the red-headed girl from the movie…especially when she wears her funky hats and her hair in low pigtails.
YES! I NEED a runway collection of these last 3! I can’t wait! I of course have my personal preference (Sebastian) but I love all these designers this year. I completely see using pieces and parts of their collections in my dream wardrobe.
Thank you CJ and Les!
Sebastian is the stand out designer. I loved his runway. Hester needs to move to Japan as they would love her. Garo’s was just ok for me. I was expecting more from him. I think Sebastian has this. Sebastian to win!
Your observations are so smart, particularly the one about Hester moving to Japan. So on the money. Well done.
I am sorry, but I wanted to shake Bishme.
We all have hard shit. He will look back from this years from now and kick himself for basically giving up.
This is what separates winners from losers ultimately. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can’t manage to seperate your emotions from business, you will find it almost impossible to succeed. His feelings were valid, but he could not put them aside, poor guy.
And Sebastian needs to win. That is all.
Spectrum mislabeled this episode as if it was the previous one, so I deleted it Next week they again have an episode labelled as the Elle episode, before the new one, so I have both set to record and may actually see this one.
I look forward to seeing it, though I will undoubtedly be frustrated about the same issues.. hardly fair to give them totally different assignments. As training, sure, but then to criticize and possibly eliminate someone, no. Yes, real world is not fair or even but this is really not real world.
I want to see the leather work!
I have Spectrum too and I relied on them for last week’s episode title. It was actually this weeks episode title. According to Spectrum next week’s episode doesn’t have a title. just another part of the headache that is back channell work for this show. Also they gave us tons of photos but could not be bothered to give us a photo of the four collections alone.
I’ll be happy for any of the three to win. They have all done great. I don’t think the editing points to a Sebastian win though. Although that would be great.
I have Comcast and next week’s episode doesn’t have a title either. Weird. Sebastian should have this in the bag but I won’t believe it until I see it for myself.
Now can we talk about Tales of the City on Netflix? Anyone? Please TT? 🤩
Noe. This is a Project Runway post. Also, I don’t Netflix.
I hear you (even though it’s your fault I am afloat in this world with no one to go on & on & on to about Vida😋😘)! I lean toward Sebastian however I am good with any of the remaining three to win. I want to see Renee’s final collection but I also want a million dollars so poor me. I have loved Bishme’s personality and energy so it was hard to see him struggle and take a leave. He can rally and make it to where he wants to be in his life. This has been a nice season. I have liked all of the designers, even if they annoyed me sometimes and I like Christian, Brandon, and Karlie. I like to see people be cool with each other and it always amazes me to see what they create. I saw Rocket Man this weekend and thought about that episode. Thinking of Hester’s (well made) outfit made me laugh. I smuggled in caramel m&m’s, I recommend them and the movie. Peace out everybody!
I, too, got a total Clueless vibe from Hester’s looks. I was hoping the judges would point that out.
I felt like Nina has never been a Garo fan and made his a little harder to test him. I like Garo, but his clothes always feel dated.
Oh Bishme, I think he got scared of succeeding, then family issues gave him an out to self-sabotage. I hope he gets to come back on another season.
Sebastian, has always been a fave of mine and he knocked it out of the park. He needs this win, he is ready.
I agree about Bishme’s fear of success. He’s talented and has a winning personality but really needs to work on handling emotions. Sigh.
I also think assigning Garo a suit and Hester a solid color dress is just unfair. Sebastian designs were so beautiful! These are 3 distinct designers so it will be an interesting finale. While I love Sebastians designs and am not a fan of the other two, I can see that Hester may capture the time we live in best. Sebastian is classic, like Grace Kelly. Garo is funky, like 80s Madonna and Hesters style is snarky, like a vlog.
Thanks for the recap and the funny reference to Sonia. The camaraderie and real talent on this show is refreshing.
Bishme will do well, I like his designs and I wish he could have held it together for the challenge. He could have put a couple of darts in the front and back of the dress to add some shape, maybe a V-neck or zipper down the front—-not that anything would make that fabric un-ugly.
Sebastian is otherworldly. He should step aside and let Garo and Hester battle it out for second place- Sebastian has already won in my eyes.
Hester’s designs are good. It’s cool that her home is like her designs. Everything she did has already been done but she executes it well and consistently. She is talented and I know her show will be great.
Garo’s designs were good as well. I think he really listened and avoided the costume look for most of his designs. The variations of his signature corset are cool. He deserves this chance and I’m happy for him.
I miss Renee…
The other three have spouses for emotional and most likely, FINANCIAL support. One of his emotional supports now has cancer and was getting chemo THAT DAY. Christian may have also been sleeping in a small room that was also his studio – but he didn’t have outside forces beating down his door.
He admitted he was homeless for a time before Project Runway – his sister is sick – a family member died.
My mom and I both think that he was working and not necessarily designing because he had to pay his rent and maybe even helping to support at least his sister.
I agree, Erica.
I’m not sure if y’all picked up on it but he basically said he was losing his studio at the same time everything else was going on. I have a lot of compassion for him. I don’t think saying things like “suck it up” of “don’t be a quitter!” Helps someone in this situation. I think “How can I help?” Is the better route.
Shit. I did not pick up on that. Sometimes not even “how can I help” helps… just a I am sorry and silently holding someone’s hand and offering a tissue. If anyone had the right to just have a good, deep cry it was Bishme.
I just popped over to his website. Nothing available in his shop, but I looked at past collections and at the “celebrity press”. OMG, beautiful stuff produced without the TV and contest pressures. Fantasia’s outfit on one of the WWHL was his! Also, Eva has worn his stuff (and it was perfection)
This is not the last we’ll see of Bishme. I’ve also read comments where they thought the judges should have just let them all show. No… Bishme needed the release, the permission to go home. His runway probably would have been a hot mess, and that would have been more scarring.
Bishme looked like he has been under the influence of something, it felt sad to watch that he was so weak.
Sebastian has really struggled to be where he is, I hope he wins!w
He was under the influence of grief and stress.
I feel like Hester is a character and anyone but her would have never made it as far as she has producing the garments that she has. I feel like her nipple covers and bra overlays are tacky and anyone else in prior seasons they would have “questioned their taste”. Hester is very full Of herself and wants to dress the world but the reality is these are all tacky extreme 90’s looks, none of it is new. I seriously don’t get it. Her clothes look cheap, old and overdone. If she wins against the likes of Sebastian or Garo the show is a total joke. I do not understand Nina’s championing of her, Nina of all people would be the first to call out a designer for making tacky clothing in prior season. Sebastian hands down should your winner. He makes beautiful, tasteful clothing that people would actually want to wear.
Hester’s clothes are fun, they make me smile, feel good. I wouldn’t know whether her looks have been done before. Sebastian’s designs are works of art. Beautiful, breathtaking, luxurious. Garo dug his own hole. Yes, he had to do a tailored suit but he was the one that chose to put slit pockets in the trousers and the front seaming and the non-existent back darts. Could have gone simple and exquisite. On my TV his material looked light purplish, quite frightening and drab. His other two looks were interesting, I really liked the sequin dress (is that a sheath dress?) It did make me want to see more of his collection, just not any more of his tailored suits. Bishme is a good designer and an even lovelier person. He had too much work to do before the runway show. It allowed the grief to slip in. Hester owes a big thanks to Christian for his repeated comments to Go Red. good lord, listen to Christian will you? She did have to sneak in a print bag to go with her solid look. Thought that was being contrarian but the judges didn’t seem to care. looking forward to the Runway show
Sebastian for the win! Very sad for Bishme and for everyone being overly critical of him. The silver lining is he is now able to support his sister through her chemo and grieve his lost family member. I hated Garo’s ill fitting suit and didn’t get Garo’s other two designs, he is much better at costumes.
I think there is a commonality with Garo Sparo and Hester Sunshine. Both are sort of niche markets. I think both have marketplace for their work. I think they are both good at what they do. They are both a bit costumey in different ways.
Sebastian on the other hand has a sob story. And he makes perfectly tailored gorgeous clothes for the masses. I am one of the masses that would wear his gorgeous clothes if I still wore actual clothes. 🙂
But I don’t think it would be a travesty if Garo Sparo or Hester Sunshine won. I think we have three great options for a winner.
It’s not like we are going to have another Banana Coronation.
Thanks CJ for the recap. Finally was able to watch. I agree with what TT said, my heart wouldn’t be broken if any of the three won. I’m more in the Sebastian camp.
Thank you, CJ and Les, for a superb re-cap!
Sebastian deserves the win. His clothes are just stunning. But I agree, TT, I would be happy for either Garo or Hester. Hester is entertaining, and her look appeals to the masses. Garo deserves the win because Nina slammed him with making a tailored suit as his final challenge! So unfair!
And Bishme, my sweetheart. I felt so bad. He just got hit with a perfect storm of despair, and he couldn’t find his way out. I agree that he doesn’t seem to have the emotional or financial support that the other contestants do. I hope he will use his popularity to advance his design career. There’s no question that he’s talented, and very likable.
In my opinion Sebastian has the win for this season. But the overall winner is Christian Siriano for his great advice to the designers and the joy he seems to exude. He wears the mantle of his well-deserved success very well. Hope he come back for each season.
100% this!
I think Sebastian is the best and should win — but am I the only person that doesn’t think it’s fair that those gorgeous belts & handbags that are so key to his collection were made by his father? Are all of the designers able to get outside help for their looks?
I believe the designers can have others make accessories as long as the craftsperson is paid. That’s the way it was with season 1 winner where someone did some knitting for him.