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Project Runway All Stars Season 4, Episode 8: “Making a Splash”

The designers gather at the Gansevoort Park Rooftop to learn about their challenge.

As the designers gather at the Gotham West Market to celebrate Michelle’s birthday, Justin notices that Alyssa Milano is featured on the cover of USA Today. The headline reads “Alyssa Milano makes a Splash” followed by “Project Runway All Stars designers head out for some fun in the sun.” This leads the designers to Gansevoort Park Rooftop where they are greeted by Alyssa and the president of USA Today: travel, John Peters.

This week’s challenge was to create elegant resortwear suitable for a glamorous getaway, in addition to a swimsuit, to go underneath each outfit. To make things even more difficult, each designer was randomly assigned a new model. The winner of this challenge will be featured in USA Today with an interview and a photo story of the winning look. Plus, they will receive a customized vacation to the Caribbean!

This week’s judging panel included Isaac Mizrahi, Georgina Chapman, and guest judge and fashion photographer Nigel Barker. Justin, Sonjia, and Dmitry were in the top, while Samantha, Jay, and Michelle were in the bottom. The judges thought Justin’s designs were cohesive, fresh, and classy. Dmitry’s asymmetrical looks were original, well cut, and perfect for his model. Sonjia also received positive feedback. Isaac thought her pants were absolutely beautiful, the placement of the lace was lovely, and the swimsuit was very iconic. Jay’s dress, on the other hand, had wonderful movement, but the swimsuit print was too random for the judges. Samantha’s jumpsuit was cut poorly, wasn’t very flattering, and the swimsuit didn’t seem to tie the look together. Finally, Michelle’s swimsuit was Isaac’s favorite out of everyone’s, but her dress was completely wrong for her model. As a result, Justin was this week’s winner, and Samantha was sent home.

On to the designs…

The top:

Justin’s winning designs:

Justin's winning design

Justin's winning design

Dmitry’s designs:

Dmitry's first design

Dmitry's second design

Sonjia’s designs:

Sonjia's first design

Sonjia's second design

The bottom:

Samantha’s losing designs:

Samantha's losing design

Samantha's losing design

Jay’s designs:

Jay's first design

Jay's second design

Michelle’s designs:

Michelle's first design

Michelle's second design

The rest of the looks:

Helen’s designs:

Helen's first design

Helen's second design

Fabio’s designs:

Fabio's first design

Fabio's second design

I honestly expected the swimsuit aspect of this challenge to go horribly wrong for a lot of people. But, the designers came up with some great garments that, for the most part, fit their models very well. I’m also happy with the judges’ decisions this week. I think Samantha’s construction just hasn’t been up to par with the rest of the designers. Meanwhile, Justin made a huge comeback this week.

What did you think of this resortwear challenge? Have you ever sewn a Lycra bathing suit? Please share your thoughts below!

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  1. sews4fun | | #1

    I have to say, this season has not been especially exciting. I had high hopes for Michelle and she was the reason I decided to watch this season of all stars, I am a fan (or was).
    Whatever it was she had in her season is not showing through this time (except that bathing suit) that was the Michelle I used to see. She seems to be impressed with what she is turning out but it's blah to me.
    As for Justin's win, I've seen that bathing suit and cover up before, it's nothing new and I don't know why the judges were so enthralled with it. I think Dmitry should have taken the win this time, his required at least some vision.
    I realize they all have to work their butts off but then again, they are designers in a competition, that's what competition's require of the contestants. Hopefully, the designs will show more promise in the weeks to come.

  2. glow101010 | | #2

    Dmitry's sticks out as a complete look that is made for each other. i think he should have been given more credit for that. it was hard to get that lycra fabric but once you had it, the cover ups should have been designed to enhance it.

    Justin's also strikes me as a complete look and i am torn between which had the better design. i think it just comes down to personal preference at a certain point. the only other design on the runway that impressed me was Michelle's suit. i am looking forward to attempting swimwear this summer.

    Samantha's jump suit was a very nice IDEA and its too bad she had sewing problems that led to the garment not being done any better.

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