Project Runway Episode 10 - Talk to me

Irina’s location was Aspen. Of her winning design the judges said, “On a limited budget you made us want to sip champagne in a ski lodge.” Irina has won three challenges.

Photo: MyLifetime.com

Last nights challenge was to design an ensemble inspired by a location. But the challenge was more like comedy when Logan channeled the late Sonny Bono as the embodiment of his Hollywood inspiration. Nicholas chose Greece but made an Egyptian mummy-wrap top. And Christopher’s guardian angel saved him yet again from judgments of “wishy-washy,” “without fantasy,” and “just ugly.”

Nicholas set out to design something with perfect fit for a fashion forward younger woman—he missed his mark and was eliminated. His ill fitting pants were unfortunately also not flattering and the bodice looked like a mummy wrap. Michael Kors said, “The only Greece in this outfit was a song.” The best the judges could say about Logan’s Hollywood effort was “These are just clothes, they’re not fashion.” “Jeans and a T-shirt just don’t cut it.”

If last night is any indication, I’m looking for a woman to win this year. I’m reminded of the song the strippers sing in the Broadway production “Gypsy” when they advise the young Gypsy Rose Lee “You gotta have a gimmick.” Last night the ladies had the gimmicks—Gordana’s necklace, Carol Hanna’s braided straps, Althea’s leather shorts and chiffon blouse, and Irina’s winning chevron backed fur vest. There was a little cliché woven in there but every one of their designs was wearable. Nina kept asking for fantasy and Michael wanted fashion, I felt like I was looking at versions of things I’ve seen before but they were beautiful.

There aren’t any strong personality players left this season and that tames down the show. But if you stick around and watch the after Project Runway program Models on the Runway you'll see personality types unlike the designers in this or previous seasons. Can you imagine spending your whole week getting ready for a seconds long performance that could set the course of your life? What do you think? As Tim says, “Talk to me.”

Until next time….

judith neukam, senior technical editor
Posted on Oct 23rd, 2009 in design, Project Runway, designers, episode 10

Comments (4)

Mrs4Him writes: I really thought that Logan should have gone over Nicholas. At least Nicholas had some 'design' in his look; Logan's was just plain--'just clothes' like Kors said. Christopher has been heading down hill for a while. He showed promise at the beginning, but lately--not so good. I think either he or Logan will be next to exit the show.

Even though I am not fond of Irina's personality-she does have good workmanship and does stay focused. I thought it was put together very well. I did like Carol Hannah's dress-loved the print. And I liked Althea's shorts, but nothing too exciting there. Gordana needs to have more confidence as the judges said. She pulled off that dress at the last minute. It looked really touch and go there for awhile. The necklace was beautiful which was the obvious focus.

I am still expecting to see Althea, and Carol Hannah in the top 3--and probably Irina.
Posted: 3:59 pm on October 26th

sews4fun writes: Once again, Christopher hangs in there! WHY? He has GOT to be the worst designer and yet, he remains week after week! I was amazed with Gordana's dress and felt she should have won, I don't think its fair they deduct points because she apologized for changing her look, why cant she change her mind? Everyone else does. I was not blown away with Carol Hannah's dress but it was better than a lot of the other looks. Then there's Irina, who knew inspiration could be had as easily as a short trot away at the local Goodwill store? Pass one in any shopping center and they are teeming with 80's cowl neck sweaters and the outdated sleevless vests. I kept looking and looking for the stirrups on those pants! Can you say NOT NEW? I don't like Irina because of her sharp tongue and her air of superiority but as much as it pains me to say this, her workmanship is pretty darned good. I wont call her a Gordana but she's close. Not inspired, just a good seamstress. I think Gordana has talent she's not putting out there because if she stepped up, she could easily win this season! Biting my tongue here but Althea's stuff is starting to look a lot like outfits she has already sent down the runway. Im just tired of Logan, his stuff is a yawn and it seems to me that he just doesnt try all that hard. He's cute but not a real contender.
Posted: 5:03 pm on October 24th

Kate_W writes: There were no ‘wow’s for me last night. In my opinion, (and somewhat ironically as I’m always complaining on him), Nicholas’ tucks at the bottom of the pants was an interesting detail I might incorporate sometime(like instead of a cuff). Good-by Nicholas.

Other than that, I _loved_ that Gordana went into Mood with $150 bucks and threw $120 at the necklace. Kid in a candy store. I wouldn’t have ever even thought of using those materials to get that effect. Wow! For me, she won. Gordana is subtle which doesn’t play well on reality TV and I hope she stops apologizing for her work …

Posted: 9:25 pm on October 23rd

Cherlyn writes: I was very disappointed in the designs that came out of the designers imaginations last night. I try to keep in mind that they are only given 30 minutes to sketch and 20 minutes to shop----really doesn't seem like much time in alloted for thought.
I have been very disappointed in Christopher because he has so much talent, but he doesn't show it very well most of the time. Carol Hanna is too giggly, but I do see some thought processes developing in what she design. I was not a fan of that print for the dress last night. Gordana is showing some signs of creativity but she needs more time to execute her ideas. Irina sticks with what she knows how to do and work with. But what she designed last night was not anything new. I liked Logan's jeans, but again, they were not unique. This idea has been around for a few years. Nicholas needed to go and I expect Christopher will be right behind him.
This is my first year to watch Project Runway. While I have enjoyed many of the first episodes, these last few weeks have been disappointing. Where are the fresh new ideas?
Posted: 5:19 pm on October 23rd

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