(From right to left) Isaac Mizrahi, Alyssa Milano, and Georgina Chapman are joined by this week's guest judges, fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff and interior designer Nate Berkus.
Jay-Z’s 40/40 club was the meeting place for this week’s episode. As the designers gathered in the lavish sports bar, Alyssa Milano presented the challenge. Each designer had to choose one cocktail from the menu, and watch the bartender construct the drink. They needed to pay close attention to ingredients, colors, and presentation as inspiration for their–you guessed it–cocktail dresses! Designers were given time to sip their drinks and sketch at the same time. With only $100 to spend at Mood, creativity was key.
In case this wasn’t enough of a task to complete in one day, a twist was added after Zanna came in for the workroom critiques. Since every cocktail has a garnish, each designer would now have to create an accessory to accompany his/her dress. They could use their own leftover materials, another designer’s fabric, or transform an item from the QVC accessory wall. This certainly added more stress to the situation, but everyone managed to come through in the end.
This week’s guest judges were fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff and interior designer Nate Berkus. While Alyssa agreed to wear the winning design before seeing the runway show, she later decided she would wear both Viktor (the winner) and Christopher’s dresses after seeing what a great job they had done. Melissa was in the bottom for the third week in a row, and was finally sent home.
On to the designs…
The top three
Viktor Luna’s WINNING design:
Christopher Palu’s design, made out of curtain fabric:
Elena Slivnyak’s design:
The bottom three
Melissa Fleis’ losing design:
Jeffrey Sebelia’s design:
Korto Momolu’s design:
The rest of the looks
Irina Shabayeva’s design:
Seth Aaron Henderson’s design:
Mychael Knight’s design:
For what they were given, I think the designers did a great job with this challenge. I especially liked how many of them took the name of their cocktail into consideration when choosing their fabrics. I was also fascinated by Viktor’s ability to work with prints. Like the judges, I wish he hadn’t left that flap at the bottom. But overall, he made a fantastic dress.
What did you think of this week’s challenge? Would you want to wear either of the winning designs? How do you feel about all of the promotional tie-ins? Do you think it’s taking away from the creativity of the show, or is it adding to the appeal? Share your thoughts below!
Would I wear any of these? It's hard to tell---the photos won't enlarge, so I can't see much detail---but possibly Mychael Knight's, with less cleavage and a longer skirt. Otherwise, you've gotta be kidding! I hate cut-outs, and how does one use even a shawl over the structured neckline? (I live in Seattle. We almost always have to cover up when outdoors.)
When one lives in a small Indiana town, I suspect one would be taken to the closest mental health clinic on a 72-hour hold - to verify stability. I watch the judges give glowing comments on some clothing that, at best, could be described as "a contraption" - and it makes them appear foolish. Maybe a 72-hour hold for them??? I prefer classic beautiful lines that flatters a lady's body. Why do all the designers think short hem lines are flattering? Remember the old saying "A lady's dress should be short enough to make her interesting, yet long enough to show that she is a LADY". The judges' criticism - tho constructive - is sometimes abrasive - and usually directed toward the wrong designer... I wouldnt wear anything in the last 3 seasons. The earlier seasons were FASHION. This season is BIZARRE.
While I find some of the clothes pretty but odd looking, I would buy it as gift for my niece. I don't think they would ever make plus-size.
Please, please, please get back on track with these judges. Why are they going for the kooky? There is NO STYLE with these garments now. I preferred Christopher's over Viktor's dress. No one that I know would wear Viktor's.
I think that the judges are stuck on Hollywood Kook instead of focusing on genuine style and talent. By now, the contestants/designers don't know in which direction to go.
My greatest disappointment is Jeffrey. Shame on him. He won his season, then proceeded to take the money and run, never using a sewing machine for 1 1/2 years afterwards. He worked on KID's clothes for goodness sake. It's probably because he has a child or children now.
He was all over the place when he was in his competition. His personality was terrible, he had NO professionalism, and I couldn't believe it when he won.
Heidi needs to learn from this; even the Emmy's that were won can't change the fact that she needs VIEWERS to stay in the ratings.
Victor's dress, the print was cool, but it looks like a weird bathing suit top underneath a bunch of straps, all of which look like they're going to slip off the model at any moment (and totally did during fitting...) Chris's dress, while simple, is probably the most wearable of the night.
Then the bottom two.... I cannot believe they let Jeffrey stay in with that nasty velour monstrosity. Melissa's was ugly and Barney-ish, true, but Jeffrey is just really tanking and he needs to be put in his place.
I've always thought Seth Aaron was one of the most talented winners of all Project Runway, my money is on him to win this again :)
I really did not like Korto's outfit - with OR without the belt. I agree with the judges about the top 2 but also think Viktor should not have left that flap. Melissa's was definitely a worse design than Jeffrey's - it looked uncomfortable on the model. Jeffrey's looked old-lady-ish and cheap but it was still prettier than Melissa's. When Jeffrey won his season, it was shocking because he was so inconsistent and belligerent. I think there was a question back then that he might have done something close to cheating but it was decided that he did not cheat. I thought Michael Knight should have been the winner in that season. I agree that Jeff needs to go home and get put in his place. I am expecting a lot more and a lot better from all these people. At least all of them there now except for Jeffrey.
Once again, dreadful quality photos that can't be enlarged.
Do you know when will I see this series in Italy?
Or is it availability without translation anywhere?
Thank you