Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
How-to

Project Runway, Season 14, Episode 1: “Mad Dash Mayhem”

The judges were Heidi, Zac Posen, Nina Garcia, and as guest judge, Hannah Davis, a Sports Illustrated model who will be the host of Project Runway Junior when it debuts this fall.

Project Runway is back for its 14th season, and the first episode was promising. The title, “Mad Dash Mayhem,” implied some crazy antics and plenty of drama, and yet the challenge and design process in the workroom were, for the most part, focused and under control. For those of us who care more about the work than the drama, this was a pleasant surprise. It’s no secret that Project Runway‘s producers like to generate conflict, often at the expense of showing how the looks are conceived and created. However, watching people pick each other apart and crow self-importantly can be tedious compared to seeing them drape, draft, cut, sew, and fit.

On the other hand, the outtakes of Tim and Heidi trying to shoot hoops proves that, even if white-haired men in suits can’t jump, they can be really good sports!

This week, the designers met for the first time at Madison Square Garden, where Tim and Heidi welcomed them at center court. The challenge couldn’t have been more straightforward: Make a look that expresses who you are as a designer, and you have a day to do so. The only twist was that the designers weren’t taken to Mood to shop, but rather were sent scurrying through the stands to collect lengths of fabric that had been spread enticingly over the seats. The more athletic contestants, and those not hampered by high heels, got first dibs, but everyone came away with four textiles–and later on, it seems that some swapsies took place as the competitors worked out their designs. No one seemed dissatisfied with his or her materials.

When the designers reported to the workroom, Tim arrived and made the portentous announcement that three of the designers–Swapnil, David, and Merline–had not brought sewing kits and would have to rely upon the kindness of the other competitors for measuring, cutting, and design tools. This turned out to be a non-issue, and everyone just got after it, shared nicely, and did their work.

You might not have picked up on that, though. Throughout the episode, confessional videos were edited to show many of the designers in a somewhat unflattering light: Lindsey came across as entitled and judgmental; Blake as shallow and self-aggrandizing; and Merline…as an insane parrot who drives everyone else crazy.

Tim’s first workroom critique began with a positive response to Duncan’s coral charmeuse draped gown, and to Ashley’s pleated print skirt. From there, things went downhill quickly, with phrases like “bad construction,” “unprepared,” “amateur,” “messy,” and “antithesis of joy” shattering the designers’ confidence. After expressing his disappointment, and suggesting the designers all had a “lump of coal up their rear ends” (an atypically vulgar turn of phrase for Tim, I thought), Tim exited, muttering “Wow” in a tone of dismay.

Come runway day, all the designers had their work well in hand; for a change, there seemed to be no threat that a model would go naked to the catwalk. The runway show itself, not surprisingly, happened in a flash. Even some fashion-indifferent watchers I know complained about how little they got to see of the final garments. (To watch the runway show again, go to visit the official Project Runway site.)

The judges were Heidi, Zac Posen, Nina Garcia, and as guest judge, Hannah Davis, a Sports Illustrated model who will be the host of Project Runway Junior when it debuts this fall.

The winner:

Ashley’s bold, colorful print skirt and textured, openwork top. Tim was right to encourage Ashley to design the sort of look that she herself would wear. She has great personal style and is one of the very few individuals I’ve seen make lavender hair seem like a logical choice.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 Winner Ashley Tipton

 

The remaining top looks:

Edmond’s little black dress with a chartreuse-lined train. Very basic as a design, but well-executed and striking on the runway.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 Edmond Newton

Merline’s pumpkin-colored, architecture-inspired top and skirt. Given the crazy-person edit she received earlier, and her failure to bring her sewing kit, it was a surprise (or was it?) that she turned out a successful outfit that pleased the judges.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 merline labissiere

The loser:

Duncan’s pink toga. His fellow designers and Tim praised this look initially, but it was Duncan’s first foray into womenswear, and the finished dress was unresolved. It looked better from the back than from the front. This wasn’t my favorite, but there were other garments I thought were much less appealing. The problem here seems to have been not only the inherent flaws in the design, but also the fact that it didn’t seem to reflect Duncan’s aesthetic. His menswear and knitwear designs are pretty interesting. Is it cynical of me to think Duncan got the auf because of his low-key, pleasant personality?

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 Duncan Chamers Watson

 

The remaining bottom looks:

Blake’s geometric-print draped gown. The judges considered it tortured and clownish.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 blake patterson

Hanmiao’s yellow patchwork dress and coat ensemble, which was likened to maternity wear, a monk’s habit, and Sally Draper at a picnic. Remarkably unflattering, and not well made.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 hanmiao yang

All the rest:

Amanda’s blue dress with print bodice and straps. Are handkerchief hems still a thing?

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 amanda perna

 

Laurie’s body-hugging off-the-shoulder red gown with an almost indecently high side slit. Her model looked pretty great, but this is not a dress for everyone.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 laurie underwood

 

Swapnil’s blue dress with a strip-woven bodice–pretty and very much like what he showed in his audition collection.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 swapnil shinde

 

Lindsey’s print romper–or was it a little dress? Junior. Macy’s juniors. Styled with clunky booties, this looks like a Coachella outfit.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 joseph lindsey creel

 

David’s print-blocked maxi dress, which was a favorite of mine. I loved the effortless silhouette and was impressed with how interesting and sophisticated the mix of prints was, considering the limited choice of textiles.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 Winner david giampiccolo

 

Joseph’s lavender skirt with floral-print crop top. Fine, apparently well-made, but uninspired.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 Winner Joseph Charles Poli

 

Kelly’s confusing dress. Another handkerchief hem, and a dreadfully mismatched bodice construction, in a print that a friend of mine described as “throw-uppy.” And again with the boots!

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 kelly dempsey

 

Jake’s competent striped silk dress in oranges and yellows. Pretty enough, nothing very new here.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 jake wall

 

Gabrielle’s ill-fitting gray dress with godet hemline and cutaway shoulders. Even she admitted that this was not a good look.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 gabrielle arruda

 

Candice’s white striped dress with an asymmetrical peplum and black trim. The idea behind this dress was not bad, but the execution didn’t work. It appeared overworked, and the trim crossing over the bust was especially unflattering.

Project Runway Season 14 Episode 1 candice cuoco

What did you think? Did the judges get it right? What were your top and bottom choices? And how do you feel about the way the designers and their work are presented? Do you like seeing interpersonal drama? Do you care about the designers’ backstories? Let us know in the comments section below!

Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Discuss

  1. mrsvandergrijn | | #1

    Why they chose Edmond over David as a top is a mystery. There was nothing new or particularly creative about that dress....and Tim had to intercede to redirect this first pass. David's had a point of view and great use of fabric.

    That said I think they made a good choice for first win! Loved Merline's dress but can we stand to watch her for a whole season?

  2. Cherlyn | | #2

    There wasn't really anything surprising about any of the looks. I was not surprised to see the toga dress be the looser. It was awful! I loved Ashley's look. I wish, given her interview, they would have given her a model more suited to her target audience...how fun that would be to see! She is correct about there is little choice out there in the fashion world for us that struggle with weight. I'm tired of black!

    I liked Candice's dress,but it is not something that I have not seen before. The challenge was to design something that defined them as a designer. I think most of the designers delivered. I was very surprised the Merline's design was as good as it was, given that she didn't get serious about the challenge until late. I hope she doesn't last long...I don't care for her at all and she is a distraction.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights