I’m moving right along in my series of at-home versions of the design challenges from Season 9 of Project Runway! These challenges kind of inspire me to try making an outfit or two in real size, but it’s so hard to find the time to dedicate to that big of a project. Maybe this winter when I find myself spending more time indoors, I’ll take a crack at it. I’m definitely learning some design lessons from these doll clothes, although certainly on a much smaller scale!
EPISODE 9: IMAGE IS EVERYTHING
Unlike last week’s teaser, this week the designers really did have to design menswear. They were introduced to an up-and-coming band named The Sheepdogs, and were asked to create looks for them to wear during a performance that was held right on the runway. I really dug their music, and I know my Honey would love it as well. Their fashion style was sort of a combination of southern rock and retro.
The members of the band definitely have a very casual and hip feel, so I kept true to that with a comfy pair of jeans that I distressed. I wanted to add just a little bit of flash to the top, though, so I used a slightly sparkly fabric for a long-sleeved shirt and topped it with a black leather vest. Yes, they are a casual band, but you need a little something extra on stage, right? Try to ignore the all-American haircut that my model has… Ken never really was much of a rocker!
Overall, I was not impressed with the designers’ looks this week. Some of them really faltered terribly with trying to do menswear, and some of them were just boring. I didn’t mind Anthony Ryan’s wood-patterned top and jeans too much, and Joshua’s shirt was okay, but those funky fringed sleeves were a big fat “no”. I didn’t object to Bert’s striped pants nearly as much as the judges did, but I was not a fan of the shirt and jacket he made. The fabric was far too thin and hung on the model in an unattractive way. Laura’s outfit looked way too feminine, although I appreciate her effort to at least try to make the jeans the model requested. My dear Anya completely missed the mark with her Pocahantas-inspired tunic and headband, but c’mon, she’s only been sewing a few months! I think she just freaked out at making menswear, and I was certain the judges would give her a pass this week based on past performance. Kimberly had an equally hard time with her lunchlady-looking top for the same model. I think maybe the drummer’s suggestion of a caftan really threw both Anya and Kimberly for a loop. You know I’ve had issues with Olivier for quite a while now, and his poorly-constructed and ill-fitting outfit was the last straw for both me and the judges, and he finally got the boot. Once again, Viktor nailed it with another amazing jacket and great overall look. He moves so fast and has such a good eye, and I’m glad he got the win. I’m gonna go ahead and make a guess now that we’ll see Viktor and Anya in the final, along with… hmm… I don’t know whom. What do you guys think?
9 comments so far:
I totally agree, Victor’s was the best. Don’t remember when I’ve agreed so completely with the judges!
I was at a loss how both Kimberly and Anya had very disappointing designs for the drummer. They usually are so on target designwise if not always construction-wise. I know he said dashiki at some point. Did he say caftan? I didn’t remember that. And a dashiki (sp?) has a much more lively color combination than their blah browns did. Was disappointed there. I was expecting to see something really outstanding.
Like Ken’s vest very much. My first thought when the episode ended was, OMG, how is Chica going to approach this one?! Great fun!
Lizbeth, I have almost the same thought every Thursday night when I’m 10 minutes into watching the show
Yes, I was wondering how you would pull this off, but you did it! it’s a nice look, casual, but with a little twist for the stage. It’s just your model is a little distracting, lol, I keep thinking of Ken’s character in Toy Story 3 because of the expression on his face.
As for the show, I agree that Viktor was a clear winner. Oliver’s days were numbered, definitely, and his immaturity was starting to grate on my (”fat is fine, but not if I have to design for you” — remember that [I'm paraphrasing]). HIS outfit was the one that looked like the Golden Girls. Michael Kors just cracks me up. I know it’s not nice to laugh at the clothes, but his descriptions are so spot on sometimes. Sweeney Todd tye-die? Anya’s suede lobster bib? Chuckles.
Can’t wait to see the next challenge!
And to answer your question, I agree with Viktor and Anya. I hope Kimberly makes it to the end, but at this point I think Anthony Ryan, Josh, or maybe even Laura have a shot.
Anika, Ken’s grin and haircut are pretty freaky! Maybe I should have found a way to give him long hair somehow. I do try to style my models to suit the challenge, but his plastic hair just wouldn’t budge
You’re right. The judges did have some pretty zingy comments this time. And I think Laura could make it to the end if she plays her cards right, but she can be rather hit and miss sometimes. We’ll see!
I too totally agreed with the judges this time. Olivier was also grating on me – he’s totally missing the point of designing clothes – it’s for people as much as it’s art. He’s going to have a hard time professionally if he only wants to design for himself.
As for the end people, I’m with you on Victor being in the final 3, hoping you’re right with Anya and the 3rd one is really up in the air. I actually think Joshua might make it if he can keep his style level in check, but he usually just goes overboard. I’d like to see Laura, but I think she might be too blah for the judges -she’s almost always middle of the road.
Enough of you suggested Joshua in the end that it made me go back and look at his portfolio again. You guys are right, he has been pretty awesome. I guess he annoys me so much when it comes to teamwork that I blocked out the fact that he has made so many garments I’ve loved (like that orange dress!) If he can walk that careful line between fashion and bedazzled, he might just make it to the end.
Yes, plus the show’s producers will want to have someone that audience doesn’t like;) And, if his collection is too bedazzled, he’ll be an easy out when it comes down to picking just one.
Those are two very good points, Shauna!