Project Runway recap, episode 3: Innovative designs aren’t over embellished

Design inspiration can create visually stunning looks. This week’s Project Runway recap shows that innovation and movement can overwhelm the designers.

As the Sweet 16 Project Runway season begins to find its way, designers start to find their stride. While no clear frontrunner has emerged, the designers balance their personal design aesthetic with the weekly challenge. In this Project Runway recap, a few designers excel while one designer suffered from over-embellishment.

Sometimes the opening scene sets a tone for the whole episode. This episode started with Heidi Klum dancing with Tim Gunn. Like many people, I adore Tim Gunn. The dapper mentor is the heart of Project Runway. But, my eyes are forever burned with the image of Tim Gunn dancing. Never again should he try to shake his booty. It’s like watching your dad dance. The embarrassment factor is extremely high

Still, this little moment, although a little disturbing, set the theme for the episode. The theme was dance, movement, and innovation. Apparently, Project Runway had a tie-in with the new movie Leap. Leap is an animated movie about a young girl who wants to dance (at least that’s what I think it’s about?). The movie was mentioned briefly and the designers may have watched the movie. The movie description as well as all the references were unclear.

The designers were given their marching orders, began sketching, and set off to Mood. Once the background was set, a few designers emerged. Like all the beginning episodes, no screen time meant that that designer wasn’t in the top or the bottom. Figuring out the top and the bottom for a Project Runway recap starts in the first few minutes.

But, a few other incidents always seem to weave their way into each episode. The twins, Claire and Shawn, are annoying in the workroom. While “indeed” was said less, these sisters seems to leave a wake of chaos. From being loud to running in circles, it appears that they are self-centered. The episode where one of the twins leaves will be quite entertaining to watch.

Project Runway recap, Season 16 episode 3, Margarita

This week’s episode focused on Deyonte, Margarita, Brandon, and Kudzanai. Unlike previous episodes, the bottom designers were featured more than the top designs. Previous success doesn’t always mean continued success.

Margarita hasn’t been featured in the first two episodes. The feisty Puerto Rican designer had a great idea for this episode. Building on a Puerto Rican dance, her design was both innovative and fashionable. By modifying the design, changing the front to back, gave look a modern, fresh appearance.

While many women might not feel comfortable wearing the top because it was very revealing, the look was great for the runway. Also, the bright white was quite dramatic. For a dance-inspired, movement challenge, this look was inspired. Margarita was a top designer. Although she didn’t win, I thought that this look fulfilled the challenge best. I would have chosen her as the winner.

Project Runway recap, Season 16 episode 3, Brandon

Brandon, a previous top designer, had a quite unusual look for this challenge. He must have been challenging his inner Zen designer. While not flowing, the outfit had several lengths and dimension. The similar, yet different, color palette added to the visual appeal.

As a menswear designer, this look had a strong men’s wear influence. Personally, I thought that the look was boxy, but I must have missed something. The judges loved Brandon’s look. They found the whole design quite innovative.

Brandon’s design had many interesting elements, but I don’t see the “normal” woman wearing this type of design. Yes, it is great for a celebrity or a magazine shoot, but I doubt that I will see it walking down the street. Still, Project Runway is about innovation and fashion. Brandon won the challenge.

Project Runway recap, Season 16 episode 3, Deyonte

Deyonte won the first challenge. But this Project Runway recap has him on the bottom. Before discussing his look, Deyonte had a huge mishap. While sewing, the needle went completely through his finger. How horrible! Who knew that being a fashion designer came with such potentially hazardous events.

Even though hampered with a bad finger, Deyonte’s design couldn’t be saved by any fashion medic. The color was quite vibrant, which could be difficult. But, the worst part of whole outfit was the proportion. The skirt made his model look terribly short-waisted. Plus, the back portion looked like someone tacked on a train.

While Deyonte wanted to blame some of his problems on the needle/finger issue, an injury didn’t cause the design issues. Yes, he was hindered by the injury. Still, he could have done much better.

Project Runway recap, Season 16 episode 3, Kudzanai

Kudzanai hasn’t been seen in the first two episodes. As this episode begins, Kadzanai was very vocal that he needed to be heard. Using his African influences, he wanted to bring bright, bold colors and embellishment to this design. From a distance, the bright colors definitely made a statement.

Louder than the color was the additional embellishments on his garment. From feathers to zippers, so many items were added to and hanging from the outfit. Remember the old, really old, saying—look in the mirror and take off an additional accessory. Kudzanai did the opposite. Look in the mirror and add more and more until there is no more space.

Kudzanai’s design didn’t have the movement or innovation that drove this challenge. His design was confusing and really unwearable. While he didn’t want to be just safe, I doubt that he wanted this outcome. Kudzanai was sent home.

Overall, episode 3 was a little confusing. The connection to the movie Leap didn’t seem necessary. I’m sure that there was some type of sponsorship/endorsement deal. A children’s animated movie and Project Runway collaboration could make sense, but this episode didn’t clearly tie the two pieces together.

Also, the model feedback is getting a little strange. In previous season, the models rarely said a single word. This season has these confessional moments with the models. I think that it is a little odd. Maybe the purpose is to care a little more about the models. But I don’t think people are watching the show for the models. I’m watching for the designs and the drama.

Next: Project Runway recycled materials unconventional materials challenge

This week’s

Project Runway

recap comes to a close. Good-bye Kudzanai. What will next week’s episode bring? The Empire State Building, the New York City icon, might be the design inspiration for sleepwear. Check back next week to find out who made it work.