Team challenges can be amazing or awful. In this week’s Project Runway recap, the final outcome was definitely not expected.
Heidi’s infamous Project Runway phrase, “one day you’re in, and the next day, you could be out,” didn’t apply to this week’s Project Runway. Project Runway recap episode 7 ends without anyone getting eliminated, yet.
This week’s episode opens with the challenge’s sponsor, JC Penney, introducing the task. While a group of male models wait for the designers, the scene is a ruse. It isn’t a menswear challenge. Instead, the designers must create a look inspired by menswear. Also, the look must use only the menswear fabric provided.
The stakes are big for this challenge. The winning look will be reproduced and sold at JC Penney. If you like the winning look (don’t cheat and scroll down yet), you can buy it for yourself. I’m not saying if I did.
For this challenge, the designers didn’t get to choose their fabrics. Each designer was assigned a fabric. Two designers had the same fabric, but pairing those designers together wouldn’t be Project Runway-worthy.
Another twist for the designers is that this challenge is a team challenge. With the infamous button bag deciding their fate, designers had to choose a partner that didn’t have the same fabric. The teams of two had to create two cohesive looks influenced by menswear.
Now, I don’t like to assume too many things about reality television. We all know that these shows are entertainment, but this episode seems a little too staged. Who wants to guess one of the teams? If you guessed the twins, Claire and Shawn, indeed you are correct. (Anyone else still playing the indeed drinking game from episode 1?)
Maybe I’m just being a little snarky, but it was extremely convenient that the twins got two different fabrics. The other designers would never choose one of the twins as a partner. It seems that a twin team was highly certain at the very least. Does that mean one of the co-dependent twins is finally going home?
Besides the twins team, the most talked-about team was the “dream team” of Kentaro and Brandon. These two designers have won challenges and are consistently in the top, plus they have similar sensibilities.
Project Runway season 16 episode 7 photo. Image courtesy of Lifetime.
Another new aspect to this episode of Project Runway is that Amy has a voice. For the first six episodes, Amy has rarely been seen. She has been in the middle and just passed along. Her outfits aren’t amazing, yet those looks weren’t hideous either.
Project Runway is about fashion, not drama. Then again can you separate the two?
Fans could have probably guessed that Kentaro and Brandon would make it to the top yet again. Unfortunately, I don’t understand their gym leisurewear look. Yes, separates are great for a store like JC Penney to sell, but many real women couldn’t wear, or want, these two looks. Maybe a size 2 20 year old could wear these outfits, but does that girl shop at JC Penney?
Project Runway season 16 episode 7 photo. Image courtesy of Lifetime.
The judges seem to be enamored with Kentaro and Brandon. Yes, their looks are fashion forward and not the norm. Sometimes their designs have some innovation and intriguing aspects. Still, those looks may look amazing for high fashion, but not the real world.
The winning team was Margarita and Batani. Truthfully, this team won because of Margarita’s shirt dress. This dress was hands down the best look of the night. It was adorable. Based on a men’s dress shirt, this dress balanced structure and femininity. The look was so versatile.
Project Runway season 16 episode 7 photo. Image courtesy of Lifetime.
Margarita’s shirt dress won the challenge. If you love this look, it is being sold at JC Penney. It is a classic idea with a modern twist. If this dress is still available, go buy it.
Project Runway season 16 episode 7 photo. Image courtesy of Lifetime.
The bottom two teams were Amy/Kendra and the twins Claire/Shawn. Amy and Kendra’s looks were old and boring. One judge referred to it as a 70s flight attendant. These looks felt out of place. While extremely well made, the two outfits were blah. Very few people would want to wear them. But, since they were well made (and the show needs some drama), Amy and Kendra were safe.
The twins, Claire and Shawn, were up for elimination. Does that mean one of them goes home? Could the annoying bickering, co-dependent designers would have to stand on their own? Could this episode be any more predictable? Not so fast.
Image from Project Runway season 16 episode 7. Image courtesy of Lifetime.
While Clair and Shawn are up for elimination, no one was eliminated on this episode of Project Runway. The episode ended in a cliffhanger. The judges sent Claire and Shawn back to the work room to create a new outfit. The twins have one hour to create their own outfit. Not a combined one, no helping each other or anything else.
Next: Project Runway experience in NYC
Since the episode ends with a “to be continued,” the anticipation for next week is high. Which twin will finally go home? Truthfully, it would have been even better if both went home together. I just don’t like how co-dependent that these girls are. It’s not fair that they have been helping each other on every challenge.
Which twin do you think will be eliminated next week? I’m voting Shawn. Do you agree? Tune in next week to find out.