Project Runway recap episode 8: Fashion inspiration or design knock-off

Even though the twins have been separated, the Project Runway recap drama is higher than ever. This week’s episode begs the question, fashion inspiration or design knock-off.

With the previous episode leaving fans with the ultimate twin cliffhanger, the opening minutes of this week’s Project Runway recap had fans hoping for a drama filled climax. Having only one hour to design an outfit and required to work on their own, Shawn struggles.

15 minutes into the challenge, she breaks down into hysterics. Shawn gives up her spot for Claire. As tears flow, Shawn admits that Claire has been helping. I would have hoped for a bigger showdown, climax or fireworks. The result was anticlimactic to say the least.

But, with one twin gone, Project Runway might be a little less annoying, right? How often did the other designers complain about the twins running through the work room to help each other or otherwise cause chaos in the competition? But, will the Claire be able to survive on her own?

One twin down

On to this week’s challenge: Designing in the real world. The designers must create an outfit for friends and family of the Project Runway crew. The theme is dressing women on the go. Dixie (yes the paper product company) sponsored the challenge. The sponsor choice is a little strange. But, the winning designer gets $25,000, so bring on the Dixie cups.

In addition to designing a superb outfit, the designers must create their own fabric. Custom fabric challenges can cause a huge shake up in the competition. Some designers can make a beautiful outfit, but don’t have an eye for prints. One bad outfit can send anyone home.

After the opening twin cliffhanger was lackluster, this Project Runway turned into a huge drama filled episode. Periodically, the designers have been complaining about ideas being borrowed. While everyone understands that designers find inspiration everywhere, the design itself cannot be a blatant copy. It’s like plagiarism. You can’t cut and paste someone else’s essay, don’t cut and paste someone else’s design.

Copy cat

A large part of this episode focuses on Claire’s top. Margarita believes that the top is too similar to her winning look from last week. Based on the segments (and the side by side), the elements are quite similar. Unfortunately, all the drama hurts Margarita. She becomes obsessed with the “inspiration” and it hurts her concentration.

While everyone criticized the twins’ dependency, Margarita and Michael have a little mean girl situation going on too. Conversing in Spanish, these two designers were able to make catty comments about Claire. Luckily, Margarita had immunity so her design disaster wouldn’t get her eliminated.

The runway and judges critique finally brought the drama. As Heidi kept pushing for an answer, Margarita says that she won’t throw anyone under the bus. Of course, that type of inflammatory statement only makes the judges want more. Everyone is cringing, but no one is talking.

Truthfully, the top and bottom designs weren’t that great. The bottom designs, Batani, Margarita and Michael were pretty bad. Margarita’s design was so pink Barbie that it hurt my eyes. The bright pink was overwhelming.

Michael tried to create an interesting design, but the whole outfit was overdesigned. The Native American print was overwhelming. The pants could have been interesting, but these pants weren’t appropriate for his model. Lastly, Batani’s look was dull. She is known for her prints and she had no print. The dress looked unfinished and dreadfully boring.

Twists and turns

In a big turn of events, Claire’s look was in the top. The outfit, which looked like it came from the pages of Banana Republic or J Crew, was liked by the judges. While everyone gets a wearable, on the go design, this design looks like a knock-off. Isn’t the point of Project Runway to find a new designer? Shouldn’t these looks be innovative?

If you thought that another cliffhanger wouldn’t happen this season, you are wrong. When the judges announce that Claire’s outfit wins (and she gets $25,000), Michael storms off the runway. No one thought that the judges would award Claire the win. Even the judges said that the design wasn’t innovative and that Claire needs to push herself.

As Michael storms off, everyone stops. Heidi’s reaction is supposed to be surprised, but the tone seems a little too planned. I’m not saying that this whole incident was scripted, but the reaction was a little too rehearsed sounding.

While the judges aren’t supposedly aware of all the work room drama, this runway moment makes for some good television. I can’t recall a designer storming off the runway during an elimination on Project Runway.

This Project Runway episode ends with no decision. Michael is talking to Tim. The judges are confused. The remaining designers are staring at the ceiling.

Next: Project Runway recap episode 7: Twin cliffhanger episode

What will happen next week? Who knows? Previously, designers have been eliminated for cheating. But, is Claire cheating? That assertion is unclear. We will have to tune in next week to learn the outcome of all the designers.

We end this Project Runway recap with a question to ponder for the week. Are you team Michael or team Claire?