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Project Runway recap episode 9: Major game changer overshadows the fashion

By Cristine Struble

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When this week’s Project Runway opens, the drama is at its pinnacle. Could the unthinkable happen on this week’s Project Runway recap?

Who doesn’t love a little drama? Project Runway season 16 has had plenty of drama. From the twins “team” designs to the cattiness in the work room, this season hasn’t had fashion as its focus. This Project Runway recap starts with another big drama moment. The episode opens with Michael storming off the runway. What comes next, very few of us could have guessed.

The Michael/Claire drama sounded a little like sour grapes. No one wanted Claire to win. Basically, her look was a little boring and uninspired. But that look incorporated the print best. Claire won the challenge and the judges stood firm on their decision.

Project Runway recap episode 9, photo from Lifetime

The judges didn’t care about Claire “borrowing” or “referencing” other clothes. The fashion community references other designers and their ideas. Let’s be honest, nothing is really completely new or innovative. As long as everyone follows the competition rules, the judges’ decision, or opinion, is the final word.

With that being said, Bantani was eliminated on the Dixie print challenge. Her print was the least successful. Based strictly on design and execution, she would be going home.

But, this beginning to a Project Runway would be way too boring. A designer stormed off the runway. There was a cheating accusation. Is everyone going to just hug it out and be friends again? Of course not. Where’s the drama in that episode?

One of the accusations levied against Claire is that she had a tape measure in her room. She allegedly used that tape measure to measure clothes that she wore. Having a tape measure is specifically against the Project Runway rules.

Tim questions Claire in front of everyone. Yes, Claire had a tape measure. Yes, Claire measured her clothes. Two affirmative answers gets her shown the door out of the competition. Claire’s win was vacated and she lost the $25,000 prize money.

Project Runway recap episode 9, photo from Lifetime

It was somewhat shocking that both twins were eliminated back to back. Granted, their designs weren’t that exciting throughout the competition. At least with them gone, the annoyance level is way less. Plus, the competition is getting harder now. The show needs to focus on design as it gets to the end of the season. Starting with this episode, Project Runway can finally focus on design.

The remaining designers, including Batani who wasn’t eliminated because Claire was kicked off, must create an avantegarde look based on a Shopkins Shoppie character. Although little kids helped to spark some design inspiration, they won’t be wearing these outfits. Can you image an avant garde kid’s outfit? Thank goodness that drama didn’t happen.

Avant garde challenges are confusing. While these designs aren’t meant to be worn walking down the street, there needs to the some redeeming quality to them. Creativity is important, but creativity without a clear vision looks like a disaster. No one wants to see a mishmash of fabric walking down the runway.

Project Runway recap episode 9, photo from Lifetime

At the same time, avant garde designs can’t be boring. If the design lacks its moment (good or bad), how can that outfit be avant garde? Fashion should never be boring.

Amy’s look didn’t push the envelope. While it was stylish, it wouldn’t necessarily be avant garde. The shape and construction was well done, but it lacked the “wow” factor. It was drab. In this type of challenge, not remembering the design is worse than hating the design.

Project Runway recap episode 9, photo from Lifetime

Brandon relied on a typical style that has previously won him praise. The long, hanging strings and the oversized shape are part of his design aesthetic. But, this design wasn’t impressive to me. The color didn’t pop, nor did it really excite. Maybe since he’s shown a similar look, the design seemed familiar. If it’s familiar, can it be avant garde?

Margarita got back in her zone. Her avant garde design looked like a cloud floating down the runway. Even with various fabrics and textures, the design looked effortless and light. All the judges loved her look. Her design kept to her vision, yet pushed boundaries.

Michael was a huge surprise. His idea, from his Shopkins superfan, was a giant, sparkly disco ball. Truthfully, this jumpsuit could have gone horribly wrong. But, the outfit hugged his model’s body. It was divine.

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Ayanna’s look was definitely the most avant garde. She literally went big, actually huge. The giant, ruffled outfit with huge bow looked crazy. But, this type of design fit the challenge. Her look isn’t meant to be worn on the street. It’s fun, whimsical and creates a reaction. It was dramatic and effective.

Batani’s look was too confusing. The whole design didn’t seem intentional. It looked like a bunch of scraps thrown together. Maybe the shears accidentally cut off part of the dress? The whole looked like the Shopkins super fan designed it, not a fashion designer. There was no saving this outfit.

Since Project Runway is getting to the end of the season, the judges are getting tougher. If some of these designers are going to show at New York Fashion Week, the designs need to be inspiring and memorable. No one wants to see something from Old Navy in Bryant Park, right?

Truthfully, with all the other drama this season, a few of the designers have been able to slide through. This avant garde challenge created a big divide between designers. Those two on the bottom were noticeably shoddier than the top.

Project Runway recap episode 9, photo from Lifetime

The winning look was Michael’s melting disco ball look. The design was fun, innovative and memorable. If you could wear a giant disco ball out dancing, why not? Just think about the experience dancing the night away.

Unfortunately, Batani was the first one eliminated. Her look was just too confusing. But, she wasn’t the only one eliminated. Amy was sent home as well. Her look was boring. Drab is never a good adjective in fashion.

Next: Project Runway, fashion inspiration or design knock-off

No one expected a double elimination. Actually, three people were sent home on this Project Runway recap. Who would have guessed that ending?

But I’m left with one question. Who will get the Tim Gunn save this season? Will it happen next week? The next episode is an unconventional material challenge. Everyone knows that those challenges can be a real mess.

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