Project Runway season 16 episode 12 recap: Winter wonderland is a frozen fantasy
Only four designers will show at New York Fashion Week. This week’s Project Runway recap was a frozen farce, not a winter wonderland.
One challenge remained before the chance to show a collection on New York Fashion Week. After last week’s Tim Gunn save, everyone was expecting a huge showing following the Project Runway twist. But, the winter wonderland inspired episode was more frozen tundra. Was the pressure too much on this Project Runway recap, or have the designers just gone cold?
Anyone who lives or has lived in a cold climate knows that there are cute cold weather clothes and practical cold weather clothes. The puffy coat isn’t high fashion, but when it is 10 degrees below zero, you want the big puffy coat.
The premise of this challenge isn’t practical. These winter clothes are meant for fashion magazines and Instagram photos, not the real world.
Project Runway recap: Winter wonderland is a frozen fantasy, photo from Lifetime
Still, I would love to have seen something that could be translated into a practical winter look on Project Runway. Let’s be honest, would anyone really wear an entire dress made out of fake fur? I love you Margarita, but I don’t think that the cavewoman fur look is practical.
For the past couple of episodes, Brandon could do no wrong. But, each of his looks are becoming repetitive. The cropped tops with saggy pants in muted colors are shown week after week. Even though I don’t understand those looks, the judges love each and every one. Maybe these looks will end up at Nordstrom’s or Macy’s, but I doubt that these clothes are meant for my demographic.
Project Runway season 16, episode 12 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Before this episode even started, everyone knew that Brandon would be moving onto New York Fashion Week. Unless Brandon sent a naked model down the runway, his place was a guarantee. Then again, if he sent a bed sheet down the runway he would probably still have moved onto the finale. Yes, Brandon could do no wrong. I don’t get his looks, but everyone else loves them.
This Project Runway challenge is about runway fashion, not real world. No one wears cropped pants on a snowy day. Nor do you wear a half top. But, sometimes you can pull an idea or a piece of a high fashion look into the real world. There were a few items that would look fabulous in any woman’s closet.
Project Runway season 16, episode 12 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
While I may not always agree with the judges, I loved Margarita’s coat. The neutral camel lined with a lovely blue was classic yet fashionable. It looked luscious and would work with almost any outfit. If that coat was in a store, I would buy it in a heartbeat. The fur dress wouldn’t be in my closet. I’m not anti-fur, but I don’t have the strong personality to pull that look off.
Project Runway season 16, episode 12 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Kenya’s coat would also be a great addition to any woman’s closet. Everyone has a black and camel colored coat. This bold plaid print is almost a neutral. There was a retro feel yet it was still modern. Kenya’s coat was one of her best looks.
Unfortunately, Kenya’s coat didn’t match the outfit underneath. The designs competed against each other. The juxtaposition didn’t work. If she could have matched the outfit to the coat better, the look could have been a home run.
Project Runway season 16, episode 12 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Ayana made a good coat. The color and design was a great choice. But, the look underneath reminded me of a clown outfit. Yes, I had to think long and hard about where I had seen that look before, but is that reference a good one? Of course, fashion should make you think and react. Fashion should never be boring. But, if I’m recalling an outfit from the Broadway musical Pippin, is that the reference that you were wanting? Maybe it was just the hat, pants and pattern.
Project Runway season 16, episode 12 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Kentaro’s outfit was divine. The single neutral color was fabulous. His model looked like a modern winter samurai. The intricate wrapped coat was innovative yet cool. While not everyone could wear this subtle, yet luxurious look, it was quite stunning.
Even with the impressive looks and the questionable designs, the journey isn’t over for the designers. This whole Project Runway season 16 has been filled with twists and turns. This Project Runway recap was no different.
The judges didn’t announce a winner for this winter high fashion episode. Heidi announced each designer who would show at New York Fashion Week. Which designers moved on?
Project Runway season 16, episode 12 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
If you didn’t guess already, Brandon and Kentaro moved forward. While both men have a similar atheistic, it was a given that these two designers would show at New York Fashion Week. Let’s hope that the “brothers” learn to separate themselves into different looks.
Ayana moved forward as well. Her perspective is different and the judges seem to like her designs. I still can’t get the Broadway clown/circus reference from this week’s look, but it did cause me to think. Again, I can’t judge everything based on what I would or would not wear.
The bottom two designers were Margarita and Kenya. Both designers had high points and low points this week. But, which designer would be sent home?
For the second week in a row, no one was eliminated. Did you see that twist coming? Right now, all five designers get to create a 10-piece collection for New York Fashion Week. But just because the designers design a collection, it doesn’t mean that they will show that collection. More eliminations are to come.
Based on this Project Runway recap, anyone could still win the title. Maybe as the judges step back from Brandon’s designs, they will become less impressed. Margarita could come up with something flirty, girly and totally on point. Kentaro could become a design ninja. It is still anyone’s title to win.
Next: Project Runway woman warriors recap
What will happen on this season of Project Runway? Who knows? Project Runway season 16 has been unlike any other season. It is definitely not sweet 16. This season could be considered the bad teenage years with the constant mood swings. But the constant ups and downs keeps me watching.
Are you ready for the two part finale? As the season comes to a close, can you predict the winner? You will have to tune in or come back and read our next Project Runway recap.