Project Runway season 16 finale part 1 recap: Flamingo fabric is fashion?
As Project Runway season 16 concludes, the finale is both a celebration and disappointment for the remaining designers, with only some making the finals.
After having a moment of elation, the final five designers have their bubble burst. Heidi informs the designers that they all will complete a 10-piece collection, but only three designers are guaranteed a spot in New York Fashion Week as Project Runway finalists. As the designers head home, no one is quite sure what will happen.
As Tim checks in with the designers, the themes from the season seem to have carried over into the 10 piece collections. It seems that the designers are forgetting that Project Runway is a competition. While each designer needs to believe in their aesthetic, they need to appeal to the judges.
The key to showing at New York Fashion Week isn’t talent, styling or design. Each designer has all these qualities. Moving on required a keen eye. Since each designer could only show two looks, those looks had to convey everything. If the two looks weren’t absolutely fabulous, the designer’s dream might end before the finish line.
Still, the biggest lesson learned on Project Runway season 16 is that nothing ever goes as planned. For example, should the designers show their biggest wow looks? Or, should they show two looks that are a teaser for what an entire collection could be? But, ould their story save their chance at New York Fashion Week?
Even before the five designers showed their looks, everyone could have guessed that Brandon would move one onto New York Fashion Week. Looking at his two looks, Brandon had very similar designs to ones shown throughout Project Runway season 16. The biggest difference was the print and color.
Project Runway season 16 episode 13 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Granted, Project Runway isn’t the real world. Still, would a regular woman where a flamingo print? Maybe if that print was in Florida on a pool towel, I would be happy to have it in my closet. I just don’t get Brandon and his clothes. Apparently, the judges think that his looks are fashion forward and fabulous. Maybe next year, I will have a flamingo outfit in my closet.
Also, Brandon’s designs are hard to wear for a real woman. The layered, multi-length outfits might be fashion forward, but would a normal person get the “fashion?” If you saw that woman on the subway, would you wonder if she got dressed in the dark? Then again, maybe my perspective is just not trendy.
Project Runway season 16 episode 13 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
The other designer that was a given was Ayana. Her story and look is different from the other designers. Like in previous seasons, Project Runway needs something topical. Ayana’s modest designs are that topical item.
Ayana has a great story behind her clothes. Truthfully, the two looks shown didn’t even look like modest clothes. The looks would appeal to any woman.
But the judges didn’t see Ayana’s other looks. These two designs were more ready to wear. The color palette was nice and the pants were amazing. Her other looks might be more confusing. But everyone will have to wait and see.
Project Runway season 16 episode 13 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
The remaining spot was left for one of Margarita, Kenya and Kentaro. Truthfully, no one had a horrible look. Yes, these three designers had some issues, but nothing would make people hang their head in shame.
Margarita brought a large amount of exuberance to the runway. Her bright, bold print was full of happiness and light. Granted, few people could wear such a bold, sparkly print from head to toe. Still the looks had a sense of happiness. Who doesn’t want to feel good about her clothes?
Although the judges warned Margarita about her looks being a little too Miami, Margarita will show at New York Fashion Week. She does need to add a little New York chic vibe to the bright, bold prints. Hopefully, she can pull off the transformation.
Project Runway season 16 episode 13 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
The bottom two designers were Kentaro and Kenya. Kenya had clothes that a woman would want to wear. Her clothes celebrate a woman’s curves. You could see that the models felt good about themselves as they walked down the runway.
Unfortunately, the judges didn’t see a clear point of view or story behind her clothes. You could see that Kenya seemed to doubt herself. The looks needed to be more polished in the styling for the judges to see a clearer vision.
Kentaro also suffered from self-doubt. While he has moments of greatness, his looks seemed disjointed. The same hairstyle and makeup does not make a collection cohesive. His beige dress evoked his musical inspiration. But, the white look had some major clunky notes.
Project Runway season 16 episode 13 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
The judges decided to send Kenya home. Truthfully, I think that it was the wrong decision. I would have preferred to see Ayana, Margarita, Kentaro and Kenya show at New York Fashion Week. I don’t mean to harp on Brandon’s looks, but they’re repetitive. Plus, Brandon is getting a little overconfident. No one likes a show off.
Next week’s episode will finally crown a winner of Project Runway season 16. It would be amazing if there was some huge upset. Truthfully, Kentaro could do it. When he is focused, his designs are ethereal. Still, everyone will have to wait and watch.
Truthfully, the biggest thing to remember with the Project Runway finale is that the designers are putting on a fashion show. There is an entertainment value to the looks that walk the runway. The clothes need to cause a reaction, good or bad. Even uncertainty for what will come next is a good thing. But no one wants to be labeled as just nice.
Next: Why Jodie Whittaker's Doctor Who costume matters
With the Project Runway finale part 1 completed, New York Fashion Week is the last hurdle. Is the winner a forgone conclusion? Come back next week to find out.