Project Runway All Stars recap: Are unconventional materials runway ready?

The designers had to juggle many balls this week. In this week’s Project Runway All Stars, the unconventional materials challenge had one designer bouncing off the walls.

Would you wear a ball gown made from actual balls? That premises is the theme for this week’s Project Runway All Stars. The unconventional materials challenge is always a fun episode. The designers must see beyond the round, bouncing balls and envision a magnificent gown. But were the designers blinded by the neon rainbow?

All of the designers are creative in their own right. Throwing in non-traditional materials can make even the best designer flounder. The most interesting aspect to this week’s episode is how the designers seemed to pick different themes. A couple designers had all-gold looks, a few designers had rainbow patterns, and other designers had a kaleidoscope bright color.

Even though this challenge wasn’t a head to head challenge, the similarities between gowns would automatically draw comparisons. Putting two all-gold looks side by side, the judges are going to compare the two. Is one sleek? Was one made poorly? Would any person be caught dead wearing that gold gown?

Given the unconventional materials, the designers did have some thoughtful designs. While the neon bright and gold color palettes may not be everyone’s personal taste (definitely not mine), the runway was quite colorful.

Looking at all the designs, the difference between the top designs and the bottom designs is pretty stark. Granted, nothing fell apart walking down the runway. Then again, maybe a few of the designers might have better if something had fallen off the look.

Project Runway All Stars recap, Fabio photo from Lifetime

Fabio’s look, a judges’ top choice, looked like a modern gladiator. The all-gold look was almost a piece of jewelry or a modernized Oscars statue. The model looked good in the dress’ shape. It was as if a warrior princess was walking the runway. Fabio smartly used the unconventional materials.

Kimberly’s look had movement, which was unique. She created a different silhouette for the dress. While her look at some issues, she stood out because it was different. The biggest concern was that her look was quite bare. If the model wasn’t a size 0, the dress may not have covered her body.

Project Runway All Stars recap, Stanley photo from Lifetime

Stanley’s dress was very chic, old-school glamour look. Again, his look stood out because it was different from the other gowns. While it had some movement, the color palette, shape and sophistication impressed the judges.

The bottom looks were quite disappointing. Amanda was in the bottom for the first time. As she was designing, she said that her look might reference an acid trip. The neon colors, multiple textures and ill fit was definitely out there. While she had a long dress, it wasn’t really a gown or elevated.

Candace knew she was in trouble way before the runaway started. Throwing together a skirt at the last minute ensured that her model didn’t walk the runway naked. Still, the skirt looked like a deflated ball. The model had a big, sagging butt. No one wants a saggy butt.

Project Runway All Stars recap, Helen photo from Lifetime

Helen’s gown was also disappointing. While the blue colors were pretty, the dress was boring. It was a simple shape, too basic and definitely not fashion forward. This is the unconventional challenge. Even with crazy materials, these designs should, and can, do more.

The biggest runway issue was Helen’s attitude. Throwing shade on the rest of the designers for hot gluing materials to muslin is wrong. Creating a textile out of plastic balls wasn’t the purpose of this challenge. The purpose was to design an innovative, thoughtful, creative gown.

Calling out other designers on the runway only made Helen look bad. Deflecting towards others only causes more criticism towards the lack of design in her outfit. If she was proud of what she accomplished, take the heat and defend the look. Don’t throw other people under the bus.

It was clear that the two top designers were Fabio and Stanley. The winner was Stanley. His look was chic, even if he did hot glue the unconventional materials to muslin. Truthfully, this unconventional materials challenge was about design. Stanley’s design was the best.

The bottom two designers were Candice and Helen. Helen’s look was boring, although made well. Even with all the behind the runway drama, Helen can do better. She was safe.

Project Runway All Stars recap, Candace photo from Lifetime

Candice was sent home. She knew that her neon top with a bubble skirt had issues. The design was very overworked and not flattering. Also, the one-shoulder look was a little dated. No one wants to wear a dated look with a saggy butt, even if it is made out of balls.

While Project Runway All Stars has several episodes remaining, this season seems lacking. Putting aside designer drama, which is a Project Runway staple, the looks are bland. So far, the looks aren’t really fashion forward, controversial or even horrible. When the designs fall into the middle, this type of show suffers.

As a Project Runway All Stars fan, designs that are just okay don’t make people watch the show. The horrible designs that are disasters and the amazing designs that are breathtaking make these types of shows. If people can see something similar in a magazine, why watch the show?

Next: Project Runway All Stars, food inspired design

Hopefully, in the next couple of episodes, the Project Runway All Stars can get a little more exciting. Drama in the workroom isn’t the reason people watch the show. Drama on the runway is more important.