Project Runway All Stars season 6 episode 7 recap: Otherworldly designs

Drawing inspiration from the cosmos, Project Runway All Stars has the designers exploring avant-garde design. Or did the designers misfire?

Avant-garde challenges can be one of the best episodes of any Project Runway All Stars season. Usually, this challenge allows the designers to push their creativity to new levels. These designs aren’t mean to be seen walking down the street. But this Project Runway All Stars episode 7 recap had more fizzle than sonic boom.

Drawing their inspiration from the cosmos, the potential for this challenge was immense, just like space. Maybe the vastness confused the designers. Too many of these designers didn’t push the envelope. Even worst, a few of the designs bordered on obscene.

All season, people have been wondering why Merline keeps making it through week after week. Her technical mistakes have been many. Maybe, the judges wanted to see what she could do on an avant-garde challenge. Compared to the other designs, Merline’s white dress made sense in this challenge.

Project Runway All Stars episode 7 final look from Merline. Image via Lifetime.

While the dress had an elaborate structure, it seemed a little reminiscent of her previous looks. It looked more impressive in the white fabric. The layer shaped did create a visual impact, but it was still missing something.

With Merline earning a top score, the judges did warn her not to reproduce this look again next week. Merline does have a personal aesthetic, but needs to grow beyond that single look. Whether she can remains to be seen.

This week’s top design belonged to Stanley. Going into this challenge, I wouldn’t have guessed that Stanley would have a chance of winning. His elegant looks didn’t seem to necessarily translate to a high fashion, avant-garde look. Given these specific runway designs, though, his look was a top choice.

Project Runway All Stars episode 7 final look from Stanley. Image via Lifetime.

Stanley won not because his look was fashion forward, high fashion or inventive. He won because it was the best of the rest. Truthfully, this look had a few interesting elements, like the volume in the pants and the exaggerated bow. Still, these elements could easily be seen on a current red carpet outfit. In another season, this design probably wouldn’t be on top.

The bottom looks were very problematic. The judges had to choose between no clothes and bad clothes. Luckily, the bottom looks provided some fun watching when Joshua fought back during judging. After last week’s challenge win, Joshua thought he was on a roll. This week showed that he could go from top to bottom in an instant.

Joshua’s look had some interesting elements, but was very confusing. The melted glue overlay created a beautiful lace effect. Unfortunately, the fabric underneath was hideous. It looked like a ’70s style couch from grandma’s house.

Project Runway All Stars episode 7 final look from Joshua. Image via Lifetime.

The glue technique could have been a lovely addition to another look. It offered both a fragile yet heavy design element. Unfortunately, the rest of the design was just plain wrong.

The best part of the judging was Joshua’s snarky remarks to the judges. He slammed other designers’ plain, boring black dresses. He wouldn’t explain himself. Every question was met with a curt response. It was definitely a highlight of this episode.

The other bottom look was Kimberly’s design. First, the top was a one shoulder cape made of gold leather. It was Star Trek gone wrong. While red shirts always die, this designs needs to be zapped into oblivion. No one, not even in an avant-garde challenge, would want to wear this cape. The model looked like she was being strangled.

But the fashion don’t only continued. The model was wearing a sheer, studded dress over a body suit. Who would wear a sheer dress and body suit with a gold cape? The look had minimal or no design. No back story could save this look. Kimberly was sent home this week.

Honestly, this week’s Project Runway All Stars disappointed yet again. For a group of designers who have been on this show before, the designs are boring. While tacky isn’t a word that anyone wants to use for their outfit, those designs at least provoke a response. Throughout the season, the designs have been unmemorable, repetitive, commercial and just plain boring.

Granted, I couldn’t create any of these looks, but I’m not a designer. I, like many fans, watch these shows for inspiration. Maybe I can’t wear the exact look from the runway, but I can borrow an aspect from the design. Whether it is a color, shape or cut, viewers want to see something new.

The counterargument is that nothing is new in fashion. Ideas are recycled all the time. While that statement is valid, the old is new look still has something new. This season’s designs just seem tired.

Next: Torrid offers Project Runway capsule collection

What could next week’s episode hold? Judge Isaac Mizrahi is the fashion inspiration. Let’s hope the runway isn’t filled with recycled looks.