Project Runway All Stars review: Flying the unconventional skies

This week, Project Runway All Stars featured everyone’s favorite episode of any Project Runway season: the unconventional materials challenge.

Project Runway All Stars made its theme obvious from the start with the designers dreaming of a getaway from the Project Runway workroom. As they enter the Southwest Airlines plane, the speculation begins. Could surf, sand, snow, or sun be in their future? Unfortunately, flying the unconventional skies never quite gets airborne.

For many fans, the unconventional challenge episode is always a favorite. When a designer can take non-fabric and transform that material into a fabulous look, it is quite impressive. Since this season of Project Runway All Stars is made up of previous winners, this challenge should be quite impressive. In some cases, the designs flew high … and others needed to stay home.

Since Southwest Airlines is one of the sponsors this season, the materials were sourced from the airline. From coffee cups to seat belts to reflectors, the designers had a myriad of options. Additionally, the designers created accessories made from the airline’s repurposed leather seats.

This idea of upcycling should have been highlighted more. Kudos to Southwest Airlines and their upcycled, affordable leather accessories. The fashion industry has a huge problem with waste, so this trending topic could have been given a higher priority.

Of course, Project Runway fans watch each episode to see fashion, not to get a lecture. This week’s look was to inspire a modern day, glamorous travel design. Looking at all of the designs, the practicality of these designs was missing. Would any woman really wear one of these looks on a plane? Can you imagine going through the TSA with a dress that barely covers your bum?

With so many designers currently in the running, many looks only got a quick glance. One design that should have been a top design, but wasn’t, was Anya’s dress. Made from paper, she created a beautiful textile/pattern. This look took a lot of care.

Designer Anya Ayoung-Chee’s final design for the third challenge of Project Runway All Stars season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Copyright 2019

Although the shape of the dress wasn’t necessarily innovative, it did have great movement and presence on the runway. Additionally, the color from the pattern was astounding. This dress showed the great eye that Anya has.

Given the large amount of designers currently in the competition, Project Runway fans could guess a few of the top and bottom designers. After the middle was dismissed, the top designers were Michelle, Irina, and Jasper. The bottom designers were Seth Aaron, Sean, and Juli.

Out of the top three looks, Irina’s design was the most unusual. Using coffee cups that had been spray painted, the designed looked like Judy Jetson meets someone from the Capitol of the Hunger Games. The circular patterns and red color had a futuristic vibe, but still felt slightly retro.

Designer Irina Shabayeva’s final design for the third challenge of Project Runway All Stars, season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Copyright 2019

The judges adored this look. The comments were “mod, yet modern.” After last week’s princess prostitute comments about her look, it was a huge comeback.

Michelle’s look was easily the dress that didn’t scream unconventional materials. Looking like expensive embroidery, the reflectors made the dress stand out. The bright red color really popped on the runway. The dress was sleek, festive, and possessed a lot of energy.

Designer Michelle Lesniak’s final design for the third challenge of Project Runway All Stars season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Copyright 2019

Jasper had the other top look. Made from air sickness bags, this dress was impeccable. From the ombré effect to the smart belt, this design was very polished and finished. Although the judges criticized the classic silhouette, it was a wonderful design.

Designer Jasper Garvida’s final design for the third challenge of Project Runway All Stars, season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Copyright 2019

The winning design was Irina’s mod/modern look. Although it was creative, this look was an unusual choice for the win. Maybe it was the accessory pairing pushed her to the top.

The bottom looks were very confusing. This season of Project Runway All Stars has a difficult situation. With all the designers being winners, boring won’t cut it. Additionally, poor design can’t be overlooked. But, the question remains: is boring worse than poor design?

Looking at the bottom looks in this episode, the bottom designs were quite confusing. One look was absurd. Another look was boring. And, the last look was beyond confusing.

Juli committed the biggest Project Runway mistake. Her look was nice, which is a better way of saying boring. Made from sick bags and straps, the look was acceptable, but lacked creativity. She definitely didn’t push the envelope. Granted, her aesthetic might be more classic, but that’s no excuse.

Designer Juli Grbac’s final design for the third challenge of Project Runway All Stars season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Copyright 2019

Sean’s look used aviator glasses. The size and length of the dress was unresolved. It needed more time to become a “real” look. The judges commented that this look didn’t reflect the caliber of his normal designs. Personally, it was nice to see a look from him that didn’t have fringe.

Designer Sean Kelly’s final design for the third challenge of Project Runway All Stars, season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Copyright 2019

Seth Aaron’s look took a wrong turn from the first stitch. Made from seat belts, the dress had many issues. One of the judges commented that it looked like a reluctant dominatrix. That type of design should never walk on Project Runway.

Designer Seth Aaron Henderson’s final design for the third challenge of Project Runway All Stars season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Copyright 2019

The biggest commentary from the judges was that these looks, specifically Seth Aaron’s, needed a sense of wit. The unconventional challenge needs to be slightly cheeky. The designs aren’t necessarily wearable, but they need to compel people to think or cause a reaction. For the bottom looks, that aspect was missing.

The designer sent home was Seth Aaron. His look caused more people to shield their eyes from the runway. Even a bad design can have saving grace, but this design needs to be upcycled again.

Did the judges get it right in this episode of Project Runway All Stars review? Did this episode live up to previous unconventional material challenges?