Project Runway All Stars review: Resort wear meets functional designs

Functional designs are more than just innovative elements. On this week’s Project Runway All Stars, resort wear is more than lounge wear.

Resort wear can also incorporate functional designs. This week, the designers of Project Runway All Stars needed to be innovative, yet prepared for any weather elements. Which designers were prepared for the quick change?

Even the best laid plans can meet some inclement weather. The premise of this week’s Project Runway All Stars episode had the designers add a transforming element to their resort wear. While the beginning “weather/designer” report was a little kitschy, the concept is based in real life. Who hasn’t needed a variety of clothing on that un-perfect vacation?

Looking at the combination of weather elements and climate, a few transitions were not designer friendly. For example, Dmitry had to go from sunny and warm to cold and snowy. While this combination is possible, can one garment really accomplish this transformation?

Also, looking at a few of the combinations, wind and rain seemed the most adaptable and most real. Who hasn’t gone to the beach and had the day get too windy or get rained out? An element of practicality can make this challenge appeal to the fashion fan or maybe inspire your clothes for the next vacation.

While this week’s design challenge was based on resort wear, the runway didn’t have a total resort wear vibe. Often that design label denotes bold colors, flowing fabrics and even vibrant prints.

With only six designers left, everyone received a critique from the judges. Truthfully, there is a definite line between the top two designers and the other four. Since this challenge had an innovative aspect, the designers who didn’t push themselves were in jeopardy of going home.

Clearly the top — and winning — designer was Michelle. She had to tackle wind and rain. Her idea of a skirt that turned into a jacket was pure genius. Any woman traveler would want this concept. Hopefully, it will start appearing on store shelves.

Designer Michelle’s final look for the tenth challenge of Project Runway All Stars, Season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

While the concept was amazing, the mixed patterns and color choices were bold. Although the mixed patterns worked together, it was a little on the edge of grandma floral. Given the innovation of the skirt/jacket, a different color scheme and print might have been a better choice. Still, Michelle was clearly the winner.

The other top design came from Irina. She incorporated innovation into her design, too. The tunic’s sleeves that served as a rain-proof wrap was smart. Who hasn’t wanted to be able to cover her head when a rain storm deluge hits?

Designer Irina’s final look for the tenth challenge of Project Runway All Stars, Season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

The judges praised her combination of textures and colors. Overall, the top was quite successful. Unfortunately, the fit on the pants was quite problematic.

Pants need to fit well, and these Project Runway All Stars designers should be able to make a well-fitted pant. Even though Irina’s look was supposed to be for Morocco, no one wants a camel reference when referring to pants.

The other four designers were technically in the bottom. The judges were quite divided on several designs. Overall, the word confusion seemed to sum up the spirit of these designs.

Anthony Ryan’s look was really retro. His reference to a ’80s puffy jumpsuit was clear, but part of the design wasn’t practical. Who would wear a one sleeved coat in a cold climate?

Designer Anthony Ryan’s final look for the tenth challenge of Project Runway All Stars, Season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

While the jacket reveal was smart, the dress underneath was blah. The hem looked unfinished. Overall, it was a little underwhelming. The model might have been better just leaving the jacket on. Still, Anthony Ryan was safe.

Dmitry’s look was equally as confusing. Truthfully, he had the hardest combination. It seems almost impossible to go from sunny heat to cold snow in a single outfit. Of course, the model would have to “carry” a coat.

Designer Dmitry’s final look for the tenth challenge of Project Runway All Stars, Season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

This decision to carry a coat didn’t really apply to the transforming aspect of the challenge. Putting on a coat doesn’t transform a design. It adds to the look, though.

More concerning was the dress and coat. The dress looked similar to everything that Dmitry has shown this season: a European peasant style dress. Also, the arms on the coat looked like the model had T-rex arms. The proportions were very wrong. However, Dmitry was safe.

The bottom two designers were Biddell and Christina. Both of these looks lacked inspiration. One was repetitive and boring. The other was confusing. Overall, both of these designs deserved to be in the bottom.

Christina’s look was okay, but it didn’t adhere to the challenge. The fabric on the caftan was beautiful, although it was a little Gucci-esque. It moved wonderfully on the runway, but it didn’t transform. Wrapping a tie around the waist isn’t a transforming element.

Designer Christina’s final look for the tenth challenge of Project Runway All Stars, Season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

Additionally, the bathing suit underneath was a little off. It wasn’t vulgar or in bad taste. The design was just boring. She really needed more everything.

After winning last week’s gender neutral challenge, the judges were confused by this week’s design. Christina didn’t represent her aesthetic or point of view in this resort wear look. It was just a generic design, which will not win Project Runway All Stars.

Biddell’s look was Miami Art Deco gone wrong. While the color story fit the locale, the design was quite confusing. The jumpsuit covering the bathing suit didn’t seem to fit the challenge.

Designer Christina’s final look for the tenth challenge of Project Runway All Stars, Season 7.

Photo by Barbara Nitke

The biggest positive from Biddell’s look was that he changed his bathing suit. The sporty version was a huge improvement over the almost non-existent, super sexy version. That bathing suit was just plain wrong.

Still, the jumpsuit was problematic. Again, untying some sleeves and zipping up a jumpsuit isn’t a transformation. It is putting on clothes. Biddell’s look was uninspired.

The designer sent home on this week’s episode of Project Runway All Stars was Christina. Since the judges can’t get a handle on her design aesthetic, it was time for her to be eliminated.

With only one international designer left, is this season really a worldwide competition? The international designers haven’t really proved themselves. It is looking more and more likely that the finale will be an all-American event.

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What did you think of this resort wear at incorporated functional designs? Could something similar end up in your suitcase for your next vacation?

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