Project Runway review: Are head to toe prints really editorial?

In this week’s Project Runway review, head to toe prints strutted down the runway. Were these designs pushing the editorial envelope?

Head to toe prints have become a fashion trend. While mixing prints has always been a Project Runway favorite, the all-encompassing print look can be a little more difficult. Although this challenge was supposed to be editorial, did any designer really push the design envelope?

This season of Project Runway is trying to be more on trend, edgy, and pop culture forward. Since the show revamped with a new host, mentor and look, the directional change was expected. Still, the first couple of episodes seem to be trying really hard.

While this show is a reality competition, the fashion needs to be the focus. Even though the early episodes have so many designers, a little more screen time for the looks and the creation of those looks might be warranted. Personally, some viewers aren’t interested in dirty dishes and snide remarks.

For this week’s head to toe prints looks, the designers needed to incorporate styling. While picking the right accessories can make or break a look, this week’s emphasis on styling was even more important. The designers not only needed to make an impeccable outfit, they needed to make a runway statement through the right styling.

Since this week is only the third episode, many, many designers were brushed over. Some of the “safe” looks were as interesting (or better) than the top three choices. Designs from Venny and Renee were definitely runway worthy. It is curious that the judges passed over these looks. Maybe it was because they weren’t overly out of the box.

Looking at the top three designers, it was obvious that Sebastian was going to be a top choice again. Beyond his look being impeccably made, the thought into the design is impressive. Through innovative technique, he was able to transform the print into something more. It was almost like having two prints in one.

PROJECT RUNWAY — Episode 1703 — Pictured: Designed by Sebastian Grey — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

Staring at this look, it seems to evolve; one minute, it’s revealing something edgy, and the next minute something more sophisticated. Given that Sebastian had immunity, he was sending a message to all the other designers. He is here to stake his claim on the title.

The other top two designers were a little more controversial. Kovid’s bold — very bold — print was somewhat jarring to the eyes. Putting aside the mask accessory, this look instantly made the judges take notice.

PROJECT RUNWAY — Episode 1703 — Pictured: Designed by Kovid Kapoor — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

It seems that Kovid was rewarded for his bold print choice. While there were interesting techniques in the design, the styling and fabric choices seemed to give him a top finish.

Lastly, Hester was a top choice. Her design was definitely a reflection of her personality. The print, almost like a picnic tablecloth, was playful.

PROJECT RUNWAY — Episode 1703 — Pictured: Designed by Hester Sunshine — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

The judges described her look as joyous yet wearable. That description is somewhat confusing for this challenge. As an editorial challenge, were these looks supposed to be wearable? Isn’t that the opposite of editorial?

Winning the Project Runway episode 3 challenge was Hester. She was rewarded because she expressed her personal design aesthetic. Basically, her look was her walking down the runway. While this idea had validity, is that concept what Project Runway should base a “winning” look on?

The bottom three designers were rather obvious. If fans couldn’t pick out the bottom three looks, they haven’t been watching Project Runway long enough.

Rakan’s look was extremely confusing. While he tried to create volume through draping and elastic placements, the jumpsuit looked like a hot mess. It was described as a cat getting tangled in the drapes.

PROJECT RUNWAY — Episode 1703 — Pictured: Designed by Rakan Aldeen — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

Truthfully, his problems started with the fabric choice. His fabric wasn’t really a print. It was drab and definitely old-looking. Making that head to toe print edgy or modern would be a miracle.

The pants on Rakan’s jumpsuit reminded me of guys who tuck their pant leg into their shoes when riding a bike to work. It seems unlikely that any fashion forward woman would want to be known for that image.

Another obvious bottom design was Garo’s jumpsuit. Did anyone else see a nod to prison stripes? While he tried to had some lightness with the bright pink color, the look was just wrong.

PROJECT RUNWAY — Episode 1703 — Pictured: Designed by Garo Sparo — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

Plus, trying to line up those stripes in the given timeframe was almost impossible. Certain seams should never, ever happen. No one needs an arrow or “v” visual. A little editing would have helped this look immensely.

The final bottom look was from Nadine. This look was doomed from the moment this challenge started. The negative comments about her model and adapting her look to accommodate her size were wrong. Deflecting blame is never, ever a good look.

PROJECT RUNWAY — Episode 1703 — Pictured: Designed by Nadine Ralliford — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

Her design had several flaws. From the below the knee fitted pant to the incorrect placement of volume, this look should have been totally overhauled. It was a walking disaster.

What sealed Nadine’s fate was her negative attitude. On the runway, she made disparaging remarks about her model. She rebuffed the judges’ remarks. Basically, she was asking to go home.

The designer eliminated from this week’s Project Runway episode was Nadine. Given her poor attitude, it is probably best that she was eliminated.

Still, a major question went unanswered in this week’s episode. Where was the “editorial” aspect? These designs were supposed to be out of the box, over the top, and pushing the envelope.

Overall, the outfits tended to be more wearable than editorial. Even the judges’ comments on Hester’s winning look was that “we could wear pieces” of that outfit. Isn’t editorial supposed to be for the visual, not the wearable factor?

While the concept of head to toe prints might have started as editorial, it has been adapted into wearable designs. Where was the big, bold statement on the runway? Somehow, it appears that all the designers pulled back a little too much in this challenge.

Hopefully, next week’s episode will bring something more exciting. The always popular unconventional challenge is next week’s episode. Will chaos ensue in the woods?

What did you think of this week’s Project Runway episode? Did anyone really produce head to toe prints worthy of an editorial spread?