PROJECT RUNWAY — “Elegance Is the New Black” Episode 1707 — Pictured: Models — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)
In this Project Runway review, the designers must think beyond the obvious choice for elegance. Who found a way to use restraint creatively?
In this week’s Project Runway episode a few twists came into play. First, this week is another Flash Sale challenge. While this twist is great for fans, it seems to impact the top and bottom looks. In some ways, these episodes are more about the sale-ability than pushing fashion forward.
Second, in this episode, the designers had individual inspirations. Each bag has a special item inside it (just like Brandon Maxwell used in a recent collection). Some designers used the inspiration well and others seem to have a little confusion. Still, it was nice to see a more individually tailored challenge.
As the episode opens, a few key points needed to drive the designers’ looks. Elegance is not just a gown. Nor, is elegance boring or dated. In a way, the look gives the woman a confidence in a modern, luxurious way.
In previous episodes, a few designers have had problems with restraint. Too many ideas pushed into a single look. Lastly, the designers need to work within the parameters of the challenge.
Additionally, Tessa got a lecture about working with a curvy model. Voicing her concern was not necessarily a smart choice. Brendan Maxwell made a comment that it is a designer’s job to make a woman feel confident. Any woman, any size, period. While the commentary was a little harsh, it was a good reminder to all the designers. Designs should celebrate the woman, not make her feel inadequate.
In a way, the “safe” designers were safe because they didn’t go beyond their particular design aesthetic. Garo made a corset. Tessa made separates. Sebastian made a very feminine dress. The designs were nice but didn’t push the boundaries.
For the top and bottom designers, it was another commentary of balance between creativity and boring. While finishing is said to be important, the judges continue to celebrate the designers who were willing to push the boundary. Truthfully, boring is not the new elegance.
Project Runway’s top looks this week
Looking at the top three designs, these three looks were slightly surprising. Lela, Venny and Jamal had very different approaches to elegance. While all three looks were impressive, only one choose to push the modernity in an elegant look.
PROJECT RUNWAY — “Elegance Is the New Black” Episode 1707 — Pictured: Designed by Lela Orr — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)
Lela’s design had a wonderful runway impact. The graphic element from the lines in the corset dress gave a wow factor on the runway. While the white fabric on the shoulder was controversial (Nina called it toilet paper), it did add a little drama.
Unfortunately, up close, the gown was unfinished. The lines were a little sloppy. It was like the red carpet gowns that look great in photos but are just ok up close. Lela was safe.
PROJECT RUNWAY — “Elegance Is the New Black” Episode 1707 — Pictured: Designed by Venny Etienne — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)
Venny’s look had a bold color. He was able to show restraint in this look. The fit was lovely. While it might not need the extra fabric strap, it was gorgeous.
Most important with this look was that Venny made his woman feel confident. You could tell that she loved how she looked and worked it.
The last top look was Jamal’s design. This look was a total departure from his previous looks. It seemed like he found the perfect balance between feminine and masculine.
PROJECT RUNWAY — “Elegance Is the New Black” Episode 1707 — Pictured: Designed by Jamall Osterholm — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)
The choice of bold, almost man’s, fabric contrasting the draping was amazing. Even the manipulation of the fabric, using both sides, was smart. He took a risk and it was so right.
Jamal won this week’s Project Runway episode. He receives immunity for the next episode.
Project Runway’s bottom looks this week
In a surprising twist, last week’s winner, Hester, was in the bottom. While she had immunity, it was a given that she wouldn’t be eliminated, but her look was so bad.
While Hester deserves credit to be super creative when she has immunity, this look was so wrong on many levels. Most women would not wear pasties on the runway. More importantly it had poor construction.
PROJECT RUNWAY — “Elegance Is the New Black” Episode 1707 — Pictured: Designed by Hester Sunshine — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)
Still, the judges seem to be enthralled with Hester. Even with this bad look, she didn’t get overly criticized. Her creative point of view is still celebrated.
The other two bottom looks were on opposite ends. Sonya’s look was very well made. The dress was a classic gown that fit her model well. Unfortunately, it was criticized because it wasn’t modern, new or fresh.
PROJECT RUNWAY — “Elegance Is the New Black” Episode 1707 — Pictured: Designed by Sonia Kasparian — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)
This criticism was a little harsh as a fan watching at home. Many women might love to wear that gown. Sure, the sash was strange, but it was a lovely, timeless gown.
While this look wasn’t necessarily the entire design that she intended, Sonya deserves credit for not putting an unfinished kimono down the runway. Still, her look didn’t push the conversation forward.
Bishme’s look didn’t heed the warning from the beginning of this episode. There was no restraint in his look. From the bold, print fabric to the unresolved skirt, this look was a disaster.
PROJECT RUNWAY — “Elegance Is the New Black” Episode 1707 — Pictured: Designed by Bishme Cromartie — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)
Still, Bishme did create a beautifully draped blouse. The lines and movement of the blouse was impressive. Unfortunately, the bold print didn’t highlight the draping.
The designer sent home on this week’s Project Runway episode was Sonya. The judges believed that her look wasn’t modern and didn’t push the idea of elegance forward. It was too safe and slightly boring.
This decision should be a warning to the designers going forward. It is better to swing for the fences and try than just do something expected. Wonder what will happen in next week’s episode?
What did you think of the judges’ decision? More importantly, which look got your look on this week’s Project Runway Flash Sale?