Project Runway review: Rocketman inspired looks take center stage

Ready to be dazzled? In this Project Runway review, the designers created looks that were ready for center stage and the spotlight.

Which designers were still standing at the end of this week’s Project Runway? With Elton John, his stage fashions and the upcoming movie Rocketman serving as inspiration, this week’s designs were definitely over the top, outrageous and out of this world.

Throughout Project Runway season 17, the designers have gone from making body modification inspired looks to head to toe prints and even found their way back to a refined elegance. This week’s episode put traditional, wearable fashion on the back burner. This week was all about the fashion performance.

While avant garde looks are common on Project Runway, stage outfits are not. Often designers can be criticized for being too “costumey.” This week, the designers had their glue guns ready. From feathers to bling, these looks were definitely a strong statement, both amazing and disappointing.

Since this task was rather overwhelming, the designers got some help from previously eliminated designers. For the most part, the “helping” designers were there to serve. In some instances, the “helper” wanted to push their ideas and contributions.

This dynamic caused some tension. In cases like Sonya and Garo, Sonya’s comments seemed a little petty or almost bitter that she still isn’t in the competition. As for Nadine, Venny might have benefited from listening to her commentary. Sometimes a critical eye, even an overly critical eye, can be beneficial.

Even before the designs walked the runway, it was clear that Garo was going to be a top designer. He has made stage designs previously. While still keeping with his corset aesthetic, he was able to create an impeccable look for this challenge.

PROJECT RUNWAY — ?The Stitch is Back? Episode 1709 — Pictured: Designed by Garo Sparo — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

His look was a complete concept from head to toe. From flames on the boots to bedazzled everything, this design had a stage moment. Whether the opening number or the final song, any performer could rock this design.

In a slightly different twist, Bishme had a top look. While his design had a hint of the outrageous, the look was extremely well tailored and, in a way, different from the other designs. The denim jumpsuit with fitted t-shirt had a very 70s vibe but still retained a sense of freshness.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Stitch is Back” Episode 1709 — Pictured: Designed by Bishme Cromartie — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

Looking at this design, it was clearly inspired by Elton John’s ’70s ensembles. While not necessarily as outrageous as Garo’s look, it shined because of the little details. The expertly tailored pant was a stand out.

Still, it was clear that this challenge was Garo’s to win. While Bishme gave him a run for his money, Garo deserved this moment.

A couple of other moments were a little surprising. Jamall was a top look. While his design was definitely over the top, it was curious that it was a top choice. The feel was very modern, which didn’t fit the challenge.

PROJECT RUNWAY — ?The Stitch is Back? Episode 1709 — Pictured: Designed by Jamall Osterholm — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

The idea was to create a look in a 70s/80s vibe. While the animal print worked, the puffer coat/gender-less look was far removed from the inspired decades.

Also, this week finally marked the end of immunity. Garo will not have immunity in next week’s challenge and, in a way, that is a very good thing.

This week, like previous weeks, Hester’s look should have earned her a bottom spot. She sent a turkey down the runway. While the immunity gave the designers some creative license, the immune looks were often a disaster. Even Brandon Maxwell commented on it.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Stitch is Back” Episode 1709 — Pictured: Designed by Hester Sunshine — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

The three bottom looks were just overly confusing. First, Tessa forgot to turn up the volume with her look. This design wasn’t stage fashion, but it was a strange ’70s daytime look.

Part of Project Runway is asking the designers to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. It doesn’t matter if Tessa would never use rhinestones in her normal design aesthetic. This competition wants the designers to think and execute in various situations. If it was the best designs from your collection, the competition would have been done in week one.

PROJECT RUNWAY — ?The Stitch is Back? Episode 1709 — Pictured: Designed by Tessa Clark — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

Also, the judges are getting frustrated with Tessa. The unfinished hems shouldn’t be a signature style. If Tessa doesn’t start fighting to be in the competition and showing the judges more, she could be on her way out.

The other bottom two looks were quite astonishing. Lela and Venny totally missed the mark in this week’s challenge. If these looks appeared on stage or screen, people might need to hide their eyes.

Venny should have listened to Nadine. The mermaid tail pants were a mess. Someone should have taken scissors to them. Did anyone else keep wondering when the model was going to trip on the runway? The reference to toilet paper stuck on a shoe summed it all up.

PROJECT RUNWAY — ?The Stitch is Back? Episode 1709 — Pictured: Designed by Venny Etienne — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

While this week’s challenge was an over the top look, Venny’s look still had too much going on. From poorly executed feathers to looking cheap, this design had a poor taste level.

Sometimes Venny has a problem with execution. Some aspects of this look just were wrong. Even if he had the right length on the pants, the jacket was ill fitting and the feathers’ placement was odd. Overall, this look definitely deserved to be in the bottom.

The other designer up for elimination was Lela. Her look was rhinestone cowboy gone bad. Instead of a country ’70s glam, the look was cheap costume. While her idea had merit, the execution was off. Too many poorly executed elements couldn’t be forgiven by the judges.

PROJECT RUNWAY — ?The Stitch is Back? Episode 1709 — Pictured: Designed by Lela Orr — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

The most concerning part of her look was the peek-a-boo pants. No one wants to see down a guy’s pair of pants, not even these gorgeous male models’ pants. From the body suit to the hip cut away, people sort of cringed looking at it.

Overall, the whole look was held together by a pin and prayer. The look wasn’t finished. It had no shape. The poor male model was definitely ready to ride off into the sunset and ditch the look as soon as possible.

The judges were faced with the decision to eliminate the designer with a questionable taste level (Venny) or the designer who was just forgettable (Lela). The designer eliminated on this week’s Project Runway was Lela. Sometimes it is better to be bad and known than to be never to be remembered.

What did you think of this week’s Project Runway? Are you excited that immunity is finally off the table?