Project Runway review: Artistic interpretations earn finale spot

In this week’s Project Runway review, the designers had to blur the line between fashion and art. Which designer didn’t blur the line far enough?

With a finale spot on the line, this week’s Project Runway episode saw the pressure hit extremes. Although four designers will earn the privilege to make a finale collection, one designer would come up just short of the opportunity. Would these designers be able to push themselves and earn the judges’ praise?

For this week’s Project Runway challenge, the designers had to create an experimental fashion show. Although Project Runway season 17 has been filled with more thought-provoking challenges (remember the body modification episode), this idea of blending fashion and art is intriguing.

The designers had to create a room in which their design would be shown. In a way, the room itself was almost as important as the design. If the two items didn’t work together, would the fashion truly shine?

With so much on the line, the designers seemed to almost crack under pressure. This week’s episode was filled with tears, breakdowns and almost one walk-off. Could the theme have been too overwhelming?

In many cases this Project Runway season, the narrower challenges seemed to produce more creative results. It seemed as if the pigeonholed ideas sparked bigger ideas.

When the designers have free reign, like this challenge, their ideas seemed to get muddled. The moment became too big. Overall, the looks appeared a little underwhelming.

Even before any of the rooms or designs were revealed, it was clear that Garo would have an edge. With 20 years of experience, he understands the idea of putting on a show, provoking a reaction, and making a statement. People may or may not like his design aesthetic, but he will engage people.

The opposite can be said of Tessa. Throughout the season, the judges have asked her to push herself. While she continually stayed in a muted color palette, her journey in the season was not as dramatic as the other designers. This week’s challenge was her opportunity to do more.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Art of Fashion” Episode 1712 — Pictured: Christian Siriano — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

In some ways, Project Runway tests the designers’ time management skills. If the idea is too big for the allotted time, the whole look will fail. While great creativity should be rewarded, lack of execution hurts that creativity.

The designers that can find that balance of interesting looks that can be finished at a high level continual to do well in this competition. In some ways, it isn’t the person who goes the biggest that earns the rewards. It is the person who best understands the game.

Instead of a runway, the designers presented their rooms and looks to the judges, including guest visitor Cardi B. While it was nice to have Cardi B’s commentary, why didn’t she judge? They asked her opinions and she knows fashion. This little twist was slightly strange.

As the designs and the rooms were revealed, it was clear that Garo was going to be a top designer. His futuristic changing room was on point. While the room and his design were shades of white, the starkness contrasted the intricacy of the design.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Art of Fashion” Episode 1712 — Pictured: Designed by Garo Sparo — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

The almost modular, in some ways adaptable design, was smart. While it played to his strengths of corsets, there was a fresh take on that idea. In some ways, it was multiple looks in one.

Where Garo excelled in the whole picture and won, Sebastian struggled. As expected, his dress was visually stunning. He is a master technician and created a beautiful dress.

Still, his room was an absolute nightmare. The neon yellow with purple flowers had nothing to do with his muted, almost neutral dress.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Art of Fashion” Episode 1712 — Pictured: Designed by Sebastian Grey — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

But, Sebastian seems to be running out of ideas. His dress with the stunning pleats has been done previously this season. While slightly different, it appears the competition is getting too much for him.

Looking at Bishme’s dress and room, the two melded well. He continued his idea of the beautiful flower emerging from the stark concrete. This idea has been his strength throughout the season.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Art of Fashion” Episode 1712 — Pictured: Designed by Bishme Cromartie — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

While this idea is strong, Bishme’s design was a little overworked. The color was lovely but the fabric was a little overbearing. Also, he seems to be repeating himself.

Bishme’s strength was his story. While the dress and the room weren’t necessarily the best, they worked together and told a story. That idea and staying true to himself would serve him well.

As many people expected, Hester would go bold. Although the theme of Rocco bondage picnic sounds absurd, her interpretation of Rocco in her room was lovely. The over-the-top garden party was visually arresting.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Art of Fashion” Episode 1712 — Pictured: Designed by Hester Sunshine — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

Unfortunately, her look was a mess. Throughout this challenge, Hester was in her head. While she stayed true to her aesthetic, the look was rushed, unfinished and too far in left field. Even though people could picture themselves in the room, they didn’t want to wear that look.

Lastly, Tessa created a lovely room. Her homage to her mother and pottery brought everyone back to the first couple of episodes where Tessa did well. That stripped down, muted aesthetic worked well.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “The Art of Fashion” Episode 1712 — Pictured: Designed by Tessa Clark — (Photo by: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo)

While she pulled out the Japanese term wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection – aka the unfinished hems), there was still something missing her look. Although she didn’t use black, the muted tones still didn’t push herself outside of her comfort zone.

After the art installation finished, Cardi B revealed her top choices before the judges deliberated. Cardi B loved Sebastian’s look enough to forgive his horrible room. She tapped him as the winner.

But, the judges didn’t want to consider just this challenge in determining the final four Project Runway designers who would make the finale collection. In a way, they seemed to want to find a reason to eliminate a certain designer.

While the challenge was to go bigger and bolder than the designers had done all season, the season collective aspect was counter-intuitive to the idea of one day you are in and the other day you are out. Should week 4 be as important as week 12? Was this season really focusing on the designers’ journey?

As the judges deliberated, the four finalists were quite clear. All season the judges have loved Hester. Everyone assumed that she would make the finale (plus she won the most challenges).

Sebastian makes stunning clothes. While he might not have a story behind those clothes, people would love to wear his dresses.

Bishme has a strong story. His breadth of design was clear in this season. Although a few pieces missed the mark, the judges still had a fondness for him.

Garo is the showman. He understands that fashion creates a moment. Whether you agree with his aesthetic or not, his finale would definitely be a show.

Unfortunately, that left Tessa on the bottom. While she has a clear point of view, she didn’t allow this experience to push her creatively. She stayed in her box.

While staying true to herself has value, it may not produce an impactful runway show. She needed to show more and she didn’t embrace that moment.

Part one of the finale is set for next week. Garo, Sebastian, Bishme and Hester will make their 10-piece collections. But, nothing is that simple in Project Runway. What twist will be revealed in the first part of the finale?

Who do you think has the best shot at winning Project Runway season 17 title? Who’s team gets your vote?