Project Runway review: Eleventh hour, eleventh look missed the mark

While the four Project Runway finalists thought that the finale was here, an eleventh hour and eleventh look proved to be too much for one designer.

After last week’s art meets fashion episode and Tessa’s elimination, the four remaining Project Runway designers were elated to learn that they would be making a 10 piece collection. With two months to curate their looks, the pressure was on to impress the judges. If these designers didn’t think that another twist was coming, they were sadly mistaken.

As this week’s episode openings, Christian meets with each designer in their home studio. This glimpse into each designer’s space provides insight to their creative process. From Hester’s eclectic art collection to Bishme’s architectural inspiration, these personal moments make this episode more than just a design competition.

Even before the designers return to New York City, everyone can anticipate some twist, hiccup or something. Nothing is ever smooth sailing in Project Runway.

When the designers unpack their looks, it is clear that Garo has over achieved. He has made over 17 looks so that he can pick and choose which looks are the most cohesive.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Bishme hasn’t even completed his entire collection. He only has eight of 10 looks completed. Unfortunately Bishme had personal tragedies during his two-month off period.

In a way, your heart breaks for Bishme. He was on a roll towards the end of the season and this opportunity was huge for him. Unfortunately, sometimes the time isn’t your time.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “One Elle of a Day” Episode 1713 — Pictured: (l-r) Nina Garcia, Hester Sunshine, Garo Sparo, Bishme Cromartie, Sebastian Grey — (Photo by: Barbara Nitke/Bravo)

Since this episode was title “One Elle of a Day,” everyone was waiting for Nina’s appearance. After getting a quick tour of the Elle offices, the designers learn that they will be making an eleventh look. And, this look will be given to them by Nina.

The twist that Nina would tell them the direction for the eleventh look was a nice change to this season. Sometimes the designers may not see what they need to add to a collection. An unbiased, outside critique could push the collection to a higher level.

As Nina decreed the eleventh looks for the designers, it was clear that one designer had a very, very hard task ahead of him. It is unclear if this decision was intentional to push him or set him up for failure. Asking Garo to make a tailored suit in just two days was a very difficult task.

The designers were tasked to do the following. Garo had to make a tailored suit. Sebastian had to create a flowy gown. Hester had to create something devoid of patterns. Bishme had to create an outwear and/or streetwear look.

Each look was chosen to fill a hole in the designers’ collections. Again, taking a step back, these looks offered the balance to make the collections have a bigger arc.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “One Elle of a Day” Episode 1713 — Pictured: Designed by Hester Sunshine — (Photo by: Barbara Nitke/Bravo)

Even though Hester put a needle through her whole fingernail, that accident led her to a much better eleventh look. Her white look would have put her in the bottom. Instead, the red outfit, with red fur skirt was the breath that her collection needed.

It was definitely Hester. Overall, her three looks like different versions of herself walking the runway. While these looks might not appeal to the masses, there is a definite audience for her style.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “One Elle of a Day” Episode 1713 — Pictured: Designed by Sebastian Grey — (Photo by: Barbara Nitke/Bravo)

Sebastian’s collection was elevated and slightly structured. By requiring him to add a flowy, almost ethereal dress, the collection felt fresh. It added some airiness to the three pieces.

Overall, Sebastian’s three looks were impeccable. The details looked expensive and played off the juxtaposition of strict and soft. These looks are ready for the runway.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “One Elle of a Day” Episode 1713 — Pictured: Designed by Garo Sparo — (Photo by: Barbara Nitke/Bravo)

Garo struggled with his eleventh look. In some ways, it seemed like he was set up to fail. A suit in this time frame is almost impossible. While he did complete his look, there were tailoring issues. Additionally, the look felt forced into the three-piece collection.

Garo struggles with finding a broad audience. His looks can skew a little too 80s/retro. While he tries to push a futuristic vibe, it is unclear if there is an audience for this particular style.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “One Elle of a Day” Episode 1713 — Pictured: Designed by Bishme Cromartie — (Photo by: Barbara Nitke/Bravo)

The most heartbreaking part of this Project Runway episode was watching Bishme fall apart. Anyone could tell that his heart was not in the competition. From walking away in tears to pulling apart his design just before the runway, it was clear that Bishme was beyond overwhelmed.

Given his tasked look, he was set up to do well. Nina picked a style from a challenge that he had won. If Bishme was in the right head space, he should have impressed with his eleventh look.

Unfortunately, his final look was a disaster. He knew it and the Project Runway judges knew it. His other two looks were amazing and the judges were impressed by them.

PROJECT RUNWAY — “One Elle of a Day” Episode 1713 — Pictured: Bishme Cromartie — (Photo by: Barbara Nitke/Bravo)

Given that his new look was a disaster and his collection wasn’t complete, the judges had no choice to eliminate Bishme. Even as he was eliminated, Nina had glowing words to say about him. This Project Runway finale wasn’t his time, but his time is coming.

Looking at next week’s Project Runway finale, the title should come down to Sebastian or Hester. Given how this week’s challenge was skewed slightly against Garo, the judges don’t seem inclined to reward him with the title. Unless Garo can create an overly impressive show, it seems doubtful that he will win.

As for the decision between Hester and Sebastian, it is a style preference. Do the judges want to reward new and fresh or refined and sophisticated? Everyone will have to tune into next week’s Project Runway finale to see the outcome.

Was Nina too hard on Garo in this week’s Project Runway? Who do you think will be crowned Project Runway champion?