Project Runway season 18 episode 7 review: Artistic collaboration sends a bold message
When Project Runway embraced an artistic collaboration with Ashley Longshore, describing the designs as bold might be an understatement.
Blending art and fashion is embraced by the fashion world. In this week’s Project Runway, the designers were welcomed into the pop art world of Ashley Longshore. While Longshore might embrace the unapologetic nature of her art, these designers needed to explore their bolder side. Can these designers find that balance?
In Project Runway season 18, the design inspiration has come from various perspectives. From the ’80s pop world of Cindy Lauper to Cats, these themes offer more than just colorful fabric choices. The designers who weave an appreciation for that design inspiration into the challenge are often the most successful.
As seen in this week’s Project Runway episode, the designers who felt a connection to the design inspiration shined. It wasn’t that the designers had to be in love with Longshore’s art, but they did need to embrace the exuberance she conveys.
Additionally, at this point in the competition, the designers cannot have an off day. Simple errors will turn into big criticism on the runway.
Although the workroom drama doesn’t necessarily impact the judges’ decisions, that dynamic is starting to weigh on the designers. From Dayong’s medical issues to Sergio’s shade to Victoria’s breakdown, it seems that the pressure of the competition is heightened. While Project Runway is a fashion design competition, the competition is more than the looks on the runway. These designers have to handle the pressure.
With this week’s challenge stemming from an Ashley Longshore collaboration, the designers had a huge opportunity handed to them. The outrageous prints made from Longshore’s art were completely unique and outside of the box. These prints needed a design that allowed them to be their bold, unapologetic selves.
Even more important, the designers couldn’t shy away from the prints. It didn’t matter if they did not usually use prints or they did not get their top fabric choice, the challenge was to celebrate the print and Longshore’s art, not to discard it.
The top looks were quite obvious. Brittany, the Longshore fangirl, completely embraced this challenge. Her print sang in that design. While the yellow broke up the bold print, it was a lovely compliment.
The most interesting aspect to her design were the 3D butterflies that seemed to spring from the look. That little touch is a perfect example of fashion and art becoming one.
But, did anyone else think that elements of this dress had been done before? Some aspects of the asymmetrical and even the back design looked somewhat similar to a previous look this season?
Another top look was from Delvin. After his disastrous look in the previous episode, Delvin made a huge comeback this week.
The judges commented that Delvin stayed in his lane, well-tailored clothes, and it paid off. The power pant suit embraced the bold print. And, Delvin added his own touches, like the signature collar. It was a good comeback for him.
The last top look was from Dayong. This decision was slightly confusing. She got a lot of help to finish this look, which should have been considered. Granted, the competition is tough, but each designer should be able to finish her look.
Overall, the dress and jacket were good, but it didn’t scream the Longshore print. One judge didn’t like the look, and the others did. With a split decision, she wasn’t going to win.
In the end, Brittany earned the win. Given how she executed the little details and found the perfect art/fashion collaboration, she was the right choice.
Unfortunately, the bottom designers had major issues with this art-meets-fashion challenge. In a big twist, Victoria, the judges’ darling, was in the bottom. Even with her repetitive looks, the judges usually have high praise for the designer. This week saw the opposite.
Victoria did not use her print. She hid the beautiful print under another asymmetrical, cut out top. It was a huge miss.
Even if she doesn’t normally use prints in her work, she needed to use prints in this challenge. There were so many options on the table, but she chose to take her own path. Similar to last week’s challenge, she did her own thing. This time, the judges were not overlooking her choice.
Another miss was Nancy’s oversized design. The jacket swallowed her model. While an oversized look can work, this design was ill fitting.
While her pants had some redeeming qualities, the overall design didn’t work. Christian tried to warn her in the workroom. Maybe the designers should pay more attention to his feedback.
The third bottom designer was Marquise. This design had issues not only with the concept but also with the execution. While this look might have been a middle in week two, it does not get a pass in week seven.
The biggest problem was the darts on the blouse. Marquise knew that he had an issue, but there was nothing that he could do. It was a hope and prayer that the judges wouldn’t comment (but they did).
The designer sent home this week was Marquise. At this point in the competition, the technical mistakes and execution issues cannot be overlooked.
Next. Melanie Trygg looks to collaborate on a fashion message. dark