Project Runway season 18 episode 12 review: Soaring into the finale

As Project Runway season 18 reaches the finale, two fashion designers miss the opportunity to head to New York Fashion Week, while others soar with confidence.

In a huge Project Runway fashion moment, last night’s episode could almost outside the upcoming New York Fashion Week finale. With the breathtaking Vessel as both the inspiration and the runway for the six remaining fashion designers, the opportunity that this competition presents loomed large. Which fashion designers embraced the enormous opportunity and who stumbled at the threshold?

When the final challenge before New York Fashion Week was revealed on this week’s Project Runway, everyone knew that two of the six designers would be sent home. Even though it was nice that no one was eliminated in the Olympics challenge, the pressure in this week’s challenge was daunting.

Like the pressure, the challenge itself was intimidating. Avant-garde is always a staple challenge in Project Runway. The wearable art that is ahead of the pack gets fashionistas excited. Although you may never see these looks walking down the street, the designs get people thinking. Fashion is never created in a bubble.

While the style of the challenge might have put the fashion designers on edge, the inspiration and location for the runway was even more formidable. The Vessel, the New York City innovative architectural wonder, loomed over the fashion designers. While the Vessel might invoke a myriad of emotions, this fashion moment was breathtaking.

In addition to the avant-garde look, the fashion designers were able to choose two other previous looks to create a capsule collection for this week’s runway. This twist seemed to help the designers in convey their journey to the judges. This week’s challenge wasn’t just about one piece of eclectic art, it was a glimpse into who they are.

As the models ascended the Vessel in the elevator, everyone seemed to be holding their breath in anticipation. For Brandon Maxwell, he had to stay a little closer to the ground due to vertigo (if you are afraid of heights, don’t go to the Vessel). Even if the finale is impressive, those moments of the models descending the stairs, with the sun shining behind them, will be the most talked about moment of Project Runway Season 18.

Since this week’s challenge was about going big, Geoffrey found a way to go big by taking a huge risk. Although his approach can be chaotic, he delivered a look unlike anyone else’s. His latex design showed an innovative approach to the difficult fabric.

Where the top had structure and definition, the skirt seemed to float down the stairs. It looked almost like liquid flowing behind his model. It is a perfect juxtaposition of hard and soft.

Given his creativity in this challenge and the smart choices for his other two look, Geoffrey was guaranteed a spot in the finale. Even though he often gets easily flustered, Geoffrey has a clear vision of who he is and what he wants to accomplish. As long as he stays on task, he will be a force in the finale.

On the opposite side, Nancy is totally different from the other designers. Sometimes her self-doubt led her to create looks that were slightly muddled. Still, her passion for design was clear.
In this week’s challenge, Nancy’s gown was dramatic. Although, some people felt that her look was very similar to other challenges.

The judges appreciated her capsule collection because it finally gave a glimpse of who she is as a designer. The three pieces flowed together and made sense. Even though it wasn’t perfect, there was something there.

The judges rewarded Nancy’s passions and gave her a spot in New York Fashion Week. But, she was chided not to make any more over-sized looks. They want to see her capitalize on her shot of living the big dream.

Victoria has been a controversial designer from the beginning. Often considered the judges’ favorite, she has a very definitive look. When she stays within her lane, she can deliver a good design.

In this week’s challenge, Victoria made one very smart choice, her fabric. While making her own textile was a little much, the color palate was lovely in the outdoor space. That choice earned her praise.

Still, her look had issue. Brandon called the one side a boob hammock. The idea of the strap connected to the ear and sagging top was strange. It is debatable if that idea is avant-garde or odd.

Brittany was trying her best to make the most of her second chance. Since she is known for her bold colors and prints, she knew that she had to embrace those items in this Project Runway challenge. Still, a ready to wear designer is not always adept to this large scale challenge.

As her gown descended the stairs, the color was impressive. That vibrant pink was stunning, but up close that garment was not as impressive. Being called a full on Monet is not a good thing.

The juxtaposition of the dramatic pink with a simple dress was not the best choice. While she tried to channel the butterfly success from the Ashley Longshore challenge, this time it missed the mark.

Sergio nailed the drama and the impeccable craftsmanship. Every time, Sergio can deliver a look that is quite impressive. His talent is remarkable.

Unfortunately, his commentary and references are not appreciated by the judges. It was clear that he referenced other famous fashion designers in this look. The styling reference to Japanese samurai warriors was not smart.

The judges called him out on references. They want to see Sergio as a designer, not a riff on a previously seen look.

Lastly, Marquise had both moments of genius and a little stumble in this challenge. His chain pants were very innovative. That type of forward thinking will have him going far as a designer.

On the other hand, he didn’t show enough restraint. The shiny sliver jacket was a little too much. While he has many great ideas, he doesn’t need to put all those ideas into a single look.

In the end, Brittany and Marquise were eliminated. Victoria and Sergio move onto the Project Runway finale.

As for who might be crowned Project Runway Season 18 winner, anything can happen. But, it would be nice to see Geoffrey win. Each week he has found a way to push his creativity. While not everything was a huge success, at least he was never repetitive.

Do you think that the Project Runway judges chose the right designers for the finale? Who do you think will win this season’s title?