STYLE

Fashion

Project Runway is BACK! Red-Carpet Challenge

“One day you’re in. And the next, you’re out.” Ahhh, yes, that sweet, familiar statement is finally back. After what seemed like an endless hiatus, Project Runway Season 6 premiered last night on its new home: Lifetime. Did you watch?

Sure, things have switched up a bit. Aside from the new channel, the hit show has swapped coasts, leaving its usual stomping ground of New York City for sunny Los Angeles. L’Oreal Paris is now handling makeup and designers and models are now vying for a spread in Marie Claire magazine.

But there’s a welcoming familiarity to the new season, too. Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors all return, for one. Mood still pops up as the go-to fabric store for challenges, and while the competition is situated at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), there is by far no shortage of mayhem in the workroom.

As with any season, there’s an eclectic group of talented hopefuls. You’ve got the recovering addict, Johnny, who was already breaking under pressure in the first episode. There’s med school brain turned designer Ra’mon, Qristyl a designer for plus-sized clothing, Gordana the sweetie from Yugoslavia and the list goes on. But who has what it really takes? We’ll quickly find out.

The Challenge

In true Hollywood fashion, the series’ first challenge dealt with all things glam. Contestants had to design a red carpet look for an awards show of their choice, showing innovation and a true point of view. Designers had two days to complete their look and a budget of only $200. Crazy!

Mayhem ensues from the beginning. Before actually meeting their models, contestants had to base initial designs off measurement cards. We’ve got Ari, who doesn’t sketch any of her designs. Her idea is bold, opting for a halter dress approach. But all mentor Tim Gunn sees when he circulates the room is a “halter diaper.” And then there’s Mitchell, who soon discovers his model’s measurements are completely off from what was given, leaving him sheer scraps to try and salvage a masterpiece.

The Runway

The show wouldn’t be golden if there weren’t any surprising twists, right? With its new zip code, tons of celebs are bound to pop up as guest judges along the way. And this week was no different with actress Lindsay Lohan filling the void.

There’s a race to the runway for some, well, mainly Mitchell, who sews and tapes his model into the dress while walking out the door.

(Left to Right: Althea and Gordana)

The runway show starts off fab with Althea’s old Hollywood glam gown—a dress I would totally sport—and Gordana’s geometrically cute dress. Mitchell’s poor excuse for a Grammy gown came down, completely see-through (yes, you even saw the model’s undies). Yet in judging, Nina mentioned she was a bit intrigued by it. There was an attitude about it that she liked. Really?!

(Left to Right: Johnny, Ra'mon and Christopher)

The top designers of the night were Johnny (the shape of his dress was awesome, as well as the sparkly trimming) and Ra’mon (his chic Academy Awards gown was bland in color, but great in detail). But Christopher’s hip, youthful, and ruffle-y VMAs dress took the cake over the rest.

(Left to Right: Qristyl, Mitchell and Ari)

Qristyl’s messy and unsymmetrical dress was one of the worst three of the night, as was Mitchell’s sheer nightgown-looking creation. But it was Ari’s far-fetched, futuristic look (that resembled more of a “disco soccer ball” according to Michael Kors) that forced her to pack up her station and head home.

Fifteen fabulous designers are left. Who will be next? Tune in next week to find out!

Which dress do you think was the best? Did Ari deserve to go home? Blog about it, babes.

By: Patricia McNamara

Photo Credit: myLifetime.com

POSTED IN trend