After no one got sent home last week, last night’s episode began with Heidi telling the four remaining designers (Jerrell, Kenly, Korto, Leanne) that they would have two months and a budget of $8,000 to complete their collection before returning to New York. At that time, someone would be out. Of course, Heidi threw another curve at the group: each designer must design a wedding dress that was representative of themselves and reflected their collection. To those of us impatient folks who have already scoped the Bryant Park pictures: THAT explains the wedding dresses! Tim then joined Heidi on the runway to let the designers know that he’d be coming to visit and check in with each of them during the two months (Tim Gunn has the best job ever!). With final instructions to “Amaze us!”, the designers were sent on their way.
With weeks remaining until Fashion Week, Tim hit the road to visit the designers starting first with Korto in Arkansas. Tim was stunned by her sophisticated palette and stunning designs inspired by the green and lush surroundings outside her workspace. She then took him home to meet her husband, daughter, and to show off her drumming skills.
Next to Portland where Tim met Leanne and her boyfriend, Nathan. Leanne’s collection was inspired by the waterfront and wave patterns. Tim advised her regarding her wedding gown that was lacking the ease and flow of the rest of her collection. She and Tim then went for a ride on a bicycle built for two (All in a day’s work, huh Tim?).
Tim’s next stop was to Los Angeles to check in with Jerrell whose point of view was definitely “evening wear.” Tim was once again concerned for Jerrell, particularly in regards to editing. As he still had several pieces yet to create, Jerrell said he had a lot of work to do still.
Last stop, New York to visit Kenly who was inspired by Alice in Wonderland and “painting the roses red.” Ropes abound in her collection, particularly as collars prompting Tim to tell her, “I’m just thinking about people hanging themselves”, an observation that seemed to stun Kenly.
Six days before fashion week, the four designers reunited in New York. Kenly’s arrival was momentarily tense, but it looked as though this tugboat captain’s daughter was really making an effort to break the ice.
Into the workspace the next morning, Tim dropped a bombshell on the group – an extra challenge. This challenge was to create an accompanying bridesmaid dress for the wedding gown. The wedding gown and bridesmaid dress would be presented to the judges and they would then determine which designers would move on to show at Fashion Week. With such limited time to create their dresses, the designers were understandably frazzled.
As the designers were hard at work on their designs, Tim came through to evaluate their progress and offer guidance. After speaking with each one of the designers, he held an impromptu gather-round. He then gave a heartfelt talk about how much he’s enjoyed working with the designers – getting teary and emotional, in turn making me teary and emotional. I love Tim Gunn.
When it’s finally time for the Runway show, the looks paraded down the Runway, and then the judges had the models come out to stand with the designers to discuss the gowns. Leanne’s garments were the first discussed. Michael Kors felt the dresses were chic and beautifully crafted and that he could immediately identify them as being Leanne’s designs. Nina pointed out that the creations were both modern and dreamy, a hard combination to master.
Jerrell’s designs didn’t fare as well. Kors felt the designs were “a little garish,” Nina thought they were messy, and Heidi didn’t like the use of the gray tulle on the gown – it looked dirty.
Kenly’s gown, though loved by the judges, was declared to be a dead-ringer of an Alexander McQueen creation (curious, I looked it up online and while there are definitely huge similarities between the two dresses, I’m not entirely sure I’d say that it was a copy or duplicate – what do you think?). The judges felt the dress was romantic without being syrupy, and that Kenly’s bridesmaid gown was the “cutest damn dress you’ve ever seen.”
Upon seeing Korto's bridal gown, Heidi instantly declared, “I would not want to be that bride!” The judges unanimously felt that Korto’s wedding gown was overworked and the bridesmaid dress was underworked. Similarly, they felt there was no relevance between the two dresses.
The designers were dismissed so that the judges could have a little chat. They discussed Leanne’s ability to do “architectural work.” Kenly’s look was declared both kooky and meticulous at the same time. Korto’s look was overkill. Jerrell’s was overwrought times 20,000.
The designers were brought back out onto the Runway were Leanne and Kenly WERE IN! In the bottom two were Korto and Jerrell, and Korto was declared the final of the three to show at Bryant Park, leaving Jerrell with the air kiss of death from Heidi and this week’s aufing.
What do you think? Are you pleased with the final three? Was it refreshing for you to see Kenly drop some of her attitude last night? What gown was your favorite? I’ve been a Korto fan all along, but as a woman who was a bit nutty in the wedding gown search, I know that that is not a dress I’d have ever picked! I would have opted for Kenly’s gown, McQueen knock off or not. Can’t wait until next week!
Predictions?
Sarah loves Project Runway more than she should. She also loves writing at The Mom Chronicles.
(Photos courtesy of Bravo Tv.)
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I was so glad to see Kenley loose the 'tude. I've loved her garments (for the most part) and really hated to see her blow it just because she didn't seem to know when to shut up. I adored her wedding dress (a little McQueen, but much more Kenley). The bridesmaid, not so much. A tad short for me.
I have to agree with the judge's decision to can Jerrell based on that dress. Ugh. It was not right.
But hands down, my favorite moment was hearing Tim Gunn say "Snatch shot" while looking at Korto's collection.
I cannot wait for next week! And I (unlike some) have not cheated & peeked at the Bryant Park Pictures!
Oh, definitely the "snatch shot" line – that was HILARIOUS. Jerrell's lack of editing kind of reminds me of Santino in a way – though not quite. Santino had an "everything but the kitchen sink" thing too….