Project Runway, Episode 6 Goes to the Movies

September 25th, 2009 in design

judith neukam, contributor

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Nicholas won the challenge with his science fiction wicked white sister queen frozen in eternity.

Christopher brought in a vampire bride who didn’t know whether to marry her lover and curse him or leave him and break his heart.

Epperson got the judges’ praise with his western saga: While the husband is off to war, his feminine wife shows her capable side in tattered, rugged, and romantic garb. The judges said, “I love the layers and fabric choices. He created something new.” Tim Gunn said, “I’m seduced by the ruffles.”

Courageously, Ra’mon abandoned his first effort with only two hours to pull his replacement

Nicholas won the challenge with his science fiction wicked white sister queen frozen in eternity.

Photo: mylifetime.com

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On Project Runway last night, the designers were asked to invent a character that lives in one of five genres and tell whom she is, what she does, and what she is wearing. I thought the designers did a great job in this challenge. They invented interesting characters with stunning costumes.

Overall, this season’s challenges have been superb. They put all parts of the designers’ genius to work. I’m impressed with how quickly they can arrive at a concept, make decisions, and execute a design. The designers I know work for months on the concept alone, and then many more months on ways to build-in delicious details. What these individuals can pull together in the tight time frames is incredible.

I also know that nagging feeling of rushing toward a deadline with a project that isn’t right. Several times during this season we have watched as designers abandoned their project to pull a last-minute save out of the hat. Sadly, that’s not quite the way it worked for Ra’mon last night—but what a valiant effort he gave. I agree, his first costume would have pushed him out the door even sooner, but to abandon it with only two hours to pull his replacement together took courage. I am sorry to see Ra’mon go. He is a good designer and seemed to be a courteous team player too.

Nicholas won the challenge with his science fiction wicked white sister queen frozen in eternity. Christopher brought in a vampire bride who didn’t know whether to marry her lover and curse him or leave him and break his heart. Epperson got the judges’ praise with his western saga: While the husband is off to war his feminine wife shows her capable side in tattered, rugged, and romantic garb. The judges said, “I love the layers and fabric choices. He created something new.” Tim Gunn said, “I’m seduced by the ruffles.” This brings me to the judges.

Where are Nina Garcia and Michael Kors? There’s too much trading around with judges, and I don’t think they are making the right decisions. Just how different or innovative was Nicholas’s entry? Not too. Christopher’s dress was okay, but his bustling wasn’t all that pretty. The one person in the whole competition who didn’t get to choose his genre was Epperson—they loved his work—why didn’t they choose him? With constantly revolving judges, I don’t think they have the opportunity to see the body of work the designers have presented. I think previous work should be considered when they look at each new entry. What do you think?

Until next time…

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Comments (10)

Skymom writes: I liked Epperson's best, too. Christopher's wasn't terrible, but the proportions were weird: that wide cummerbund needed to be higher--it made even the model look a little stumpy. Nicholas's dress--yeah, it's what the popular girl wants to wear on Halloween so she can be pretty and scary at the same time. No real edge or imagination, I thought. Though I did like the icy hair and make-up.

If I had to choose a movie to go see, based on these costumes, I'd want to see Epperson's--and I"m not even a fan of westerns! He evoked a fascinating, somewhat unexpected woman. His costume such a cool combination of traditional elements all turned sideways, ragged and beautiful at the same time.

As for Nina and Michael...we need them back. If they try to take away our Tim Gunn, there will be a riot! Posted: 10:58 pm on October 5th

smrn writes: I was so disappointed to see Ra'mon cut from the group. It's amazing that with a remaining time limit of 2 hours, he could pull anything together. I was looking forward to seeing how his creativity would develop. I'm guessing that 'craft project' themes were not his forte.

Epperson's design was definitely more complicated, more detailed, and more specific to the theme.... He will definitely be one of the finalists.

Posted: 8:38 pm on October 5th

paulacalvert writes: This season is very disappointing. Poor Epperson. He's amazing and the poor guy can't get a break. The new Marie Claire editor is clearly clueless. Who on earth reads Marie Claire for inpirational fashion? I miss Nina and Michael... Posted: 10:55 am on October 4th

paulandc writes: I, too thought Epperson should have won. I think that everyone is wondering where Nina and Michael have gone! I know I have been. I wondered if it was due to the Bravo - Lifetime dispute. I love Project Runway, it inspires me in so many ways. Posted: 10:37 am on September 27th

annettelmurrell writes: Epperson is forever the bridesmaid and not the bride. However, I feel confident he will be in the top three. If not, I will be greatly disappointed.

Nicholas is such a conceited jerk. When he's eliminated, I will pop open a bottle of champagne. One blogger suggested the L'Oreal makeup team won the challenge for him; I heartily agree. Epperson or Christopher should have won.

I was sad to see Ra'Mon go, and he made such a valiant effort to produce good work at the last minute . . . I wish the judges had had more sympathy , , , but his outfit was pretty rough , . .

Finally, I'm happy to know Michael Kors will be back next week. I have not cared for the guest judges. Give me Nina and Michael! Posted: 8:48 pm on September 26th

SewistKitty writes: There has been some talk on another website that Nina and Michael mostly spend their time in NYC while Project Runway has moved to LA. The former judges jobs are in NY and the commute may not be worth it to them. Posted: 4:15 pm on September 26th

Kate_W writes: Regarding the guest judges, it seems they are overly critical when they needn't be or too lavish with praise. Feels like they're competing for a permanent seat on the show.

I thought Epperson won this competition. Especially with Tim G.'s comment "Annie, get your Gunn ... "

I will miss Ra'mon -- his creativity (fer crying out loud, he designed and crafted _two_ stunning outfits in the team competition) and his beautiful attitude and respect for others and himself. OK. I will miss Ra'mon.

I tire of Nicholas and his conceit and criticism. He may have won, but, meh. Posted: 9:22 pm on September 25th

Stormee writes: "The one person in the whole competition who didn鈥檛 get to choose his genre was Epperson鈥攖hey loved his work鈥攚hy didn鈥檛 they choose him? With constantly revolving judges, I don鈥檛 think they have the opportunity to see the body of work the designers have presented. I think previous work should be considered when they look at each new entry. What do you think?" I was wondering the same thing! I love Epperson's designs, and I truly feel that he should have won this one. And I think that if Nina and Michael had been there he would have. I also felt bad for Ra'Mon. But I really think that if Ra'Mon had stuck with the jumpsuit and worked that, he would still be there. I could just see where he was trying to go with that jumpsuit, but when it did not come out the way he envisioned it, he panicked. I wish he would have stayed with it. I would have put a little tight skirt on top of it. And went all the way there with it. I love all these designers. Posted: 1:08 pm on September 25th

triciab1212 writes: I agree with you both. Posted: 12:56 pm on September 25th

sondralewis1 writes: I've been wondering where Nina and Michael were as well. One or two surprise judges brings some excitement to the competition and I like seeing the celebrity judges they come up with but every week?! I agree that there needs to be some consistency. Although, I don't know about whether or not the designers' entire body of work should be considered for each judging, that seems a little unfair to someone who may have struggled earlier in the competition but is just now hitting their stride. Posted: 12:42 pm on September 25th

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