Project Runway Episode 8-Mentors and Serendipity

October 9th, 2009 in design

judith neukam, contributor

2 users recommend

Gordana’s winning dress used just the lining from the wedding gown. She also applied the metaphorical elements to the challenge—rebuilding a life from the inside out with the pieces of the past.

Epperson intended to make the wedding dress disappear until Tim reminded him that it was supposed to be the predominant element. So Epperson changed in midstream to this white version.

Logan also wanted to change midstream but didn’t.

Irina’s dress was praised by the judges. It was a successful transformation from a puffy acetate lace wedding dress.

Shirin’s skimpy little dress came together with some top stitching and the judges called it right on trend.

Gordana’s winning dress used just the lining from the wedding gown. She also applied the metaphorical elements to the challenge—rebuilding a life from the inside out with the pieces of the past.

Photo: mylifetime.com

Add Comment
Print

As the credits were rolling last night after Project Runway, I realized, of the four remaining male designers, none gave us something to cheer about. I liked Epperson’s design the best and he was ousted. Again, I’m at a loss to understand the judges—they called Logan’s design a tragedy, and said, “I’m just speechless [with disdain].” Logan was aiming for a tuxedo inspired look but delivered Oktoberfest in ill fitting, poorly designed pants and bodice. He cut up a wedding dress with what looked like a ten foot long train to make a vest. The judges put Christopher’s design on the worst dressed list and warned his model not to appear at any media events wearing it. And, they declared that Epperson didn’t understand the challenge and kicked him out. I didn’t agree. The ladies were a different story—all of their designs were successful, with Gordana winning.

Who should have been voted out: Epperson or Logan?

What stands out about last nights program was the display of what brings us down, what lifts us up, and how we make it work. First Gordana is crying a message into her cell phone and longing to hear the voices of her children. Then she listens as Tim advises her to be sure to take the look far enough, and “Just keep thinking: I’m going to win.” She did.

Shirin had last wedding dress choice and got a polyester dress she couldn’t dye or harvest but minimal fabric from. When she broke down in tears because her peacock feather clad dress was revolting, Tim told her to clean off her dress form and clear the table top “You need to be liberated from this.” In the end, the judges praised her new design. Irina faced billows of acetate lace, dyed it, and turned it into a champagne lace kimono inspired masterpiece the judges called unbelievable, fantastic, sleek and professional.

The high point for me was being reminded of the power of encouraging words and a can-do attitude. What was your high point?

By the way, this week the runway show was less than three minutes long.

Until next time…

posted in: design

Add Comment Print

Comments (6)

bWhitehawk writes: I, too, thought Logan should have gone home with his outfit! The pants were baggy (what part of the dress were they?) And the vest didn't seem to fit, either.

Epperson was initially confused about the assignment and I think the only reason they sent him home is that he was upfront about it. I could tell that Heidi was not pleased about that! I think he is very talented and should have stayed, based on his past work.

I agree with sews4fun comments "why is it that every time Irina makes one of her usual predictable outfits which would be considered "safe" if done by any of the other designers, the judges fall all over themselves praising this stuff?" I do think she is the golden goose here.

I also enjoyed Tim's words of encouragement toward Shirin and Gordana. Whenever you are having a problem with the design/fabric, etc., it is best to take a breather or 'clear your space' and begin again. I have seen so many artists do this.

I would really love to see more of the designs, rather than the judges petty remarks. Guests judges seem to have a better perspective.

Looking forward to the next one!
Posted: 10:44 am on October 15th

DAE writes: I am not a big fan of Epperson. I think he should have been gone a few weeks ago. I was disappointed in Logan's finished outfit. The idea was good but turned out poorly. Shirin's dress looked like the wedding dress did to begin with. I am surprised the judges were so kind to her. Irina's was pretty but not impressive. I think the winning design must have (again) looked better in person than on TV. I'm not too sure any of the would-be designers knocked our socks off this week. Posted: 6:45 pm on October 14th

sews4fun writes: My only question is this, why is it that every time Irina makes one of her usual predictable outfits which would be considered "safe" if done by any of the other designers, the judges fall all over themselves praising this stuff? The dress when made by Irina, is called "age appropriate" if its made by another designer, its called matronly and ages the person who is wearing it? This dress was no masterpiece, the best thing about it was the dye job. The rest was pretty standard fare. Given the amount of fabric she had to work with, I feel its uninspired at best. Its clear that Irina is going to Bryant Park but I feel she gets off the hook pretty easily. I will miss poor Epperson, he's a sweetie and his dress was far better than Logan's fashion disaster. Perhaps its because Epperson has been on the bottom three so many times? Who knows. Poor Shirin had NOTHING to work with and I think she did a great job with nothing. I am glad Gordana won, she does very good work and her work is no safer than Irina's, she's just not looked upon as favorably for some reason. Maybe the young attractive designers are given a little more slack than the older ones? Posted: 5:53 pm on October 12th

KayGV writes: I believe the reality tv emphasis has ruined Project Runway. Epperson was a GROWN UP who took positive and negative feedback and worked it into his design if he thought it did not compromise his design aesthetic. He should have been kept in the competition.

As you pointed out, this season we hardly glimpse the finished garments, hear only scathing remarks meant to demean and embarrass the designers, instead of pointing out the excellent technique, design concept, or other feature of the garments. I feel that Michael Kors and the never-present Nina have let Hollywood go to their heads and act like hateful teenagers instead of experienced professionals who have some helpful and thoughtful advice to offer aspiring designers. It would be normal to see a few tears, but it seems as if that is a desired outcome this season. I don't watch it on TV weekly any more, just check the website for a moment to see the winning design for 10 seconds. What a pity! Posted: 11:22 am on October 11th

auschick writes: i actually gasped out loud when they auf'd epperson :( I was really sad to see him go, and I was wondering the same thing - will it only be girls in the top 3? Posted: 12:03 am on October 11th

Kate_W writes: For me, the high point of Episode 8 was seeing the normal-shaped women divorcees giving up their wedding dresses and being (it seemed) genuinely happy with the results they were presented and wore down the runway. They all 'sold' their looks regardless of fit, quality, style ...

OK. Otherwise, oh! hot messes!

I didn't understand how Logan's use of the wedding dress was closer to the challenge than Epperson's. Logan's blouse had the same type of ruffles Louise was eliminated for last week, and the pants were .

I thought Irina's dress was perfect and perfectly predictable. If I tore apart my first wedding dress, that is the sort of pattern/design I would come up with. Where is the edge-y creativity?

Gordana was my pick for 1st place. She had a concept and the results didn't look like they had roots in a wedding dress. In many challenges, she seems like the supporting character. It was good to see her win.

Epperson's design was #2 for me. I was surprised he was in the worst group. He seems always honest, is happy when his clients faces light up, and he did memorable designs (the dress for his model, Matar, and the wild-west-cowboy-story challenge). I will miss him. Posted: 8:14 pm on October 10th

You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.