Inspiration From Precious Pearls

            Hello Project Runway fans, I hope you enjoyed Thursday’s episode. I’ll be discussing different elements from the second episode, so don’t forget there will be spoilers in case it’s on your DVR and have yet to check it out.

            For the second challenge, contestants had to find inspiration from precious pearls and design eveningwear. Before the challenge, a line of models walked down the runway wearing jewelry totaling over 30 million dollars! Each designer chose a model based on the diamonds they were wearing and had one day to work on their million dollar looking attire.

            I think it was refreshing to have this challenge because it was nice to see formal designs made out of more traditional materials, but on the other hand, it may sound like I’m contradicting myself, but it wasn’t too exciting. Yes, it was indeed a difficult challenge for some, but it wasn’t your “out-of-this-world” challenge such as constructing out of parachute material. (I’m really looking forward to next week’s episode). Alexander recognized it wasn’t enough time to work on it, Timothy of course thought it was too superficial, and Dom thought it wasn’t her forte.

            Sometimes I wonder what the whole deal with Sandro is. Surprisingly, he proved me wrong and I do think he’s the real deal when it comes to designing; however, I have a hard time deciding if his temper tantrums are legit. Yes, it is entertaining and sometimes hilarious, but it gets to a point where it does not flow organically. The scene while they were sewing was really funny, but it will not compare to when he grabbed the crewmember and demanded he help him set up the steamer. “Thank you for good service,” Sandro said after the crewmember politely walked away and refused to help him. That was definitely my “LOL” moment of the night.

            The runway was good but there wasn’t an outfit that blew my mind. The freak out scene with Helen was interesting. It’s not my intention to sound mean, but it’s good this happened to her for being so cocky. I was also disappointed that Kahindo got eliminated. Timothy or Helen deserved to get kicked out. Timothy really screwed up again, he doesn’t deliver with conviction, and he just lacks experience. Helen claims that eveningwear is her forte, but it turns out she doesn’t know how to construct cups; and of course, her design was unfinished.

            At the end of the day, it was smart to get rid of Kahindo. Helen and Timothy have more to offer in terms of drama. Kahindo was predictable and somewhat conservative. If you could pick, who would you have gotten rid of? It doesn’t necessarily have to be any of these three contestants. And also, what are your thoughts on Kate winning the challenge?

I've Always Been Here, But I'm No Longer Invisible

             It feels like it was just yesterday that I was rooting for Patricia Michaels a.k.a. Waterlily to win season eleven of Project Runway. I was unaware that there are two seasons per year, but it was cool to tune into Lifetime and get “introduced” to a new group of designers with whom I’ll be attempting to spend my Thursday nights with.

            I feel that Bunim/Murray did a great job casting this season because most of the contestants have really interesting backgrounds. To throw out some of the examples that stood out the most to me, there’s a veteran, a guy with a hearing disability (who actually requires an interpreter), a costume designer for Broadway shows, a guy who makes his clothing out of recycled materials, lots of foreigners, and Kate from season eleven. Also, it seems like there will be lots of drama between some of the designers, which is great, because that makes for great reality television. There are two rivals from Milwaukee, Helen from Jersey seems to not like Kate at all, and Sandro seems to have an anger issue. Based on the trailers, I can tell it will be crazy on that aspect.

            Some of the changes that were made are good for spicing up the show. The designers will now have to manage their challenge budgets for the entire season and will be using a Gobank account. About time for an upgrade from cash to a credit card!

It’s a clever idea that Tim Gunn now gets to sit with the panel during the runway show, but more importantly that he can exercise a save; however, he can only use this privilege once. (The same tactic is used on Idol). In the words of Tim, “I’ve always been here, but I’m no longer invisible.”

Also, an “anonymous” runway show adds excitement, but even cooler for the contestants, the winner of this season will take home the biggest prize in Project Runway history. A package worth over half a million dollars consisting of $150,000 dollars in cash, $50,000 dollars on technology, a fashion spread on Marie Claire magazine, the all-new 2014 Lexus IS 350, a $50,000 dollar styling contract with L’Oreal, and much more.

            If you haven’t seen the episode, I must warn you there are spoilers (not that I haven’t given out facts above. Anyway, read at your own risk).

            The parachute challenge was a cool way to kick off the season and the fan interaction vehicle through playrunway.com is a great idea to get fans more involved with the show; it’s a smart way of taking advantage of social media and technology. 

It was sad to see Angela leave because she seemed promising, her story was appealing, and in all honesty, Sandro should have been the one to go home. His outfit was outrageous and his attitude isn't the best; however, it was an intelligent move to keep him in the show, at least from a producer’s perspective.

            It looks like it will be an exciting season. I’ll have to try to keep up by watching the episodes online starting in August since I’ll be relocating to Los Angeles and more than likely won’t have cable. If you watched tonight’s episode, feel free to share who is your favorite contestant so far as a designer but also as a character. And by the way, congrats to the team behind the show for receiving five Emmy nominations this morning.