The Claws Come Out!: Conflicts on Project Runway Season 8, Episode 11

The top six designers.

Things are getting catty at Parsons! On this week’s episode of Project Runway, tensions run high not only amongst the remaining six designers, but a few contestants have a bone to pick with host Heidi Klum.

Drama ensues when contestants are asked to create three looks for Heidi's active-wear collection for New Balance to be sold on Amazon.com, enlisting in the help of previously eliminated designers. As usual, Michael Costello is the target for criticism when Ivy calls him out on allegedly cheating during a prior challenge. Ivy claims to have seen Michael C. using tape during the Jackie Kennedy challenge, then proudly goes around to the other designers to tell them she had “taken one for the team.” Of course, whenever talk of foul play is astir, Tim Gunn gracefully saunters in to clarify. According to him, nobody saw any rule-breaking on the part of Michael C., and Ivy is finally shut up.

There is yet more commotion when Heidi comes to the studio to evaluate the designers’ progress. When she explains to Mondo that she isn’t thrilled with the work he had started, Mondo cops an attitude. The New Balance line is for a busy woman who still wants to look fashionable, but Mondo's pieces aren't practical and are ill-suited to the customer in mind – Heidi can’t even get one of the pieces over her head! Mondo rolls his eyes, to which Heidi replies, "There's no reason for you to be rude." Mondo pouts, claiming he’s not being rude, but “hurt,” and sulks about having to start over.

Mondo isn’t the only contestant put off by Heidi’s opinions. Gretchen first feels friction with the host when they disagree on her fabrics. Heidi notes that Gretchen’s fabric choices aren’t the same as those already in the collection, and insists that she stick to the fabrics the line could use. The clashing continues on the runway when Gretchen takes Heidi’s criticism personally. Heidi responds to the contestant, who constantly disagrees with the host’s opinions, that “constructive criticism is not your enemy.” Backstage, Gretchen states, “Heidi really doesn't like me,” and that her comments aren't constructive criticism, “but I'm here, and I should be.”

Gretchen gets some bad news from host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn.

In the end, Mondo is a contender for the number one spot after taking Heidi’s advice, editing his pieces into a smart, geometrically inspired mini-collection. He winds up in second after challenge winner Andy. Gretchen misses the mark and lands in the bottom three with odd creations that were meant to bridge the gap between Heidi’s casual active-wear line and more dressy clothes. She delivers such travesties as peek-a-boo spanx and a glorified bathrobe, but it is Christopher who ultimately gets the boot. It is no surprise to hear Christopher admit to never having done sportswear after seeing the sad looks he sends down the runway. It's his time to go, though, as he had been coasting for far too long on being safe. Hasta la vista, Christopher!