Project Runway is Positively Inspired in Season 8 Episode 10

I’ve had my particular DVR system for a few years now, and it wasn’t until recently that I discovered that a number of channels offer an archive of select shows on demand for free. I used to think the on demand feature was strictly pay-per-view, but apparently not. For my family, this feature is a blessing; between sharing the DVR with three other people and recording the new shows of the fall season, the free space fills up pretty fast. Not to mention the hassle in working around the endless scheduling conflicts between programs during primetime. Luckily, on demand and the countless sites that stream episodes online allow everyone to see their shows whenever they want without running the risk they might get taped-over or deleted. Obviously the streaming sites just as easily offer any episode you may have missed to watch at your convenience, but it’s just not the same watching a show on a tiny laptop screen when you have a huge HDTV hanging on your wall.

Speaking of DVR woes, last week’s Project Runway didn’t record due to scheduling conflicts, so I was excited to fill that PR void when Thursday rolled around. This season, I don’t find myself rooting for any one contestant. Usually a clear favorite emerges for me after the first few episodes, but this round of designers has been inconsistent, making it harder to grasp each person’s aesthetic.

I’ve never disagreed with the judges so much as I do this season (Michael Costello? Really?), but this week I was definitely on the same wavelength. The print design challenge was back, and the designers were asked to create a signature fabric inspired by a moment in their past. Everyone’s prints turned out fine for the most part, but I agreed with the judges’ critique on the mediocrity of the designs as a whole. There was hardly a “wow-factor” to be found.

Mondo's design. Positively inspired!

In terms of fabric design, Mondo was the clear leader in aesthetics with a strong, geometrical pattern in bold colors. Even before he explained his reasoning behind utilizing a plus sign to symbolize his HIV positive status, his look was the clear winner with a vibrant, editorial look that was flawless in its construction. Andy’s design was uncharacteristically drab this week (Judge Michael Kors likened the shirt to a sad face with the breasts as the eyes), considering how buoyant his looks have been in the past. Christopher pulled out yet another safe piece. I almost forgot he was in the competition because the majority of his pieces have been completely unremarkable – wearable, maybe, but unexceptional. The other four designers pulled out looks that had their highpoints and flaws, but nothing of note.

Andy's design, aka :-(

Christopher's design. Yawn. Obviously he and Katy Perry have different ideas of what a California girl should be.

I was surprised Valerie got the boot. Sure, her design bore some similarity to her napkin dress from the party store challenge and the details were a little off, but Urban Outfitters has sold similar looks successfully. While I believe in Andy’s potential more than Valerie’s, Andy’s look was confusing, awkward and depressing and should have sent him home. Auf Wiedersehen!

Valerie's design, $68.00, coming soon to an Urban Outfitters near you!

Hopefully in the next few weeks the designers will up their game so I can finally root for someone!