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!

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!