Project Runway’s first hat inspired challenge introduces us to famed hat designer Philip Treacy. This British milliner has adorned the heads of celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga.
He informs the designers this challenge is all about volume, proportion and understanding the silhouette of the person wearing it. One more thing, he will be the guest judge.
This just may be one of the more difficult challenges the designers will face this season.
Challenge: Create a look inspired by the outrageous hats designed by Philip Treacy
Can the designers take their own interpretation of this hat and express it into a total look? Will they be able to communicate it to the judges? In particular, the one that designed the hat and has his own perception of what his creation conveys?
I am not sure these questions were answered in this episode. In fact, I think most people are still trying to figure out what the judges were thinking.
One question that has caused some debate, “Do you choose the hat or the model?” Several reviews have criticized the designers for choosing the same model they have been working with, regardless of the hat. I actually think it was a brilliant move.
Unless a particular hat spoke to you, it allows the designer to work with the measurements and model he is familiar with. All the hats are outrageous and being familiar with your model gives the designer a bit more confidence. On this challenge, that bit of confidence gives them one less thing to worry about.
Therefore, a smart move.
It was difficult to figure out exactly what the judges were looking for when it came to the winning (and losing) design. When Heidi called out the final 6 designers (the best and the worst), it was actually difficult to decide which was which. Apparently, I was not the only one that felt that way.
In addition, when you add the opinion of guest judge, Philip Treacy, does it come down to his own interpretation?
I envision the judges deliberating for a long time. I wonder whose negotiation skills were put to the test or if any blackmail was used to sway votes in their direction. Was it two on two and someone finally gave in because they were tired or hungry? Did it come down to the guest judge, after all he created the hats? Oh, to be a fly on the wall, at judgment time.
Don’t you just wonder what Heidi is thinking?
Let’s take a look at four of the final six designs that were left on the runway. The top designs included Michael Drummond and Michael Costello.
The winning design went to Michael C!
I have to disagree with the judges on that call.
I am no designer, but when I look at Michael D’s dress, it is clear the hat and dress were meant to go together. Didn’t hat designer Philip Treacy say “this challenge is all about volume, proportion and understanding the silhouette of the person wearing it.” Hello!?! Do you not see that when you look at Michael D’s dress? Because I do.
When I look at Michael C’s dress, it looked as though his model purchased the hat and then went shopping to find something to compliment it. Tim Gunn explained it best in Kristin’s exiting video, “Michael C has a beautiful dress. It could be on that runway in any context. Michael D’s dress could only have happened because of the hat. And for me, that made it the clear winner.”
The bottom two designs included April and Kristin
The more I look at the bottom two, I am convinced they have one thing in common and it starts with a “V” and was mentioned several times on the show by Kristin. If you are having a hard time figuring out what I am referring too, look closely at April’s shorts design. And as many of you know, an orchid is often compared to that part of the anatomy.
If April had chosen to make those “triple layered panties” (as referred to by Michael Kors) into short shorts or even a skirt, it might have worked. Unfortunately, I can’t get past my first reaction.
I felt like Kristin lost focus and her dress did not fit her model well. When I look at the picture, I want to grab the top and straighten it up. I certainly understand how she lost focus, the orchid reminded her of her wedding and I am sure she missed her husband. In addition, it would be difficult for me to keep from having a “giggle fit” every time Tim came into the room. I would constantly relive the now famous, one liner, “I prefer the animal wooly balls.”
Unfortunately, they had to eliminate a designer and this week we said goodbye to Kristin.
No doubt the workroom will suffer. They just lost the designer that brought Tim Gunn to tears. Thank goodness he was laughing.
Project Runway airs Thursdays at 9/8C on Lifetime.
Photos and videos courtesy of Lifetime Television
Cammie Moise
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