This was anything but a European vacation for the Project Runway designers, though I am sure it was a blast! The designers and an assistant [former contestant] were sent to various European destinations, from Barcelona to Berlin, to seek inspiration and buy fabric for the challenge that would determine who'd move on to Fashion Week. Michelle's "do or die" moment came in the form of you're not eliminated but you're not going to Europe. Michelle stayed in NYC and even though she pouted and was kind of bitchy about it, she got to STAY in the competition.

Daniel surprised us all with this modern and edgy look. I love it. BUT he owes so much to Amanda who kept him current and on trend, otherwise he would have gone over-the-top dated and frumpy... So it will be interesting to see what he puts out for a collection since he won't have anyone guiding him.

Stanley won the challenge. He and Richard went to London and came up with the dark couture-esqe design. The capelet is chic and the styling, fantastic. Stanley gets an A+ for drama. The only [minor] issue I have is that he lined the dress with a beautiful black sequin fabric. [He] and the judges loved it and called it a "surprise"... I don't quite see it that way... To me, lining the gown in such a dramatic textile made it seem like the model was wearing the dress inside out.

Oh Patricia! Seriously, you go to Paris and you're inspiration is graffiti art??? WTF is wrong with you! Nina Garcia asked the same question, sans the "WTF." Paris is a fashion mecca. The most romantic city in the world and Patricia comes up with this schizophrenic nightmare. At the same time, I am so happy that Patricia has moved on to present in Fashion Week because I'm very interested to see the collection her artistic mind might produce. Nina and Heidi got into a debate [near argument] on art vs. fashion over Patricia. Amusing. Ratings. Drama. Blah Blah...

The only reason I am happy to see Layana go home is because she has demonstrated over the last few challenges that not only is she out of her league at this point in the competition BUT that she is a spoiled child! In life, you often win through failure. It's about time she learned that. By itself, the lace coat is good but as an ensemble, especially with the flowy blouse sleeves poking through, it's hideous. Maybe Daniel rubbed off on her because how a young designer can create something so dated just doesn't make sense. AUF! #fail

Finally, we have Michelle... good job! I don't think she regrets not going to Europe since going to Fashion Week is way better. I love the punk and bondage elements of the dress. The chest plate is reversible btw. Off subject: One word of advice for Michelle... seek counseling for your space and intimacy issues. That no hugging thing is freaky freaky weird and rude!

join fashionado on facebook & twitter