Project Runway: Episode 8

Ooh la la! This episode’s challenge brought all manner of surprises, including a famous guest appearance (amazing New York-based French designer Catherine Malandrino) and even an international flight. The designers were told they would be creating a look for an international jet setter.

It was then revealed that said jet setters would be the designers themselves! There were a variety of reactions, and needless to say, an incredible variety of designs. On the runway, another surprise: The designers would not be judged until it was determined how each garment travels. They are then packed off to the airport where they find out they are bound for Paris. Once everyone has recovered from Angela’s ear-shattering shrieks, they board first class for Paris where the judging ensues…

In which outfit would you choose to jet set?
Ashley: I’d like a toned-down version of Uli’s dress. I always pick a halter neckline over anything, and then could combine it with my nearly surgically attached flip-flops and a denim jacket for an extra layer. It really was the perfect travel outfit: Chic, non-binding, and easily layered.

Laura: I prefer to wear pants when I travel, so I would have had a difficult time with any of the outfits. I guess I would say I’d wear Michael’s, but modified for a female. The seersucker pants would be comfy and airy. That’s a pretty huge stretch though. I would also like Laura’s dress in a jewel tone, rather than the pale flesh tone.

Did the right designer win? Lose?
Laura: I like Michael’s outfit. It was less predictable than Jeffrey’s ‘rock star’ garb. Jeffrey looked like Bono circa 1993 to me. His outfit was well-made and fit him closely (a little too closely in the pants if you ask me). However, it just seemed a little bit obvious that he would make that exact outfit since that has been his style all along. Michael took a preppy fabric – seersucker – and created a totally unique, yet wearable garment. I agree with the decision to Auf Angela. She was the obvious loser here.

Ashley: A whole-hearted yes to both. As soon as Jeffrey started picking fabrics I knew he was going to be at least in the top two, and a reversal of the same for Angela. Jeffrey’s garment was so unquestionably him, and he took it perfectly over the top – not too much, but just enough to look like a legitimate rock star. Angela: a silk-linen blend for a travel garment?! Seriously. Even without adding rosettes on each… er… cheek, and piling on a crazy bag and blowsy tank top, she was done for with her fabric choice. As a side note, I thought Michael in second place was a great decision. His garment was immaculate and yet still held fast to his hip-hop roots. Kayne in second-to-last was also the right choice. He really did look like a butterfly masquerading as Elvis, but at least the fit was perfect.


Was Catherine Malandrino too harsh in her judging?
Ashley: She definitely had more of a bite than the American judges, but I thought her critiques were right on. It was kind of refreshing to hear an unbridled opinion.

Laura: In his podcast, Tim Gunn said that they had to film Malandrino’s comments four times because she was so incredibly harsh. We actually saw the “toned down” version! I thought she was hilarious.

Who do you think will be Aufed next?
Ashley: My prediction is Vincent. Even though he won two weeks ago and was comfortably in the middle of the pack this week, he’s too much of a loose cannon, and he’s held on for too long. I’m also really hoping Kayne pulls out of his recent semi-slump. He could be on the chopping block very soon if he continues the way he’s going now.

Laura: I agree with Ashley. I think it will be Vincent, and I hope that Kayne will step up his game with some classic designs.

Learn more about the edgy-yet-feminine fashions of Catherine Malandrino (one of Ashley’s long time faves!) here.