Project Runway: Rumble on the Runway

Just when I thought I saw everything that could possibly happen on a Project Runway episode, this episode shows that there still is a first time for everything. In this case, different outcomes for members of a winning team.

Coming up with fashions for surf divas – kind of expected considering Project Runway has relocated to Southern California. The twist – these designers have to work in teams, which is always a recipe for drama and ultimately disaster. Mitchell definitely courts it by appointing Ra’mon to be his teammate, expecting Ra’mon to carry him through the challenge. Qristal and Epperson – the bad marriage as Epperson channels Santino without any of the flair in design or personality. These two pairing are a definite trainwreck.

Mitchell, who just got by last week by dumb luck hopes to replicate his success by appointing a strong teammate. Ra’mon is definitely the key figure in them winning the challenge, but he also turns out to be instrumental in Mitchell no longer being able to cheat fate. The judges, especially Heidi Klum, are dismayed that Mitchell contributed very little to the dresses, a lovely, multi-colored number and an adapted yellow neoprene dress, which was very risky. Ra’mon is declared the winner, but Mitchell goes home, which should have been a week earlier. His little joke about “Auf wiedersehen, bitches” proves to be a little too prophetic for him. This odd winner-loser pair is the first ever.

Some pairings go well, such as Nicholas and Gordana, even though there’s a strange not-quite-slutty anime princess factor to one of their looks. Also, they threaten to bring back macrame from 30+ years of dormancy.

Johnny and Irina did some nice work together and no drama, especially with Johnny this time. They also threaten to bring macrame out of its dormancy.

Logan has a look topped off with a wide hat while Christopher makes a big, poofy skirt. Innovative collaboration though not my favorite.

Louise and Althea use some retro elements, evoking flapper and Victorian both without rigidly conforming to the eras.

Shirin and Carol create a floor-length wrap to replace the sarong, and the bikini top is even an integral part of the dress, which is brilliant. The other dress is pretty and wearable, but the multi-functionality of the first one, a signature element of Shirin’s design, stands out.

As revealed on Models of the Runway, Mitchell’s model Fatma avoids his fate, even though she showed really bad form by openly displaying anger for him picking her. But for how long?

Catch up with last Thursday’s episode:
http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runway/full-episodes/video