Project Runway: Of Spit and Knits

With all the introductions out of the way, and last week's token challenge a faded memory, things finally got underway on PR. And once again, they magically say goodbye to the designer who not only has a flawed outfit but has thus far shown the least personality...did anyone really think Christian was going home at this point? Puhleeaze.

We get our first model dismissal. Ricky, once again in that horrible mesh hat (lingerie for the head, perhaps?), is the only one to switch models from last week. As a result, his girl gets the finger.  Interestingly, Ricky did not cry over this.

The gang finds out they are going to be designing for a "fashion icon"; guesses include Snow White (too precious) Madonna (would probably incite a group stroke) and Britney (fashion icon?). Happily, tiny little Sarah Jessica shows up, all "aw shucks" and soft-lighting. The designers go crazy, with Chris crying and revealing that "SITC" is the reason he moved to New York (it's not like you need a reason to move to New York when you are a gay costume designer, but whatever). SJP reveals that the challenge will be to design a two-piece outfit for her Bitten line to retail for $40.

This is when I learned that an outfit that retails for $40 can only cost $15 to make. It's the kind of thing you know if you think about it, but to hear it verbalized is kind of shocking. And while the designers are clearly less than thrilled to create an outfit for the cost of breakfast at Starbucks, the winner will get their design sold as part of the Bitten line in the fall. So it's all good...if you like your clothes to be sold at Steve & Barry's. Anyone?

Anywho, the challenge is one of those "30 minutes to sketch, meet with SJP, she picks seven faves, they pick team member". It's always fun to watch them sketch: in addition to my envy of their sewing skills, I'm always in awe how they whip those amazing little drawings out! And the presentation to SJP is priceless, from Chris being unable to get multi-syllabic words out to Marion forgetting to shake her hand, and finally, in what may go down as an all-time classic (and not for the right reason), Carmen's "signature line":  "Carmen like the opera, Webber like the baller". I don't even know what to say.

Now, I'm no designer, so I don't know how exciting it is to potentially have your outfit sold at Steve & Barry's, but I'm not sure I would try my hardest to win this one. If SJP was going to wear my design on the red carpet, then maybe, but with something like this, where most of the designers probably aren't that strong, why risk being the team leader of a losing bid? Instead, why not just sketch something that you know won't get you chosen as team leader, have faith that someone fairly talented (normal) will pick you...and if you do end up on the losing team, you can rest easy knowing the captain always goes down with the ship. Is that so wrong? Save yourself for a bigger challenge.

What's great so far:

*I'm loving Elisa. When she spit on the fabric, I thought it was at least to mark where a seam would be or something, not to endow it with spiritual energy! But what is so charming about her is that she is aware of her kookiness and not particularly confrontational about it; in fact, she's somewhat sensitive about it for someone who has likely been this way for her entire 42 years. But aside from that, she's got a great vision; her and Sweet P's awkward but fruitful collaboration produced a totally adorable outfit which I think should've won. (BTW, does anyone see Patricia Heaton staring back at them whenever Sweet P is on camera?)

*Judge Michael Kors is getting funnier and cattier with each season ("Top Chef" judge Tom Colicchio could learn a lesson or two from him). His review of Marion's losing "Pocahontas" outfit that was literally "melting" on the catwalk it was purrfect.

*You know they are keeping Christian around as long as they can. He's a riot, and his self-confidence stops just a hair short of insolence. I wasn't a fan of his design last week, although it was apparently very well made; this week's didn't do it for me either, although I thought the jacket struck just the right note of '80s chic without being too literal (it's not as though it had shoulder pads). I would love to know what Tim Gunn thinks of him...really.

Random observations:

* I felt Tim Gunn was a bit MIA this week. Maybe there was just to much SJP time, but I need more Gunn power!

*Was Ricky a little over-eager in picking Jack, or am I reading too much into that?

*What is up with Jack's "rock and roll" gesticulations? Was he a frat boy in a former life?

*I would've liked to hear the judges' take on Kit & Chris' design. I thought their approach to NOT make the special occassion dress and instead go for fleece, was actually kind of refreshing, and seemed appropriate given the challenge.

*Victorya's dress and vest were quite lovely. My only criticism was that they vest didn't stand out enough against the dress. It needed just a little something to make it pop. But for $15 - both her and Elisa were able to make silk out of sows' ears.

Everyone is abuzz with what Jack's issue is (it's out that he's HIV positive, so it's something else...) but what I can't wait to see is how Elisa fares in upcoming challenges without knowing how to use a sewing machine (although a look at her bio shows no reason for concern - this girl is experienced, recognized, and has...designed for SJP and "SITC" before...hmmmm). 

Image courtesy NBCUMV