After the first challenge in Gristedes I think it’s fair to say that most of us cringe at the thought of the designers working with unusual materials. It’s true it always makes for an interesting show, however it’s just so sad to see them flounder. In our experience, the designers either can’t think outside the box or create something so basic by using the most fabric-like material that the innovation the challenge calls for is lost.  On the flip side there are those rare gems that manage to rise to the occasion and laugh in the face of unusual and creative challenges, like first guest judge Austin Scarlett.

For this challenge, as soon as the designers arrived on the roof for their introduction and saw the cars I could cut the tension with a knife. Our favorite line was from Terri who asked ” What am I supposed to do with these cars? I don’t have blow torch!”

As we predicted many of the designers picked seat belts and other pieces of cloth they could easily form into fabric-like pieces. Luckily when they got in the workroom designers like Kenley and Leanne realized early on that to stand out they needed to avoid using seat belts or at the very least use them in a different way. Let’s face it, The judges either dock you for taking the easy road and following the flock or applaud you for taking something everyone else has and re-thinking that material. The choice is yours.

Jerell, Leanne, and Korto were the top three with their dazzling innovative designs. We love the Barbarella/ Judy Jetson look of Jerell’s design. Not only did the piece look modern it combined the materials in really great way and was totally wearable without being a bore. We agree with Rachel that we would wear Korto’s elegant weaved coat in a second. Just as Micheal said we think it was chic. This look took a lot of effort and time, and is an example of a great way to work a common fabric many of the designers snagged. Last, but not least is Leanne who never ceases to amaze! We definitely think she is one to watch. Taking a departure from her pleats and pintucks she made a party perfect cocktail dress out of seat material of all things!

It was no suprise that Keith, Stella, and Blayne ended up in the bottom three. Keith, who finally made a different silhouette ( we were in no mood to see more torn strips attached to a skirt or a sleeve), ended up boring the judges with his conservative look. One could chalk it up to karma for yelling at Alyssa for sitting in the makeup room! Come on! Then there was Stella with her  separates in the bottom three who in all fairness went outside her comfort zone. Be honest, you all thought she was going to make an all leather piece too! It didn’t make sense to Pr Alum Laura or to Micheal Kors and her skirt was clearly puckering and coming apart. Lastly, there was Blayne who rounded out the lowest scores with his elegant, but poorly made dress. We give props from his ‘licious’ departure with his more elegant design. We know he was reeling from not having anything hot pink to choose from. Unlike Heidi we liked the broken glass shards on the bust ( we aren’t superstitious), and we think the look is chic. However, as Laura pointed out it was ill-fitting on the top.

Ultimately, Leanne won with her snazzy dress and Keith was out. We agree with the judges choices for this challenge. Do you? Don’t forget you can take home a piece of the runway by bidding on these creative designs on our Project Runway Auction.  Bid now- and pick up Rachel’s Zoe’s book packed with all her fabulous style advice!

While many of the designers were criticized by guest judge Austin Scarlett and the other judges for playing it too safe (read: using tablecloths and other materials closely resembling fabric), I still think they deserve some praise for creatively fashioning the materials they chose.

It’s fascinating how many of the designs are actually pieces that are totally wearable despite being plucked out of your average grocery aisle. As I mentioned before, there were many pieces I would wear from this first challenge. Take Keith’s checked halter dress (shown above) - this is a great dress for a first date or an outdoor event. Additionally, I think both Jennifer and Wesley’s dresses would be perfect for my upcoming high school reunion and any other cocktail party that requires a little sassy getup.

As it stands, both Jennifer and Wesley’s designs have two of the highest bids in the auction. Jennifer’s dress is the second highest bid, Wesley’s is the third highest bid, and Kelli’s winning design is the front-runner. The bids are in a great place right now, so login (register if you haven’t) and start bidding!

As someone who has tried her hand at designing only to realize, as I’m sure many have before me, that those who can, design, those who can’t, become editors, I have a real appreciation for young, up-and-coming designers. Which is why I am thrilled Project Runway is back. In the spirit of tanorexic Blayne, it promises to be fabulicious.

I’m a nostalgic kind of girl, so was happier than Carrie Bradshaw at a Manolo sample sale that the first test of designer mettle was a replay of season one’s now famous Gristedes challenge (I still have visions of that Austin Scarlett corn husk number – now that’s what I call a real Field of Dreams).

And yes, while Stella’s trash bag travesty (which I could totally see Marilyn Manson’s next child bride wearing down the aisle by the way) and Jerry’s Singing in the Rain Without My Meds ensemble weren’t as inspired as I, and I’m sure they, would have liked them to be, my socks (okay, tights) were knocked off by Daniel’s molded cup concoction. I say if you can make plastic look posh then you have my vote any day.

I’m also keen on the quirky, so am not afraid to admit that I really dug Korto’s yellow, produce-embellished frock.

Like Heidi, Nina, Michael and Austin, I too was impressed by winner Kelli’s artful A-line and brilliant treatment of coffee filters and vacuum cleaner bags. I’d try to do the same with my vacuum cleaner bags, but I realize that’s impossible. Not only because I lack this skill, but also because my vacuum is a Roomba.

But I digress.

Despite a few runway misses, season five promises to be full of good old fashion reality TV-filled drama and inane-but-you-know-you-love-them coined phrases ending with “licious,” but most importantly, truly innovative minds (and hands), which, let’s face it, is the reason we’ll all be tuning in again and again.

Well, that and to see just how nuclear Blayne can get.

Until we meet on the Runway again!

Kelly Lee
Editor-in-Chief
BussBuss.com
The Online Shopping Bible.