Project Runway Goes Globetrotting

Michael Kors challenges the designers this week with postcards.

Episode 10: Wish You Were Here

--by Eric Walter

This week's challenge doesn't seem that, er... challenging, but it's funny to see how wrong some of the designers go. Michael Kors sets it up this week. He holds up some vacation pictures and matches each designer up with a different destination. Their task: Design an outfit inspired by that location. It's mainly kind of a cheap shot to get the cameras into his Rodeo Drive flagship store.

Lucky seven. Who's going home this week.

Most of the hour is dedicated to Irina trashing everyone. She doesn't have much of a track record actually predicting the worst outfits, though. Most of the people she thinks are the worst either win or make it to the top few, so I have trouble respecting her judgment.

Irina hasn't been in the top herself for a few weeks, but she sure has
a lot to say about everyone else.

The fact is, the level of creativity doesn't seem to be increasing for anyone. This week's collection is an exercise in minimalism. Nothing looks amazing. Even when the judges like something, they have something to complain about.

 
Even Tim seems let down.

Christopher has the most to gain, having struck out consistently for more than  half of the season. But he just can't bring it. He gives us a fantastic belt but skimps on the dress. He dodges a bullet again this week, but he seems close.

...But it's going to have a killer belt, says Christopher.

Irina wins hands down with a fur-draped pantsuit ready for the slopes of Aspen. But Nicolas, poor Nicolas... He never finds his Greek muse. His dull gray pants and charmless white top gets him all the wrong kind of attention.

Tim struggles to find the Greece in Nicolas' work. Yeah, not finding it.

We're down to one gay, folks.

What Worked

Left to right:

Gordana, New York. She scores big points with the bejeweled neck piece. She's right on. In New York, a classy accessory can mask the plainest of clothes.

Carol Hannah, Palm Beach. The dress is a little on the simple side, but the print saves her.

Irina, Aspen. Finally Irina pulls through and actually wins a challenge. This screams well-heeled ski lodge. Throw off that fur cape and put your feet up by the fireplace!

What Didn't

Christopher, Santa Fe. Well, it's better than it was when Tim first saw it, but without the belt this thing is totally lost. And the belt is not enough. That blue-sky top and wheat-colored skirt are straight out of Plainsville. You can take the boy out of the prairie, but you can't take the prairie out of the boy's designs.

Althea, St. Tropez. The gauzy top might work, but not the shorts. Anything but the shorts.

Logan, Hollywood. But not Hollywood enough.

Nicolas, Greece. There is no fantasy in this design. Whether we went with a dress or took the more dangerous road of pants, he should have carried the white through the whole thing.

Best Gay

Hello, Dolly! Everyone is back where they belong.

Michael Kors. He may have gone a little overboard with the spray-on tan, and he get a little shameless with the self-promotion this week, but it sure is good to have Michael Kors back. Look at him and Nina. So calming.

Best WTF Moment

I just had to point out Tim's fancy tassled velvet sack. I think it's the most fabulous thing that appeared on the show this week!