Project Runway: Hot Potatoes

This week, instead of your regularly scheduled episode of Project Runway, we will be relocating to the countryside to do some farming. Wait, this is the episode? You mean there’s actually a challenge on a farm? Oh, well in that case, let me just grab my straw hat and sunflower seeds…

So this week’s challenge was based off of the quote “A beautiful woman can look good in anything – even a potato sack.” Designers were to create a party-worthy look from a burlap potato sack. Not exactly the best medium. But as the saying goes, you have to “Make it work!” As if that weren’t enough of a challenge, the models got to act as clients for the designers. And we all know how crazy those models can be with their demands.

After a brief stocking of supplies – quite possibly my favorite Tim Gunn moment: “You have fifteen minutes to shop on the farm” – the designers return to Parson’s to begin doing what they do best, using techniques like dying, dipping and even potato printing. As to be expected, problems ensue. Tension’s already built between two designers when whiny Mila’s model chooses to work with Anthony over her. Personally, Anthony is one of my favorites. His flamboyant and confident attitude makes him a memorable contestant. Seth Aaron, the rockstar among the designers, is another favorite particularly because of his edgy style and demeanor.

Back to the issues. Jesus, who you just can’t help but want to believe in, decides to cover the burlap with ribbons, which unfortunately defeats the purpose of the task. And Jay’s skirt winds up being navy blue instead of black. Whoops. On the other side of the room, in a galaxy far far away, resident crazy Ping is suffering from a miscalculation in measurement. Her garment not only has a strangely wide and unflattering look, but doesn’t even cover the model’s rear. Talk about being “bummed out”!

At judging, we’re introduced to Nina and Michael – yay they’re back! The guest judge this week is fashion icon, model, actress, and adventurer Lauren Hutton. (Did I miss anything Heidi?) The show begins with Anthony’s cute, short, red party dress. And, no, Alexis, blue buttons would not have looked good. Favorites included Seth Aaron’s futuristic sci-fi look, Jonathan’s very elegant and classy look, and Amy’s simple, but pretty and flowy look. Jesse also caught my eye, having been the only one who’d done a pant suit. Props, Jesse!

Top three were Amy, Mila, and Jay. Bottom three were Pamela, Jesus, and Ping. The judges question whether or not they want to see more of Ping’s work, but eventually they decide they do. For the love of all mankind, why couldn’t they just let her go? I guess Ping’s eccentric style amuses them. Mila’s almost flawless construction kept her spot in the competition. Her dress was beautiful, aside from the gaping neckline. I just hope in the episodes to come she tones down the annoyance factor. Jay’s adorable feathery dress was the challenge winner, giving him immunity for the next one. Boiling down to Jesus and Pamela, I can’t say I was sorry to see Pamela and her poorly made dress go. Giving a tiny model such a big rear is a no-no, my friend.

With the first team challenge coming up next week, it’ll be interesting to see how all these different personalities work together. I pity the designer that gets stuck with Ping! But as always, they’ll have to MAKE IT WORK.

For another take on this episode, check out A Step In The Right Direction by Keshaunta Moton.

Season 7, Episode 2: The Fashion Farm (originally aired January 21, 2010)

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Thursdays at 10pm EST on Lifetime

Photographs courtesy of Lifetime and IMDbPro