Project Runway: Tools of Design

Strap on your tool belts and hardhats. This week on Project Runway, we’re experimenting with hardware. Yes, I said hardware. Unconventional? Yes. But that’s exactly the challenge.

The designers were greeted by Heidi this week who told them to meet with Tim and “America’s Favorite Designer” to find out about their challenge. Of course it could only be Michael Kors, himself. Designers had to create an unconventional look using hardware materials from Scheman & Grant hardware store. AND they had to create an accessory to “compliment and enhance” their look. Initial thought: Seth Aaron’s got this one in the bag.

A hundred and fifty dollars later and bags filled with supplies – save for Emilio – designers return to the work room to begin constructing. Amy reflects on her friendship with Jonathan, Seth Aaron is banging on his metal sheet to mold it. Jesse runs into a problem when his “fabric” is sticky. Seth Aaron grabs a hammer and continues banging. Jay decides to turn garbage bags into leather. Seth Aaron is still banging. I don’t know why his banging was so prominent, but it was kind of hilarious. Or maybe I’m weird? Don’t answer that.

Tim comes in to make his rounds and is slightly perturbed by what he sees. He wonders why all the men grabbed copper, and mainly wonders if Jesse can avoid “costumey” with his look. I didn’t even notice. Then again, I’m usually just watching him, so….(Don’t judge me!) Emilio, on the other hand, has bigger problems. Or rather, not so big, as he doesn’t have enough to create a full outfit. So he goes ahead and does the only thing he can – a bikini. Bad taste alert! Looking around the room, all of the garments are a little odd. But this is fashion “and stripper costumes” says Jesse.

On the runway, we meet the guest judges – fashion designer Isabel Toledo, who made Michelle Obama’s inauguration dress. Spiffy, no? And Steven Webster, world renowned jewelery designer. As the models walked, I picked out two favorites right away. Jonathan’s garment was elegant and I loved the colors and design. Jay’s edgy garbage bag pants and top were absolutely stunning and very innovative. On the other hand, Ben’s copper dress was boring and tortured.

The top three selected were Jay, Mila, and Maya. I’ve already evaluated Jay’s look but Heidi and Isabel agreed it was “amazing”. Mila’s look was a bit of a checkerboard but it was stylish. I will give her props for using paint trays. Can’t be easy. Isabel loved the look and Steven loved the cuff accessory. Maya’s look seemed reminiscent of a spiderwoman. But her necklace was fabulous. Who knew keys could be fashionable? Michael said she had “normal pieces looked at in an abnormal way.”

On the downside, the bottom three were Emilio – no surprise there, Anthony, and Jesse. (Noooo!) Let’s start with Emilio’s wreck of a bathing suit. Nina wondered “What happened?” while Michael called it “cheesy” and Heidi commented that there was “no pattern.” And he had the nerve to lie to them and say “Oh I wanted to be different”?! A horrible fashion blunder and horrible etiquette. Emilio you are on my list, buddy! Anthony’s dress was cute and feminine but it lacked a wow factor. Michael said it looked like a bad prom dress, while Nina said it was boring. Not too brutal… Jesse’s dress, I will admit, looked like a big cotton ball. But come on! The effort was put in. Unlike Emilio’s last resort of a bathing suit. Nina was reminded of the “Tin Man from Wizard of Oz” while Michael was hungrier saying it looked like a “Hershey Kiss costume”.

Jay took home a second win with his garbage back turned leather outfit. Jesse, TRAGICALLY, was sent home, leaving me back with my old favorite, Seth Aaron. My heart is still breaking! You know what? I’m boycotting this show for a week!

For another take on this episode, check out Just Tooling Around by Keshaunta Moton.

Season 7, Episode 7: Hard Wear (originally aired March 4, 2010)

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Thursdays at 10pm EST on Lifetime

Photographs courtesy of Lifetime, David M. Russell, and IMDbPro