Uh-oh! Is Project Runway All Stars foreshadowing that either Mondo or Kenley will be eliminated this episode? The show opens at the Flatotel, where the designers are staying, and shows Mondo talking about how obnoxious and annoying Kenley is. While that is a fair statement (Kenley's nasal twang makes her a "sound down" kind of gal), this sudden focus on their interaction doesn't bode well for one of them. Editing, thy name is spoilers!
Colorless host Angela reveals that today's challenge is a "Fashion Face-Off," which is conveniently also the name of this episode. That means the remaining designers will go head-to-head on the runway to create seasonal sportswear for a woman's weekend retreat. There will be a top 4 and a bottom 4.
The seasonal face-off breakdown:
Spring: Austin vs. Kara
Summer: Mondo vs. Kenley (a-ha!)
Autumn: Mila vs. Rami
Winter: Michael C. vs. Jerell
There's actual drama in the workroom this episode as Michael C. scraps his short, geometric-designed jacket idea and switches to a heavier, tweedy coat with a cowl neck. Problem is, his rival Jerell had already created a coat with that silhouette and color palette. Plagiarism? Cheating? Jerell is not happy, and even mentor Joanna Coles decides to air out their conflict in order to create a dialogue that accomplishes nothing except for bringing out the claws.
The Runway
SPRING
Austin - Did he trade gorgeous for geriatric? Ugh. Although his khaki capris and floral top with matching cardigan are beautifully constructed and have a some nice design touches, the print and color palette look like he stole them from his granny's overstuffed couch. The lady is going on holiday, not to high tea.
Kara - This at least feels modern. Her high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, jewel-tone top and loose, flowing cardigan are chic and elegant. I'd much rather wear that in spring than the uptight, buttoned-up look Austin wrestled together. That said, I'm not sure if this has actual unique design in it. I could have used a bit more oomph in styling though, since her design was so simple.
SUMMER (aka The Polka-Dot Showdown)
Kenley - Her lavender romper with white polka dots are just so Kenley. It's cute and sweet, but we've seen this a zillion times from her, yes? Is this Project Kenley? No. Show some range, girl!
Mondo - The boy can mix prints, textiles and silhouettes like no other. His irregularly-shaped polka dots are echoed in the swing top that pairs well with the tailored shorts. He's a tad over-styled here -- yellow belt, bangles, '50s-Barbie-style ponytail and bangs. Although I like parts of it, it doesn't jell as well as his previous design did, that was also a summer look.
AUTUMN
Rami - His royal blue drapey, tied jacket with blue suede sleeves is interesting, although it would take a bold woman to pair it with that chartreuse blouse he has peeking from beneath. It's not a very flattering cut, making this slender model look both top heavy and pregnant. (*Note: Later, during judging, he unties the jacket, which helps the silhouette so much more, but shows off how busy and ugly the blouse is.)
Mila - The camel cape with black color-blocking is dramatic and stylish, especially with those sleek cigarette pants and fitted red shirt underneath. I'd take it over over Rami's unsmurfy monstrosity.
WINTER (aka The Dueling Doppelgangers)
Jerell - The heavy, long gray coat mixing that chevron-zigzag print is a great layering item over the black cardigan and brown tights. Like last episode, he's been known to add too many disparate elements, but sticking to the same color palette seems to have helped this time around. It's boho fun, complete with platter-sized buttons!
Michael C. - He also presents a heavy, stripey gray coat with the same open blanket look, but his belted tunic and the arm warmers are also made with the same material, so that's different. Oh, and the tights are black, not brown. It's a more unified and stylish look.
Judgment
The Top 4: Kara, Kenley, Mila, Jerell
The Bottom 4: Austin, Mondo, Rami, Michael
Jerell probably feels vindicated since he wins the challenge. He's even happy enough to wish his opponent good luck. Sadly, Smurf stylist Rami is out. It's not a huge surprise, even though Austin's elderly couture almost got him sent home.
Did the right person win? Who deserved to go home? Is this a lackluster all-stars season or what?
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Uh-oh! Is Project Runway All Stars foreshadowing that either Mondo or Kenley will be eliminated this episode? The show opens at the Flatotel, where the designers are staying, and shows Mondo talking about how obnoxious and annoying Kenley is. While that is a fair statement (Kenley's nasal twang makes her a "sound down" kind of gal), this sudden focus on their interaction doesn't bode well for one of them. Editing, thy name is spoilers!
Colorless host Angela reveals that today's challenge is a "Fashion Face-Off," which is conveniently also the name of this episode. That means the remaining designers will go head-to-head on the runway to create seasonal sportswear for a woman's weekend retreat. There will be a top 4 and a bottom 4.
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