This season the designers have already been to the beach and the Los Angeles Times, and on Thursday's Project Runway, they hit up another L.A. landmark -- the movie studio. Assigned a genre of film -- action-adventure, film noir, sci-fi, period piece or Western -- the 11 remaining contestants went to work inventing a character that would wear their costume down the runway.
Tough Choices: Since Irina won last week's challenge, she got to pick her preferred genre (film noir) while her competitors were selected in random order to make their picks. But only two designers could create for a specific genre, leaving some (namely Epperson and Shirin, who both got Western) distraught. Gordana got laughs when she deadpanned in her thick Eastern European accent, "Western would be a little bit tough for me because I'm not really American."
Tim's Predictions: Always an arbiter of good taste -- and predictor of the judges' attitudes -- Tim Gunn was on the money as he inspected the workroom. He told Louise she needed to add more drama to her dress, calling her work too subtle, and warned Ra'mon, who was sewing a green reptilian jumpsuit (he got sci-fi), that his look "could be sublime or it could be a big, hot mess." Both designers attempted take his advice to heart -- but, alas, both ended up in the bottom.
Do-Over: First, though, Ra'mon wasn't thrilled with his skintight suit, especially after Tim's take, and attempted another eleventh hour change. "This is looking very Kermit the Frog gone wrong," he said. So, with two hours to spare, the designer crafted a new -- but still scaly! -- dress.
Results: Guests judges included designer John Varvatos, Zoe Glassner (who seems to be a permanent fill-in for Nina Garcia) and Arianne Phillips, a Hollywood costume designer. The panel was smitten with Christopher's period piece gown, which, as he told it, was designed with a Victorian vampire bride in mind. They also adored Epperson's sassy Western getup, a ruffled denim dress with smart detailing -- and a gun holster! But they awarded Nicolas the win for his lacy white ice queen gown. In the bottom: Gordana, who made an unmemorable flapper dress; Louise, for her muddled film noir outfit; and Ra'mon whose dress Heidi Klum called a "hot green mess." (Tim called it!) In the end, the judges sent Ra'mon home, lauding him for taking a risk -- though it didn't ultimately pay off. --Brian Orloff
Tell us: Are you sad to see Ra'mon go? Who is the clear frontrunner? And do you miss Nina Garcia and Michael Kors?Mike Yarish/Lifetime
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