Project Runway (season 8)
Encyclopedia
Project Runway Season 8 is the eighth season of the television show Project Runway
. The season began airing on July 29, 2010, on the Lifetime Network. After Lifetime cancelled the accompanying series Models of the Runway
, Project Runway episodes were extended to 90 minutes in Season 8. This was the first season that episodes were longer than an hour with commercials.
The season included 17 designers at the beginning of the competition. Returning as judges were supermodel Heidi Klum
; fashion designer Michael Kors
; and Marie Claire
fashion director, Nina Garcia
. Tim Gunn
returned as the workroom mentor to the aspiring designers. Designer Gretchen Jones
was the season's winner. The decision was met with a lot of controversy; both Gunn and Klum have spoken out against Jones' victory, condemning Kors and Garcia's decision to award her the win, believing instead that Mondo Guerra
was the more worthy contender. Due to Jones' negative portrayal throughout the series many home viewers also felt angry at the decision to award her the win, believing her design aesthetics and her on-screen demeanour left her unworthy of the title of Project Runway Winner.
NB-For challenge 1, 7 designers were asked to stay on the runway. However, ONLY Gretchen, the winner, had a high score and the other 6 made up the bottom
Designer legend
As the season begins, and the designers arrive in New York, they are informed that they are not yet part of season eight. As the final stage of their casting session, they are asked to take an article of clothing from their suitcase, and incorporate it into their final design. But as Heidi Klum
and Tim Gunn
stand before the designers (who were all lined up in a straight line), they tell each of them to pass their article of clothing to the designer standing to their right. After collecting their garments, the designers go off to Parson's School of Design to complete their first runway show.
The designers were asked to design a look exemplifying what they thought was the vibe of Marie Claire
magazine. The winner of the challenge would have his or her look put on a billboard in Times Square
to advertise Marie Claire. As part of the process, each designer and model was taken to a photo shoot to have their look photographed to get a feel of what it would look like in print. Gretchen's winning design was modeled by Coco Rocha
for the finished billboard.
The designers are asked to create a look made from materials found at Party Glitters, a party supply store in New York City. Toward the end of the challenge, they must also make an accessory using additional party materials. Some time after the runway show and elimination, Ivy passed out and was taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance.
The designers must create outfits to pair with a unique, avant garde Philip Treacy
hat. The models are each randomly assigned a hat and the designers can select their model based on the hat she has.
The designers are split into two teams of six, and each team is asked to design a six-piece collection for Fall 2010. Each team must select one concept and one textile of choice for their inspiration, and are given $1,000 to shop at Mood and one day to complete the challenge.
1Team members are listed in the order chosen. Michael C. is chosen first for his team because of his win the previous week. April is selected randomly. Each team member selects the next member.
On the runway, Team Military and Lace is declared the winning team. The judges declared the pieces made by Casanova and Peach as their favorites. Heidi polled the six designers on that team, asking who should win; both Casanova and Peach receive mentions.
Team "Luxe" (Menswear and Camel) is declared the losing team. When asked who should be sent home, the designers focus on Michael C., who is immune from elimination because he won the previous challenge. When Heidi asks who from among the five non-immune designers should be sent home, while Gretchen, Andy, Ivy, and Christopher all named Michael C., AJ names himself, saying that he did not bring his "fun and unusual style" to the collection. The judges note that Gretchen contradicted herself in front of them, first saying she and the rest of the team stood behind their collection, then later saying it was "crappy" after the judges expressed dissatisfaction.
After A.J. is eliminated, Tim Gunn expresses his anger at Team Luxe's behavior on the runway, criticizing the team for "allowing Gretchen to manipulate, control, and bully" them.
Working with real women who were bridesmaids as models, the designers must transform their models' bridesmaids dresses into wearable fashion. Prior to the runway show, a public showcase of the designs is held at which participants can vote for their favorite designs. Mondo's garment receives the most votes. Gretchen and Ivy again criticize Michael C., with Ivy claiming that Michael C. told guests not to vote for Ivy's garment.
While on a boat ride with Michael Kors on the East River
, the designers receive their next challenge: to create a fashionable resort wear
look in one day. After sketching their designs and shopping for fabric, they are told that they will actually be working in randomly-selected teams of two with each designer executing their teammate's design.
The designers are told to design a look that is their own take on classic American sportswear
using the style of Jacqueline Kennedy as inspiration. After they have nearly finished their garment they are told they have an additional day to work to create a companion outerwear item.
The designers must create a high fashion look for a L'Oreal
advertorial
, using one of the L'Oreal eye shadow
finishes as an inspiration. Designers pick the finish of their choice. Halfway through the challenge, they are told they must also create a companion ready to wear look. The winner receives $20,000. This is the first time in the history of Project Runway that the winner of a challenge has received a cash prize.
The designers are given the challenge to create a textile
design based on a profound moment or time in their lives. Their design will be converted into fabric that the designers have to use to make a garment of their choosing. The challenge is interrupted on the first when the designers' loved ones make a surprise visit and work is suspended for the rest of the day. Emotions are high for most contestants after their family visits. Mondo struggles with a secret he has been keeping ten years—that he is HIV positive—which he incorporates into his design and reveals during the runway show.
The six remaining contestants are given the challenge of designing a look for Heidi Klum's New Balance active wear line in two days. The winning look will be designed and sold on Amazon.com
. On the first day, however, Heidi increases the number of looks to three, and the six most recently eliminated contestants are brought back to help the designers. Ivy accuses Michael C. of cheating on a previous challenge; Tim Gunn dispels the accusations. After the runway show, Heidi announces that all three of Andy's looks will be produced and sold, not just one as previously announced.
Michael Bloomberg
, the Mayor of the City of New York, gives the remaining five contestants the challenge of creating a look inspired by New York City itself. Four designers will prepare their line for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
and return to New York where three of the designers will compete as Project Runway finalists.
The four remaining designers are given six weeks and $9000 and return to their homes to prepare a ten-piece line, knowing that only three of them will ultimately be chosen to show at Fashion Week. A month later, Tim Gunn visits each designer to check on their progress. When the designers return to New York on the eve of Fashion Week, they are given two days to create one additional look to show as part of a mini-line consisting of that look and two of their existing pieces. Based on the showing of that line, three designers are chosen to continue and will display their entire lines at Fashion Week.
Project Runway
Project Runway is an American reality television series on Lifetime Television, previously on the Bravo network, which focuses on fashion design and is hosted by model Heidi Klum. The contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are restricted in time, materials and theme...
. The season began airing on July 29, 2010, on the Lifetime Network. After Lifetime cancelled the accompanying series Models of the Runway
Models of the Runway
Models of the Runway was a television series on the Lifetime network. It was an off-shoot of Project Runway appearing each week during seasons when Project Runway aired, generally immediately following the broadcast of the latest episode, and following the experiences of the fashion models on...
, Project Runway episodes were extended to 90 minutes in Season 8. This was the first season that episodes were longer than an hour with commercials.
The season included 17 designers at the beginning of the competition. Returning as judges were supermodel Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum
Heidi Samuel , better known by her birth name Heidi Klum, is a German model, actress, television host, businesswoman, fashion designer, television producer, and occasional singer. In 2008 she became an American citizen while maintaining her native German citizenship...
; fashion designer Michael Kors
Michael Kors
Michael Kors is an American fashion designer. He is best known for designing classic American sportswear for women.-Personal life:...
; and Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Marie Claire is a monthly women's magazine first published in France but also distributed in other countries with editions specific to them and in their languages. While each country shares its own special voice with its audience, the United States edition focuses on women around the world and...
fashion director, Nina Garcia
Nina Garcia
Nina García, is a Colombian fashion journalist and critic who has held the post of Fashion Director at Elle and Marie Claire magazines, and is currently a judge on the Lifetime reality television program Project Runway....
. Tim Gunn
Tim Gunn
Timothy M. "Tim" Gunn is an American fashion consultant and television personality. He was on the faculty of Parsons The New School for Design from 1982 to 2007 and was chair of fashion design at the school from August 2000 to March 2007, after which he joined Liz Claiborne as its chief creative...
returned as the workroom mentor to the aspiring designers. Designer Gretchen Jones
Gretchen Jones
Gretchen Jones is an American fashion designer, who won the eighth season of Project Runway.-Project Runway:During her run in Project Runway, Jones placed in the top two in the first three challenges, winning the first two. Throughout the season, she admitted she got tired, and lost some of her...
was the season's winner. The decision was met with a lot of controversy; both Gunn and Klum have spoken out against Jones' victory, condemning Kors and Garcia's decision to award her the win, believing instead that Mondo Guerra
Mondo Guerra
Armando Thomas “Mondo” Guerra is a Mexican-American fashion designer who appeared on Season 8 of Project Runway. Guerra came in second place in the finals of the competition, which included Gretchen Jones and Andy South. In his run on the show, he won three challenges in a row.Guerra was also the...
was the more worthy contender. Due to Jones' negative portrayal throughout the series many home viewers also felt angry at the decision to award her the win, believing her design aesthetics and her on-screen demeanour left her unworthy of the title of Project Runway Winner.
Designers
| Designer | Age | Place of Residence | Finish Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKell Maddox | 29 | Layton, UT | 17th |
| Jason Troisi | 33 | Greenwich, CT | 16th |
| Nicholas D'Aurizio | 32 | New York, NY | 15th |
| Sarah Trost | 27 | Toluca Lake, CA | 14th |
| Kristin Haskins Simms | 39 | Philadelphia, PA | 13th |
| A.J. Thouvenot | 26 | St. Charles, MO | 12th |
| Peach Carr | 50 | Lake Forest, IL | 11th |
| Carlos Casanova | 33 | Astoria, NY | 10th |
| Michael Drummond | 31 | St. Louis, MO | 9th |
| Ivy Higa | 30 | New York, NY | 8th |
| Valerie Mayen | 29 | Cleveland, OH | 7th |
| Christopher Collins | 30 | San Francisco, CA | 6th |
| April Johnston | 21 | Savannah, GA | 5th |
| Michael Costello | 27 | Palm Springs, CA | 4th |
| Andy South | 23 | Waianae, HI | 3rd |
| Mondo Guerra Mondo Guerra Armando Thomas “Mondo” Guerra is a Mexican-American fashion designer who appeared on Season 8 of Project Runway. Guerra came in second place in the finals of the competition, which included Gretchen Jones and Andy South. In his run on the show, he won three challenges in a row.Guerra was also the... |
32 | Denver, CO | 2nd |
| Gretchen Jones Gretchen Jones Gretchen Jones is an American fashion designer, who won the eighth season of Project Runway.-Project Runway:During her run in Project Runway, Jones placed in the top two in the first three challenges, winning the first two. Throughout the season, she admitted she got tired, and lost some of her... |
28 | Portland, OR | 1st |
Models
- Alexandra Palmer
- Amare Tk
- Cassie Dzienny
- Dre Davis
- Ekaterina Py
- Eyen Chorm
- Ifeoma 'Ify' Jones
- Julia Rodriguez
- Kaven Jo Caven
- Lenka Dayrit
- Millana Snow
- Rose Cook
- Samantha Zajarias
- Sarae Cart
- Tina Marie Clark
- Vanessa Ratnavich
- Zhanna Ved
Challenges
| Designer | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Eliminated Episode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gretchen | WIN | WIN | HIGH | IN | LOW | IN | IN | IN | HIGH | HIGH | LOW | LOW | ADV | WINNER | 14 - Finale, Part 2 |
| Mondo | IN | HIGH | IN | IN | HIGH | HIGH | LOW | WIN | WIN | WIN | HIGH | IN | ADV | ||
| Andy | IN | IN | WIN | IN | LOW | IN | HIGH | LOW | HIGH | LOW | WIN | IN | ADV | ||
| Michael C. | IN | IN | IN | WIN | LOW | WIN | IN | IN | LOW | LOW | LOW | IN | OUT | 13 - Finale, Part 1 | |
| April | LOW | IN | IN | LOW | HIGH | IN | WIN | IN | IN | HIGH | HIGH | OUT | |||
| Christopher | IN | IN | IN | LOW | LOW | HIGH | IN | HIGH | IN | LOW | OUT | 11 - A Look in the Line | |||
| Valerie | IN | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH | LOW | IN | LOW | LOW | OUT | 10 - There's a Pattern Here | ||||
| Ivy | LOW | IN | IN | IN | LOW | IN | LOW | HIGH | OUT | 9 - Race to the Finish | |||||
| Michael D. | IN | IN | IN | HIGH | HIGH | LOW | HIGH | OUT | |||||||
| Casanova | LOW | IN | LOW | IN | WIN | IN | OUT | 7 - What's Mine Is Yours | |||||||
| Peach | IN | LOW | IN | IN | HIGH | OUT | |||||||||
| A.J. | IN | IN | LOW | IN | OUT | 5 - There IS an "I" in Team | |||||||||
| Kristin | IN | IN | IN | OUT | 4 - Hats Off to You | ||||||||||
| Sarah | IN | IN | OUT | 3 - It's a Party | |||||||||||
| Nicholas | LOW | OUT | 2 - Larger Than Life | ||||||||||||
| Jason | LOW | OUT | |||||||||||||
| McKell | OUT | 1 - And Sew It Begins | |||||||||||||
- The designer won Project Runway Season 8.
- The designer was the runner-up in the finale.
- The designer won the challenge.
- The designer was in the top two, or the first announced into the top 3, but did not win.
- The designer had one of the highest scores for that challenge, but did not win.
- The designer had one of the lowest scores for that challenge, but was not eliminated.
- The designer was in the bottom two, but was not eliminated.
- The designer lost and was out of the competition.
NB-For challenge 1, 7 designers were asked to stay on the runway. However, ONLY Gretchen, the winner, had a high score and the other 6 made up the bottom
| Model | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millana | AJ | AJ | AJ | AJ | AJ | AJ | CC | AJ | AJ | AJ | GJ | GJ | GJ | WINNER |
| Tina Marie | VM | VM | VM | VM | VM | VM | AS | VM | VM | VM | MG | MG | MG | OUT |
| Lenka | MC | MC | MC | MC | MC | MC | MG | MC | MC | MC | AS | AS | AS | OUT |
| Cassie | AS | AS | AS | AS | AS | AS | VM | AS | AS | AS | MC | MC | MC | OUT |
| Rose | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | CC | AJ | CC | CC | CC | AJ | AJ | OUT | |
| Eyen | MG | MG | MG | MG | MG | MG | MC | MG | MG | MG | CC | OUT | ||
| Alexandra | GJ | GJ | GJ | GJ | GJ | GJ | CA | GJ | GJ | GJ | WD | |||
| Ekaterina | IH | IH | IH | IH | IH | IH | MD | IH | IH | OUT | ||||
| Zhanna | MD | MD | MD | MD | MD | MD | IH | MD | OUT | |||||
| Sarae | CA | CA | CA | CA | CA | CA | GJ | OUT | ||||||
| Ify | PC | PC | PC | PC | PC | PC | OUT | |||||||
| Amare | AT | AT | AT | AT | AT | OUT | ||||||||
| Kaven | KS | KS | KS | KS | OUT | |||||||||
| Samantha | ST | ST | ST | OUT | ||||||||||
| Julia | ND | ND | OUT | |||||||||||
| Dre | JT | JT | OUT | |||||||||||
| Vanessa | MM | OUT | ||||||||||||
- The model won Project Runway Season 8.
- The model wore the winning design that challenge.
- The model wore the losing design that challenge.
- The model was eliminated.
- The model withdrew from the competition
- : The models were not used in Episode 6.
- : Alexandra was chosen by Christopher, but then withdrew from the competition because of a family crisis and Eyen was brought back.
Designer legend
- A.J. Thouvenot: AT
- Andy South: AS
- April Johnston: AJ
- Carlos Casanova : CA
- Christopher Collins: CC
- Gretchen Jones: GJ
- Ivy Higa: IH
- Jason Troisi: JT
- Kristin Haskins Simms: KS
- Nicholas D'Aurizio: ND
- McKell Maddox: MM
- Michael Costello: MC
- Michael Drummond: MD
- Mondo Guerra: MG
- Peach Carr: PC
- Sarah Trost: ST
- Valerie Mayen: VM
Episode 1: And Sew It Begins
Original Airdate: July 29, 2010As the season begins, and the designers arrive in New York, they are informed that they are not yet part of season eight. As the final stage of their casting session, they are asked to take an article of clothing from their suitcase, and incorporate it into their final design. But as Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum
Heidi Samuel , better known by her birth name Heidi Klum, is a German model, actress, television host, businesswoman, fashion designer, television producer, and occasional singer. In 2008 she became an American citizen while maintaining her native German citizenship...
and Tim Gunn
Tim Gunn
Timothy M. "Tim" Gunn is an American fashion consultant and television personality. He was on the faculty of Parsons The New School for Design from 1982 to 2007 and was chair of fashion design at the school from August 2000 to March 2007, after which he joined Liz Claiborne as its chief creative...
stand before the designers (who were all lined up in a straight line), they tell each of them to pass their article of clothing to the designer standing to their right. After collecting their garments, the designers go off to Parson's School of Design to complete their first runway show.
- Guest Judge: Selma BlairSelma BlairSelma Blair is an American actress who has worked in film, theatre and television. She has performed in feature films including Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, The Sweetest Thing, Hellboy, The Fog, Purple Violets and Hellboy II: The Golden Army...
- WINNER: Gretchen
- ELIMINATED: McKell
Episode 2: Larger Than Life
Original Airdate: August 5, 2010The designers were asked to design a look exemplifying what they thought was the vibe of Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Marie Claire is a monthly women's magazine first published in France but also distributed in other countries with editions specific to them and in their languages. While each country shares its own special voice with its audience, the United States edition focuses on women around the world and...
magazine. The winner of the challenge would have his or her look put on a billboard in Times Square
Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial intersection in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets...
to advertise Marie Claire. As part of the process, each designer and model was taken to a photo shoot to have their look photographed to get a feel of what it would look like in print. Gretchen's winning design was modeled by Coco Rocha
Coco Rocha
Coco Rocha is a Canadian fashion model.- Personal life :Rocha was born in Toronto, Ontario, and moved to Richmond and attended McRoberts secondary school, British Columbia at a very young age. Her family is in the airline industry. Her mother, Juanita, is a flight attendant and her father, Trevor...
for the finished billboard.
- Guest Judge: Joanna Coles, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire magazine
- WINNER: Gretchen
- ELIMINATED: Jason and Nicholas
Episode 3: It's a Party
Original Airdate: August 12, 2010The designers are asked to create a look made from materials found at Party Glitters, a party supply store in New York City. Toward the end of the challenge, they must also make an accessory using additional party materials. Some time after the runway show and elimination, Ivy passed out and was taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance.
- Guest Judge: Betsey JohnsonBetsey JohnsonBetsey Johnson is an American fashion designer best known for her feminine and whimsical designs. Many of her designs are considered "over the top" and embellished...
- WINNER: Andy
- ELIMINATED: Sarah
Episode 4: Hats Off to You
Original Airdate: August 19, 2010The designers must create outfits to pair with a unique, avant garde Philip Treacy
Philip Treacy
Philip Treacy OBE is an Irish milliner.Born in Ahascragh,in the West of Ireland, he lived with his parents, seven brothers and sister across the road from the village church...
hat. The models are each randomly assigned a hat and the designers can select their model based on the hat she has.
- Guest Judge: Philip TreacyPhilip TreacyPhilip Treacy OBE is an Irish milliner.Born in Ahascragh,in the West of Ireland, he lived with his parents, seven brothers and sister across the road from the village church...
- WINNER: Michael C.
- ELIMINATED: Kristin
Episode 5: There IS an 'I' in Team
Original Airdate: August 26, 2010The designers are split into two teams of six, and each team is asked to design a six-piece collection for Fall 2010. Each team must select one concept and one textile of choice for their inspiration, and are given $1,000 to shop at Mood and one day to complete the challenge.
| Concept/Textile | Team Members (in the order of being chosen1) |
|---|---|
| Military/Lace | April, Mondo, Michael D., Valerie, Casanova, Peach |
| Menswear/Camel | Michael C., Gretchen, Christopher, Andy, Ivy, AJ |
1Team members are listed in the order chosen. Michael C. is chosen first for his team because of his win the previous week. April is selected randomly. Each team member selects the next member.
On the runway, Team Military and Lace is declared the winning team. The judges declared the pieces made by Casanova and Peach as their favorites. Heidi polled the six designers on that team, asking who should win; both Casanova and Peach receive mentions.
Team "Luxe" (Menswear and Camel) is declared the losing team. When asked who should be sent home, the designers focus on Michael C., who is immune from elimination because he won the previous challenge. When Heidi asks who from among the five non-immune designers should be sent home, while Gretchen, Andy, Ivy, and Christopher all named Michael C., AJ names himself, saying that he did not bring his "fun and unusual style" to the collection. The judges note that Gretchen contradicted herself in front of them, first saying she and the rest of the team stood behind their collection, then later saying it was "crappy" after the judges expressed dissatisfaction.
After A.J. is eliminated, Tim Gunn expresses his anger at Team Luxe's behavior on the runway, criticizing the team for "allowing Gretchen to manipulate, control, and bully" them.
- Guest Judge: Georgina ChapmanGeorgina ChapmanGeorgina Chapman is an English fashion designer and actress. Chapman, alongside Keren Craig, an actress and a former model, are the co-founders of fashion label Marchesa.-Biography:...
- WINNER: Casanova
- ELIMINATED: AJ
Episode 6: You Can Totally Wear That Again
Original Airdate: September 2, 2010Working with real women who were bridesmaids as models, the designers must transform their models' bridesmaids dresses into wearable fashion. Prior to the runway show, a public showcase of the designs is held at which participants can vote for their favorite designs. Mondo's garment receives the most votes. Gretchen and Ivy again criticize Michael C., with Ivy claiming that Michael C. told guests not to vote for Ivy's garment.
- Guest Judge: Cynthia RowleyCynthia RowleyCynthia Rowley is an American fashion designer. The fashion label she created in the early 1980s bears her name.-Background:...
- WINNER: Michael C.
- ELIMINATED: Peach
Episode 7: What's Mine Is Yours
Original Airdate: September 9, 2010While on a boat ride with Michael Kors on the East River
East River
The East River is a tidal strait in New York City. It connects Upper New York Bay on its south end to Long Island Sound on its north end. It separates Long Island from the island of Manhattan and the Bronx on the North American mainland...
, the designers receive their next challenge: to create a fashionable resort wear
Resort wear
Resort wear is a specialized clothing style, as well as a year-round fashion "season". Sometimes known as "cruise wear", it was originally marketed by upscale stores and collections only to very affluent customers who were expected to spend the post-Christmas/New Year's weeks in warm-weather...
look in one day. After sketching their designs and shopping for fabric, they are told that they will actually be working in randomly-selected teams of two with each designer executing their teammate's design.
- Teams:
- Valerie - Andy
- Michael C. - Mondo
- April - Christopher
- Casanova - Gretchen
- Ivy - Michael D.
- Guest Judge: Kristen BellKristen BellKristen Anne Bell is an American actress. Although her first film role was an uncredited appearance in Polish Wedding, Bell previously acted in stage and musical productions. In 2001, she made her Broadway debut as Becky Thatcher in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer...
- WINNER: April
- ELIMINATED: Casanova
Episode 8: A Rough Day on the Runway
Original Airdate: September 16, 2010The designers are told to design a look that is their own take on classic American sportswear
Sportswear
Sportswear or activewear is clothing, including footwear, worn for sport or physical exercise. Sport-specific clothing is worn for most sports and physical exercise, for practical, comfort or safety reasons....
using the style of Jacqueline Kennedy as inspiration. After they have nearly finished their garment they are told they have an additional day to work to create a companion outerwear item.
- Guest Judge: January JonesJanuary JonesJanuary Kristen Jones is an American actress. She is best known for playing Betty Draper on Mad Men.-Early life:...
- WINNER: Mondo
- ELIMINATED: Michael D.
Episode 9: Race to the Finish
Original Airdate: September 23, 2010The designers must create a high fashion look for a L'Oreal
L'Oréal
The L'Oréal Group is the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company. With its registered office in Paris and head office in the Paris suburb of Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, France, it has developed activities in the field of cosmetics...
advertorial
Advertorial
An advertorial is an advertisement in the form of an editorial. The term "advertorial" is a portmanteau of "advertisement" and "editorial." Merriam-Webster dates the origin of the word to 1946....
, using one of the L'Oreal eye shadow
Eye shadow
Eye shadow is a cosmetic that is applied on the eyelids and under the eyebrows. It is commonly used to make the wearer's eyes stand out or look more attractive....
finishes as an inspiration. Designers pick the finish of their choice. Halfway through the challenge, they are told they must also create a companion ready to wear look. The winner receives $20,000. This is the first time in the history of Project Runway that the winner of a challenge has received a cash prize.
| Designer | Eye Shadow Finish |
|---|---|
| Mondo | Bright |
| Christopher | Crystal |
| April | Matte |
| Michael C. | Metallic |
| Ivy | Bright |
| Valerie | Crystal |
| Gretchen | Velvet |
| Andy | Metallic |
- Guest Judge: Naeem KhanNaeem KhanNaeem Khan is an Indian-born, American fashion designer. He is the designer and CEO for Naeem Khan, which was launched in 2003. His designs have been worn by celebrities including Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Eva Longoria and Brooke Shields, and by First Lady Michelle Obama.-References:1. 2....
- WINNER: Mondo
- ELIMINATED: Ivy
Episode 10: There's a Pattern Here
Original Airdate: September 30, 2010The designers are given the challenge to create a textile
Textile
A textile or cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands...
design based on a profound moment or time in their lives. Their design will be converted into fabric that the designers have to use to make a garment of their choosing. The challenge is interrupted on the first when the designers' loved ones make a surprise visit and work is suspended for the rest of the day. Emotions are high for most contestants after their family visits. Mondo struggles with a secret he has been keeping ten years—that he is HIV positive—which he incorporates into his design and reveals during the runway show.
- Guest Judge: Rachel RoyRachel RoyRachel Roy is an American fashion designer, and philanthropist who was born and raised in California. She grew up and attended Seaside High School along the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California. Rachel attended Columbia Union College, where she majored in liberal arts...
- WINNER: Mondo
- ELIMINATED: Valerie
Episode 11: A Look in the Line
Original Airdate: October 7, 2010The six remaining contestants are given the challenge of designing a look for Heidi Klum's New Balance active wear line in two days. The winning look will be designed and sold on Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
. On the first day, however, Heidi increases the number of looks to three, and the six most recently eliminated contestants are brought back to help the designers. Ivy accuses Michael C. of cheating on a previous challenge; Tim Gunn dispels the accusations. After the runway show, Heidi announces that all three of Andy's looks will be produced and sold, not just one as previously announced.
- Guest Judge: Norma Kamali
- WINNER: Andy
- ELIMINATED: Christopher
Episode 12: We're in a New York State of Mind
Original Airdate: October 14, 2010Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States...
, the Mayor of the City of New York, gives the remaining five contestants the challenge of creating a look inspired by New York City itself. Four designers will prepare their line for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week
The semi-annual New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009, is held in February and September of each year in New York City. It is one of four major fashion weeks held around the world .-History:The first New York Fashion Week, then called Press Week, was the world's first...
and return to New York where three of the designers will compete as Project Runway finalists.
| Designer | Inspiration from New York City |
|---|---|
| Andy | Central Park Central Park Central Park is a public park in the center of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The park initially opened in 1857, on of city-owned land. In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won a design competition to improve and expand the park with a plan they entitled the Greensward Plan... |
| April | Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River... |
| Gretchen | Lower East Side Lower East Side The Lower East Side, LES, is a neighborhood in the southeastern part of the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is roughly bounded by Allen Street, East Houston Street, Essex Street, Canal Street, Eldridge Street, East Broadway, and Grand Street.... |
| Michael C. | Statue of Liberty Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886... |
| Mondo | Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River... |
- Guest Judge: Christian SirianoChristian SirianoChristian Siriano is an American fashion designer. Siriano first gained attention after winning the fourth season of American reality show Project Runway, becoming the series' youngest winner...
- ADVANCING TO PREPARE LINE FOR FASHION WEEK: Michael C., Mondo, Andy, Gretchen
- ELIMINATED: April
Episode 13: Finale, Part 1
Original Airdate: October 21, 2010The four remaining designers are given six weeks and $9000 and return to their homes to prepare a ten-piece line, knowing that only three of them will ultimately be chosen to show at Fashion Week. A month later, Tim Gunn visits each designer to check on their progress. When the designers return to New York on the eve of Fashion Week, they are given two days to create one additional look to show as part of a mini-line consisting of that look and two of their existing pieces. Based on the showing of that line, three designers are chosen to continue and will display their entire lines at Fashion Week.
- Guest Judge: None
- ADVANCING TO FASHION WEEK: Mondo, Gretchen, Andy
- ELIMINATED: Michael C.
Episode 14: Finale, Part 2
Original Airdate: October 28, 2010- Guest Judge: Jessica SimpsonJessica SimpsonJessica Ann Simpson is an American recording artist, actress, television personality, and fashion designer whose rise to fame began in 1999. Since that time, Simpson has achieved many recording milestones, starred in several television shows, movies, and commercials, launched a line of hair and...
- WINNER: Gretchen
- ELIMINATED: Andy, Mondo