Week 3: All the Rage

Wearing a print head-to-toe is "all the rage" currently, so the challenge this week is to design an editorial look that features the use of a single print head-to-toe. The designers are reminded to go big or go home, but also to keep it tasteful. This is the season's first one day challenge, so the pressure is on.

As the designers are selecting their models for this week, Nadine grumbles over the fact that she has a model that is size 12-14 for a print challenge.

For this particular challenge, fabric selection is more crucial than ever. Christian reminds the designers at Mood of how important it is to pick the perfect fabric. A new element has been added to this episode that has never been done before and will be available for the duration of the competition. Marni Senofonte, a famous celebrity stylist, will be a assisting Christian in mentoring the designers with emphasis on styling. Time and time again, the designers get feedback on the runway from the judges about how important styling is to make or break a look. This should be extremely helpful for this week's challenge, as styling a head-to-toe print look is tricky and essential.

For the first time this season, we see a guest judge for the runway show! In past seasons, Project Runway has featured a celebrity judge every episode. This week, Adam Selman, fashion designer famous for being "Rihanna's go-to guy," is the guest judge.

This week's show clearly foreshadowed who would be eliminated, as Nadine was shown on multiple occasions trashing the model she ended up with. After complaining in her interview about how much easier it would be to work with a thin model for a print look, Nadine is shown being rather rude and disrespectful to her model's face as well. As Kate is walking for her fitting, Nadine says things like, "You're tall enough. You've got long legs, you should be able to take long strides," and, "You're moving your shoulder too much. Just practice it at home." Even when it comes time for the runway show, Nadine says to her fellow competitors as her design is on the runway, "She's not a good walker. I told her not to do it either." Nadine even says on the runway, to the judges (!), what a struggle it was to work with a plus size model for this challenge. 😒

THE RUNWAY

Hits:

Kovid Kapoor

After being almost eliminated last week, Kovid more than redeemed himself with this look. The judges think that it is bold, creative, and surprising considering that he utilized a great print that could have gone wrong easily. Brandon say the look is, "sick in a good way. The outfit is sick. The whole thing is perfect."

Sebastian Grey

Because Sebastian had immunity this week, he decided to have fun and make this look playful. The judges raved over how sophisticated and elegant this look is. Nina says, "All this outfit needs is a ticket and it could be sold."

Winner: Hester Sunshine!

Hester's inspiration for this look was city girl meets red riding hood meets punk rock. The judges absolutely adored this look because they finally got to see who Hester really is as a designer, and she did such a fabulous job! Elaine says, "This is you. This is the girl I've been waiting for since I met you. Today you nailed it." Elaine also loved the look because even though the head-to-toe look's style might not be for everyone, if you break the outfit down, there is a piece for everyone that is so happy and joyous.

Misses:

Garo Sparo

Garo channeled his rave culture aesthetic this week by attempting to juxtapose the two color's hard and sweet elements. Although the judges thought that this piece showed that he has a lot of ideas and the construction is good, the look itself is dated, kitsch, and too costume. Brandon says, "It's not so much raver as it is jazzercise."

Rakan Shams Aldeen

Rakan used his favorite kind of pattern that he sees as classic with a twist of modern, classy, and sassy. The judges don't think Rakan pushed himself enough this week, as he's done a lot of draped pieces so far, so he needs to move on. Karlie says, "We challenged you to be bold, and this is really monotone - is it even a print?"

Out: Nadine Ralliford

Nadine wanted to play with volume for this look, but she apparently couldn't do that because of her model. She also didn't want to get too bold of a print because of her model. Basically, Nadine blamed all of her garment's flaws on her model. The judges were very put off by her blaming her model and suggesting that she couldn't reach her full potential because of her model. Nina says, "Then for me it's just a question of taste." In an attempt to play it cool, Nadine repeatedly says after judging that they can send her home because she really doesn't care and would be happy to go home anyway. Bye!

So, was Project Runway Season 17 Episode 3 in or out? This week, I say in! What a great challenge.