Week 6: Power Play

The challenge this week is to embrace both fashion and technology in a functional and fashionable video game look. Karlie suggests that the designers create their own female character in their mind to be inspired by, as there are so many different types of video games and characters out there. At the announcement of the challenge, Karlie brings out some video game industry FEMALES to talk to the designers about the challenge. The video game character that each designers will attempt to bring to life is supposed to give people an opportunity to live a fantasy. However, it is important to note that the judges are not looking for costumes, they are looking for fashionable looks inspired by this fantasy element.

At Mood, Christian, like myself, is shocked that so few designers are selecting to use color in their fabrics. With a challenge that is so dependent on fantasy, power, and digital aspects, it seems crazy that so many designers would rather rely on black, gray, and brown for their character's outfit.

This episode features an element that has never been done before, in that the designers have mobile devices where they are notified by an app of what their character looks like. While this is clearly a paid partnership with a company, the episode also does show that the policy on communication with people from home is a lot more lenient than it has ever been in the past.

I personally LOVE Christian not just as a mentor, but also as a commentator. His sarcastic and dramatic comments are always hilarious and honest. While he does say a lot that is purely for laughs, he has absolutely no fear in speaking his mind, so it really does provide the designers with some objective criticism right before judging. For example, as the contestants are doing final touches before the runway show, Rakan is in the weeds and needs help from his fellow designer. As Christian sees that Rakan needed to enlist help from a competitor, he cannot help but comment, "Oh now you have an assistant? That's good."

Guest judge this week! Yay! AND, it's game developer, Robin Hunicke. Can I say how much I love that the show now includes a screenshot of all the safe designer's looks? So helpful!

THE RUNWAY

Hits

Tessa Clark

Tessa's inspiration was a miller's daughter that represents a female character who has to take over her father's job. The judges loved the design behind this piece in addition to her empowering inspiration. Robin says, "I got a little bit emotional because this is exactly the thing we want to see more of; the role models we need for the future."

Garo Sparo

Garo was inspired by a fashion editor meets dominatrix. EVERYONE said that this look and inspiration reminded them of Nina Garcia. Brandon said that this look was, "sexy video vixen in the best way possible because she was in control."

Winner: Hester Sunshine!

Hester was inspired by a "star-raver 2000" who is built to jump from star to star but also party. The guest judge, Robin Hucke thought that this piece was so stunning that she could see this character easily being created. Brandon said that Hester was a, "woman who came in so unsure of herself and now you're, like, ready to rumble."

Misses

Jamall Osterholm

Jamall was inspired by a femme fatale version of James Bond. Guest judge, Robin Hunicke, makes a bold statement that shoots down his initial inspiration by saying, "a strong woman doesn't have to wear a tuxedo to be strong."

Venny Etienne

Venny was inspired by a savior who is doing whatever she can to save the world from chaos. The guest judge loved the story, but didn't think it was coming through in the design enough. Karlie said what exactly what most people at home were thinking by asking, "Why the feathers?" Brandon thought he didn't use enough restraint in this design.

Out: Rakan Shams Aldeen

Rakan was inspired by a queen from old Syria who was fighting the Roman Empire with her armor under danger. Elaine thought that this piece looked much better as an illustration. The judges thought that the armor didn't work because it did better at constricting her instead of empowering her. Brandon said, "Cranberry lycra Rakan?!"

So, was Project Runway Season 17 Episode 6 in or out? This week, I have to say in because the challenge gave the designers a great way to channel their creativity while introducing new elements into the season.