project runway: a rough day on the runway
Sep 17 
andy south * ivy higalast night's episode of project runway looked back to the past but with a 21st century twist. the challenge: create an outfit befitting a modern day jackie kennedy who was dressed by designers from oleg cassini to lilly pulitzer. it seems straightforward enough, however navigating the line between classic american sportswear and staying true to their aesthetic proved to be a bit more complicated.
just like last week's runway results, our two hawaii designers made it to the final judging round. oahu's andy south paired a jersey top with billowy asian-inspired pants similar to one from his fall 2010 collection, and the big island's ivy higa designed a sophisticated asymmetrical blouse, tuxedo pants & gauzy wrap.
andy: make it work! | judgement day | video diary
ivy: make it work! | judgement day | video diary
and, the designers dish on this week's top and bottom.
the winning design was one of my favorites of the season so far. which of this week's looks would you love to add to your closet? and, do you think the judges were too harsh or on point this week with their comments?
p.s. the top 10 project runway designers showed at ny fashion week last week. we won't know for a few more episodes who officially made the top 3, but click away if you want to preview the spring 2011 collections of andy and ivy.
{photo credit: barbara nitke, lifetime television}
Reader Comments (4)
The judges were very harsh all around this week. I thought Andy's pants were amazing, if only he had more time to perfect them. I felt the judges were too quick to dismiss the pants and were too strict on the idea of what "American Sportswear" can be.
The judges this week were overly vicious, imo. For Heidi to say she wants to laugh at Andy's design, and for Michael Kors to just rip him a new one like that was really uncalled for. I really liked Andy's whole look: the pants were really stunning (except for the camel toe), the top was appropriate (even if it was a little ill-fitting), and I didn't think his outerwear piece was out of place at all. Boo for being mean to Andy!
Ivy's design was really just ok. The shirt was nice, the pants were ok .... the coat was a hot mess. I feel it was more a "safe" garment than a "Top 3" design.
Anyone else feel confused by the challenge? I felt at some points it was "remake Jackie O for 2010" and other points it was "your take on American Sportswear" ... I don't feel the challenge outline was clear enough.
Fit issues aside, I loved Andy's look, but can't see a modern day Jackie O wearing it. Whereas Mondo's was perfection. I thought Ivy did very well this week and love. love, love the idea of the sheer jacket. I'd totally add that to my closet. I hope she keeps this momentum going, and I hope that Andy gets the chance to both stay true to himself AND get more time in the top.
aloha illux, nani & kristin!
well, there always seems to be one unlucky designer on the receiving end of the judges' snarky comments 'tho there was a bit more bite to their criticism this week. it's a shame because andy's pants are, imho, super cool when executed properly, however i can only imagine that there was simply no gray area for the judges in this challenge and they found it impossible to envision jackie o. rocking that look.
+1 for being fashion forward but, alas for andy, the look was just not appropriate for a first lady fashion icon.