Project Runway Recap: S16, E 8 Client On The Go

Project Runway Recap -Season 16, Episode 8: Client on the Go

There are only 9 designers left, and the front runners are really separating themselves from the flock.

This week’s challenge was sponsored by Dixie cups. The designers had to create looks using a custom textile, and the winning print would eventually be printed onto Dixie cups! Plus, the winner gets $25,000. Huge stakes.

photos courtesy of mylifetime.com.

To add to the chaos, the designers created looks for the friends and family of the Project Runway crew. Real ladies with real bodies, who had real opinions about what they liked/disliked.

First, off, let’s celebrate that Shawn is gone!

The episode began with the twins facing off in a one-hour sewing challenge. Fifteen minutes into the challenge, Shawn still hadn’t created anything; meanwhile, Claire had half of a dress already draped. Shawn requested Tim and promptly conceded. Many tears were shed (even by Tim), but then Shawn was escorted out of the building. Claire powered through the next challenge, despite her model stating that she hated prints…in a print challenge! Please notice the dress that Shawn is wearing in this picture. It will look very similar to Claire’s final look…

There was a lot of focus given to Claire because she started draping a top that looked exactly like Margarita’s winning look of last week. Margarita couldn’t help but notice, as did most of the other contestants (especially her BFF Michael), and it threw her off of her game. She ended up making the worst garment of the week, but had immunity so she was safe. Phew! I really like her and hope she can regain her focus and drive.

Ayana made an ice skating outfit (that’s all I could see), but somehow she was also safe.

Brandon stuck with his aesthetic and his model wore it well. I thought it was interesting, but not something I would ever wear.

Kentaro came up with a beautiful dress that his model loved. She wanted something she could wear to a wedding that was taking place in India. He nailed it with the colors and details: pleating across the back, draping across the front, plus a cool jacket.

He should have won, IMO. And he was in the top 3…but let’s discuss the others in the bottom before we get to that.

Michael really missed the mark on fit and flattery. His model wanted something Native-American inspired. I think his print was interesting, but what is happening with those pants? Apparently, Michael needs to take some cues from “Pants Month.” And the slit in the sleeves? Just too much going on.

Poor, poor Kenya. Her model really loved her and this design. But the proportions were all off and there were too many peplums going on. She designed her print for the cup, not for the top, and it shows.

And, ladies and gents, the winning look made by none other than Claire.

While I like the overall look, please remember Margarita’s dress from last week and the top Shawn was wearing at the start of the show. See any resemblance? Borrowing style elements from other designers is one thing, and I suppose it’s not against the rules…but it doesn’t mean she’s being innovative or original. And apparently Michael and Margarita saw her measuring her own pants to pattern this design!

At the announcement of Claire winning, Michael walked off the stage declaring unfairness, and Margarita left to find Michael. Heidi had no idea what was going on, and neither did Claire! No one called her out during the competition for her actions, so she was completely in the dark. We’re left to wonder: Did Claire actually win? And who goes home? We’ll have to wait for next week to find out.