by Gina Scarpa

Tonight, on Project Runway, Tim Gunn takes the remaining seven designers on a trip to Rodeo Drive to meet with Michael Kors (in all his spray tan glory) at his store.  He challenges the designers to come up with a fabulous look based on a locale.  As the winner of the last challenge, Carol Hannah gets to choose first and decides on Palm Beach.  From there, Nicolas chooses Greece, Althea picks St. Tropez, Gordana goes with New York, Irina takes Aspen, Christopher chooses Santa Fe, and Logan walks away with Hollywood.

After 30 minutes of sketching, and a shopping trip to Mood with a budget of $150, the designers get to work.  Everyone jokes around as they work on their pieces.  Everyone, that is, except Irina.  She feels like there is no time for fun and she should just focus on the task at hand.  I see her point but it’s more entertaining to watch everyone joke around.  Get in on the fun, girl!

Christopher knows that he needs to step it up or he’s going to be in big trouble.  He started out this season so strong and then suddenly, went downhill.  He’s made appearances in the bottom quite a bit lately.  At least he’s gotten started on his design, which is more than I can say for Gordana.  When Tim makes the rounds, she hasn’t even begun!  He seems especially worried tonight about everyone, feeling that each person has a long way to go before they’ll be ready for the runway.

When the models come in for their fitting, Gordana STILL has nothing constructed.  How in the world is she going to be ready for the judges?!

Tonight’s guest judge is actress Milla Jovovich.  Nina and Michael are also on hand and it’s nice to seem some consistency with the panel, which has been severely lacking this season.  The best designs tonight, in my opinion, come from Althea, Carol Hannah, and Irina.  Althea is in, while the remaining six are in the top and bottom group this week.  Carol Hannah, Irina, and Gordana are in the top, while Nicolas, Logan, and Christopher do not fare as well.

Irina is the challenge winner and while I liked her design, I could’ve done without the cutout in the back.  In Aspen, having a bare back is probably the last thing I would want.  Had Carol Hannah’s dress been just a tad more interesting and original, I think she would’ve won.  She’s in, Gordana’s in, and Logan’s in… so we’re left with Nicolas and Christopher.  I feel bad for Christopher.  I recognize that he has struggled in recent challenges, but I like what he made tonight.

The judges decide that it is Nicolas’s time to go home and the shock is evident on both his face and Christopher's.  Nicolas jokes (I think) about taking a break from designing and moving to London or Paris or Japan for a while.  Hopefully, he takes enough away from the experience of being on the show to continue being a great designer.

Project Runway airs Thursday nights at 10pm ET on Lifetime.

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

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