by Lindsay Strouse
           
It’s that time of year again—time to make it work. Project Runway returns for its 8th season with a new batch of not 16—but 17—hopeful designers.
 
There are a lot of different styles, experience levels and personalities (I’m talking to you, Casanova!) coming in with these designers so it will be interesting to see how their personal styles translate into their designs.
 
After being introduced to several young, hip designers, we meet 50 year old Peach, who designs for the conservative woman who likes to go to lunch. Looks like we have a mama in the group.
 
The designers gather to meet Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum. However, instead of a warm welcome, they are immediately thrown into a challenge. Because there was so much talent at auditions, they couldn’t narrow the contestants down to the usual 16. Instead, the first challenge will be used as yet another audition to eliminate the weakest link(s).
 
The contestants are instructed to pull one garment out of their suitcases that they would like to incorporate into their design. Here’s the twist—the item must be passed to the person to their right. Doesn’t look like anyone is too happy to give up their treasured clothing items.
 
They don’t have too long to stay angry, however. In 5 hours, they must complete a garment that will wow the judges and secure a position in the competition. It’s clear some are able to start with a bigger advantage than others, but hopefully the designers will be able to work with what they’re given to produce something fabulous!
 
The contestants enter the workroom and immediately get to work while getting to know each other a little better. Each person is given an HP touch screen and materials from Mood to help in the work process. Not too shabby!
 
Two hours into the challenge, tensions are running high when Tim Gunn enters the workroom. He gives great feedback to McKell’s blue halter dress but is doubtful about Casanova’s super-sexy outfit, Jason’s draping kimono outfit and April’s tuxedo-inspired design.
 
The models are sent in and the designers are given 10 minutes to fit them. Adding to Jason’s not-so-great design is the distraction provided by his busty model. Downstairs, some designers know exactly how they want to style their model’s hair and makeup while others have no idea where to begin.
 
Tim Gunn announces it is time to head down to the runway but Casanova’s model isn’t even dressed. Once she gets the garment on, it is still hard to tell whether she is dressed or not (I think a bathing suit may cover more skin). Looks like Casanova is taking his name a little TOO seriously.
 
Judging the competition are Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, joined by fashion-savvy actress Selma Blair as a guest panelist.
 
I found Peach’s dress very fashionable and would wear it myself. However, I’m not a huge fan of Mondo’s dress because of the awkward patterning. Christopher’s dress was probably one of my favorites of the night because of the way he incorporated his personal style.
 
April’s dress looked unfinished and had awkward angles all over the place. Jason’s dress didn’t get any better looking from when he first started and it was actually falling apart down the runway because of the staples used to hold it together. A.J.’s design was very Betsy Johnson-esque although not the most aesthetically pleasing. As Casanova’s model came down the runway, I was very scared I was going to see more of her than I wanted to see.
 
After all the models walk the runway, the judges choose A.J., Andy, Valerie, Sarah, Peach, Kristin, Michael C., Mondo, Michael D and Christopher as safe to unpack their bags and officially become part of the competition.
 
Next, the winner of the challenge is announced. And the title goes to…Gretchen! Her simple and classy black dress made out of one of the worst beginning fabrics impressed the judges the most. Props to her on that!
 
The remaining 6 designers are put in the bottom. Ivy doesn’t take the criticism well and the judges only see a backward facing kimono in Jason’s design. As if April’s garment wasn’t shredded enough, the judges finished the job in their harsh critique. The judges were perplexed by McKell’s design and hated the way she paired it with the hair and accessories.  The judges snored right over Nicholas’s boring design of sporty meets classy. Michael Kors compared Casanova’s design to a “pole dancer in Dubai.”
 
After the panel debated, they chose April, Nicholas, Casanova, Ivy and Jason to be safe. McKell is asked to leave the competition because of her poor styling choices. Tim Gunn stands by his earlier compliments of McKell’s dress and admits it didn’t fit her model well.
 
The remaining 16 designers move into their new apartment in New York City and mentally prepare for the rest (or should I say beginning) of the competition.
 
Project Runway airs at 9 pm ET on Lifetime.
 
(Photo courtesy of Lifetime)
 
Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/lindsaystrouse
 
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