Road To The Final Three - Project Runway All Stars - SPOILER ALERT

When I left you yesterday I had mentioned the intense time-frame for the four designers to make a six-piece collection, and that each designer was suddenly faced with the need to present a finished item on the Runway on Day 3 of their seven-day challenge. This unexpected Runway showing would determine which three designers would go on to the final showing. The pressure was on! Let's take a look at the four outfits that walked the Runway. The two regular judges - Isaac Mizrahi and Georgiana Chapman were joined by the exquisite Dita Von Teese and a long-time member of the Project Runway family, Zana Roberts Rassi from "Marie Claire" magazine. 

Anthony, whose fabric was velvet-covered neoprene,
created a drop-back gown with wide straps and
a train. I loved the length change and, for
neoprene, it actually walked nicely. 

Anthony's goal was to make a collection that married the glamour of Audrey Hepburn into the sexiness of Rhianna. It was slinky and I loved the back. Isaac loved the length and the fabric, Dita loved the color and the structure. Zanna loved the straps and Alyssa loved the side of the dress. But, Georgiana hated the material that the dress was made from, and Alyssa criticized where the waist fell on the model. 

Fabio made this little top and smocked-top skirt in
homage to his Grandmother - the woman who taught
him how to sew. 

Fabio wanted to contrast old and new and created this 50's-style skirt and loose-fitting top. A more casual look, but very much Fabio. Georgiana adored the smocking and said she loves the woman that he creates clothes for. Isaac wasn't a fan of the print he used for the top, although I really enjoyed the subtle bird images. Dita loved the "modern 50's skirt" but Zanna didn't like his look at all, feeling it needed editing. Alyssa was in love with the entire outfit and wanted it. 

Ken dumped his elaborate detached sleeves as
being too "costume", and then slapped on this
organza sash. Why?  

Ken's trousers and fitted top didn't walk the Runway well. Look at those pleats around the hips of the model in the photo above. Ken said he was inspired by Harriet Tubman's bow tie, but even though I love his inspiration, to me this was a miss. Zanna wasn't a fan of the organza, and even though Dita loved the pants, she was in agreement with Zanna about the sash. Georgiana wished the look had been black and white and hated the earrings Ken chose, Isaac loved the pants and the fabrics chosen. Hmmm .... really??? Finally, Alyssa complimented his tailoring and somewhat liked the sash. 

Stanley made this black and white tuxedo shirt-front
dress with a 50's-style skirt and fitted waist. The
black leather belt, collar and shirt-front, as well
as the peeps of a black petticoat at the hem,
really made the dress stand out. 

Stanley said his inspiration was "black ladies going to church on Sundays" hats and the First Lady dresses from the Smithsonian. Georgiana loved the woman he presented but recommended dropped a few layers of petticoats. Isaac loved the simplicity of the dress. Dita loved the entire look, especially the skirt. Zanna called it "Project Runway gold". After a discussion that led to the removal of the leather collar (which I think should have been more rounded and shorter), Alyssa took control. 

Normally at this point I'd be announcing a winner, but no. As I told you yesterday, the designers were led through the back rooms and production chambers of Project Runway and into a room where they were instructed to make a single look from barrels containing the scrap remnants of clothing made earlier in the season. They had one hour in which to accomplish this. So, here's what they made. 

I'm letting this photo be a bit larger than usual because
there's so much to see. Take a look, it's impressive. 

Moving from right to left ... Anthony created this fantastic two-toned wrap dress that I almost loved more than his collection piece. It was stunning and eye-catching. Ken did a black high-cut sheath dress that was beautifully tailored. Fabio did a cropped pant with an oddly-textured oblong-dropped top. (I was super impressed that he pulled out a pair of pants in an hour like that.) Finally, Stanley did color blocking for a leather-halter and metallic mini-dress. 

I was impressed, the judges were impressed, and I wished that all four designers could have been passed on to the final round, but it's a competition and in the end there will only be a single winner. Still, to come so close must have been heartbreaking. 

Have you guessed who was sent home and who will continue into next week's final episode? 

Ken was sent home. 

The final three designers, Stanley, Fabio and Anthony, breathed a major sigh of relief, but all of the guys hugged and wept. I actually think/hope that some firm friendships may have been formed here in the Project Runway workshop. 

Oh!!! One final twist. Since the final three had already shown one outfit on the Runway, they now need to add one new outfit to their slate, making a total of seven outfits in seven days. Three of those days are now over so they are looking at a future of four days to create six complete outfits. The stress just got turned up to high. 

I'll be back on Monday. Have a wonderful Easter Sunday. DH helped me remember my own heritage last night by making me some Haroset - an apple dish usually served for the Passover Seder. It was a lovely treat and tasted fabulous. He can be a total sweetie sometimes. Enjoy your weekend!