Project Runway in Survival Mode - Unconventional Materials

This week's Project Runway featured the famous Unconventional Materials challenge. The designers were driven into the woods where several tents had been set up and a variety of items were scattered around - yoga mats, fishing lines, poles and reels, and odds and ends that might be thrown out or forgotten after a camping trip. Up the hill was the workshop - it was a slant-roofed, open walled structure that had electrical power for the sewing machines. The designers would be sleeping in the tents overnight and the models would come to them from a nearby hotel for their fittings.

Mimi was freezing in this netted design by
Afa Ah Loo. He was on the bottom because
it certainly wasn't survival gear. 

The designs ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. I had high hopes for Sebastian who was taping a variety of colored leaves onto a duct-tape framework. He wanted the entire dress to be unconventional materials and was hoping to avoid the sewing machine entirely.

Kovid Kapoor was a mess, although Nina liked
his pants. I have a feeling that's all that might
have saved him this week. In four weeks he's
been all over the place. I don't think he'll survive long.

Marni Senofonte, the stylist from last week's Head to Toe Prints challenge, was a featured player once again. She made the rounds with Christian, trying to advise and steer the designers in directions that would make a clear and cohesive look, despite the challenges of the materials.

Sonia Kasperian - her design reminded me of those
foil wrapped hot dogs you can buy at sporting
events. Total fail to me. 

Tessa was making a loom which she planned to use to create some fabric. Other designers were encouraged to pull away from the many "fabric" choices and allow themselves more design flexibility. After an evening at the campfire with toasted marshmallows, the designers split off into their tents - two people per tent. 

It was 42 degrees when everyone gathered in the early morning for a full day in the workshop. After a short time, the models were brought in for their fitting. Christian, solo this time, was again pushing the designers to really use unconventional items within their designs, not just re-purpose unconventional fabrics. That seems to be the main stumbling block for the designers. 

Hester Sunshine pulled off a really nice design this
time, although again not really working for warmth. 

The designers had the full day (until sunset) to work on their designs, and a second night was spent in the tents. The Runway show was scheduled for the next morning. Some of the designs I was seeing in their workshop peeks and critiques were really interesting. 

Rakan Shams Aldeen used a sleeping bag and
cotton to make this crazy outfit that actually
worked, although I wasn't that fond of it.  

The designers awakened in the early, early morning and got back to work. The models arrived shortly before dawn and after a quick fitting, they were brought to the hair salon tent and the makeup tent - yes, everything is happening in the Great Outdoors, including the Runway! Everyone was hoping there wouldn't be any rain, but of course, the Gods/Goddesses of Fashion were laughing and the skies opened up. Would the designs in process survive the elements? Running to the main tent for the half-hour final dress, they ran under umbrellas since it had started to rain. 

Renee Hill managed to steampunk a survival
outfit from a tarp and an umbrella. She added
every possible device needed for survival. 

So here were your winners and losers - Winner was Renee Hill, Loser was Afa Ah Loo. Although I understand the judge's decision, I would have sent Kapoor home instead. Oh well, it's a long season and only one person will prevail. Have a great Friday and I'll be back tomorrow.