Project Runway All-Stars #5 Modern Day Super Heroes - HERE BE SPOILERS

DH has been busy buying snack food for the Superbowl, which takes place tomorrow. The freezer is stocked with food that probably isn't good for either of us, but it's a once-a-year indulgence and we'll manage to pull through. Yesterday he went to two different grocery stores, came home, and made some lemon bars. I can't wait to try them - lemon bars are one of my favorite desserts. 

Thursday, as yesterday's post explained, was a time for the designers to explore women as modern day super heroes. Given the women that I know - Chickie, Sharon, Claire and many others - super hero describes each of them to perfection. Here are the top and bottom looks in alphabetical order of designer. 

Amada's assignment was "pink diamond". While at Mood,
she mumbled about having never worked with pink, and
she had a lot of trouble deciding on fabrics. In the
end, she even bought some pink paint! 

Amanda got slammed by the judges. Alyssa didn't like the dress at all, Georgina called it "sad", and Issac had Amanda pull the waistline tighter to improve the look of the dress. Pulling in the waist made a difference, but the dress just fell flat. 

Anthony had been criticized in the workroom for designing
a possible wedding dress, but that was before he had
added his balloon sleeves. Anthony's assignment
was "dragon's blood". 

Those sleeves and the perfection of the necklines - both front and rear - brought Anthony's dress into serious contention from the judges. I loved watching it walk down the runway. It's simplicity was deceptive - getting those sleeves to hold their shape perfectly was NOT easy, and contouring the scoop necklines without puckers or tremors showed a deep understanding of the fabric. . 

Edmond's look was just this side short of costume. His
assignment was "conturing", so he did shapes and sweeps,
contrasting sequins with matte black. He had it
covered with a long gathered cape. The judges either
loved or hated the cape, but it did't leave any judge
without a remark. 

Oh Edmond ... this was a styling disaster. Although the other two "sisters" expressed doubts about his design, neither of them unbent enough to actually tell him that his design was questionable. Still, it was well made, and I'd take the cape in a New York minute. The judges ripped apart his dress design and the cape from all sides while he was standing there, looking uncomfortable. It was not his finest moment. 

Fabio's assignment was "snake", so he made an
outfit that could be shed to create a different
look. The tied and gathered skirt was
removable, leaving a slim, fitted dress beneath. 

Fabio really nailed it this time, with a removable overskirt featuring pockets and a sheath dress that was perfectly tailored. Georgiana called it "gorgeous", Issac loved the versatility of the design, and Alyssa called it innovative and wearable. I'd have it in my closet, if it had long sleeves. 

Ken had a distinct vision for his "super acids"
assignment. He specifically wanted his model to
be bald because some hair-challenged people
might be watching and be inspired by his design. 

I liked Ken's design quite a bit, but a better choice of fabric would have cemented the win for him. When a close look showed the sculpted shoulders, I could see frayed pieces of fabric sticking up from the seams. Georgina loved the sleeves but hated the "condom" over the model's head. Alyssa said she never noticed the bald cap because she was so pulled into looking at the design. I appreciated Ken's desire to show that all women are beautiful, but don't think the bald cap really pulled off his intent. 

Merline returned to a style that had served her in
the past for her assigned theme of "magic gel".
In the workroom she was criticized for a "Star Trek"
look. Maybe she should have paid more
attention to what Anne said. 

The judges weren't crazy about Merline's design this week. She was criticized on the proportions and the messy waistline. Alyssa said that the shoulder design was old news for Merline, and Issac said that her design was repetitive. He was right - it totally was. 

Who won and who was sent home? It was a tight competition between Anthony's white dress and Fabio's double-duty dress, but in the end, Fabio prevailed with the win. The pink dress of Amanda's was the kiss of death as she was sent home. It was the right decision. Amanda might say that she appreciates the judge's feedback, but I'm not sure their words actually ever penetrated her brain. She's a talented designer, but this wasn't her competition. 

Have a great weekend. I'll be eating junk food and watching commercials and ... oh yes ... between the commercials there will be a football game. What fun!!