Project Runway Recap

After 3 seasons of Project Runway, it seems evident that nobody does the wacky-artsy-type thing like an aspiring designer (though you can also catch some truly wacked-out antics on America’s Next Top Model, which is also on tonight). And nobody has perfected this craziness as much as this season’s yoga-lovin’, marionette-puppet-creatin’ designer Elisa, whose first creation would have actually been pretty fabulous had it not been for that whole “pooing fabric” effect that host Heidi Klum so accurately described. First Elisa rolls around on the grass in Bryant Park with her fabric to help infuse it with some earthy, grass stained, goodness. Then she crafts a dress that was so bottom heavy that her model couldn’t even walk. But at least by finishing early she was able to squeeze in a little nap while all of the other designers frantically worked to finish their designs.

But there was no way they were eliminating this contestant, because in previews for tonight’s episode she can be seen spitting on her fabric in what one can only imagine is her effort to put a little bit of herself into her work. Her wackiness already has the other contestants on edge, and when a bunch of fashion designers think you’re nuts, you know you have to be pretty far out there.

21-year-old Christian is already shaping up to be this season’s most stuck-up, least-likable designer. In the judge’s eyes his design came in a close second place to Rami’s gorgeous grey creation, but in my eyes that beige and black plaid mess was just hideous. He can obviously sew, but when Michael Kors called him on failing to line up the stripes in his plaid, Christian became immediately defensive of what surely was just a little lazy work.

With 15 contestants, it’s hard to keep them all straight, but tonight keep your eyes peeled for the following designers: Kevin — a jean designer and the token straight guy who is very fast to point out this fact, Jillian — whose signature style seems consist of only one item: the short baby doll skirt, and Ricky — the lingerie designer who looked a bit like a rejected Village Person in the first episode (what was with that black mesh hat?!?) but who obviously can sew. As long as he doesn’t play it too safe he might shape up to be a pretty good designer.

As for the rest of the designers, you’ll have to tune in to Bravo tonight at 8 p.m. to learn more about them. To read the designer’s bios and view the dresses from last week’s challenge, visit this site, and if you want to create a fantasy fashion team from this season’s designers, this site will let you.

Finally, if you happen to want a little extra crazy with your TV reviewing, I highly recommend this site (http://fourfour.typepad.com/fourfour/antm/index.html ) for a complete rundown on last week’s America’s Next Top Model antics.

-- Aubrey Shoe