Joanna Cole, Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief and mentor to the Project Runway All Stars, told the designers that she thought this week’s challenge was the best in Project Runway history. I think she knows what she’s talking about. When the designers were told of the challenge, they responded with gasps and giggles of delight which could only have meant that they were just as thrilled with the challenge of designing a flamboyant cocktail dress for the one and only Miss Piggy. Miss Piggy, who is no stranger to fashion, has been dressed by Prada and Burberry, among others, and has become known to be quite the demanding fashionista. The winning look would be worn by Miss Piggy while she’s out promoting her new movie, aptly called, The Muppets.
With such a fun challenge underway, you’d think that there would be a light and carefree spirit exuded throughout the workroom. Not so; it was actually quite surprising to see the designers bickering over who would get what pieces from the Neiman Marcus accessories wall. The demand for pink, satin opera gloves and sparkly heels were, needless to say, in demand this week. Everyone seemed to know Miss Piggy’s style, what she’s worn in the past and what she would be comfortable in (even though she’s a puppet and when would she not be comfortable?). I have to say that I loved the fact that everyone spoke of Miss Piggy as if she were an actual person with thoughts, feelings and fashion sense. Everyone seemed to have an idea and really ran with it. I can honestly say this was the first Project Runway challenge where the designers had to create a look for a fuller figured gal and they weren’t disappointed. Normally if the designers are asked to dress an average-sized woman and they really kick-up of fuss.
The designers really do seem to be All Stars, as each of the garments that came down the runway looked pretty darn good. Each of the designers seems to know how to sew superbly, which is not always the case during the regular season, and have also seem to have a sense of what they want to create and how to do it. Since the skill sets are higher, it is a bit tougher to find the bottom designs, but not so the top. Rami’s, Kenley’s and Michael’s looks were the standout pieces this week. Rami created a fun and flirty dress that had movement that instantly said “look at me!” in festive polka dots. Kenley had a cute, circle skirt, strapless dress made from giraffe print, which the judges liked, but also had them concerned over the model’s breasts popping out at any given moment. But Michael, of whom I’m not usually a fan, won this week’s challenge fair and square. It was a fitted strapless little dress that had great shape and a fun head piece as well. It was one of the few dresses that didn’t feature pink, but it wowed the judges (including fill in for Isaac Mizrahi, Eric Daman, the costume designer for Gossip Girl) and Miss Piggy.
In the bottom were Austin, Gordana and Mila. Each of the three dresses looked nice, however, didn’t exactly take into account Miss Piggy’s fashion preferences. Gordana’s loose, pink garment was just OK and a bit too night gown-ish to thrill Miss Piggy or the judges. The same thing went for the mod dress that Mila created, which looked like something she would wear, but not Miss Piggy. Austin’s dress had style but the judges didn’t like the color combination nor the rather absurd bows tacked onto the side of the dress that accentuated the hip area. Ultimately it was Gordana’s ho-hum mauve dress that was eliminated. Gordana, I’m sorry to say, you are no longer an All Star.
Memorable Quotes:
I’m so excited to meet her. She’s fashion’s dream client. –Michael
Why not have her wearing pink when she’s pink? –Gordana
Do you think I can sex up Miss Piggy? Show some skin? –Kara
I always say being a lady never goes out of style. –Anthony
How does a pig feel about wearing a giraffe print? –Joanna
Don’t forget that she has two big ears on her head. –Joanna
I feel like I really do understand Miss Piggy. –Austin
It’s not going to look like she’s gift wrapped? –Joanna
Don’t disappoint Miss Piggy. –Joanna
I was going to eat a piece of bacon this morning, but I was conflicted. –Anthony
Miss Piggy, her bacon’s going to sizzle when she sees my dress. –Jerell
Parisian Hog Couture. –Eric Daman
This is the most garish, outlandish, most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. I love it! –Miss Piggy
I love this dress. It looks like a present, a present for Kermie. –Miss Piggy
It doesn’t scream Miss Piggy, it whispers it. –Miss Piggy
I think if he was a designer for pigs in space it would work. –Eric Daman
Until next week! Be sure to check out our other favorite site dedicated to all things Project Runway…Blogging Project Runway!
–Bonnie J Brown
Photos: Lifetime
