Project Runway is in its competitive era. No really, there’s six designers still standing in Season 21 and there’s no clear standout. It’s truly anyone’s season to win. With all of these 1-day challenges, though, it’s only a matter of time till one remains.
The next elimination leaves everyone in tears
The elimination from the previous episode begins, and it’s a tough watch. Yuchen has been a standout all season, but he fumbled on the streetwear challenge. And while Joan’s look didn’t hit the mark, she’s been a fan-favorite among viewers and a major supporter to her fellow designers. Ultimately, Heidi Klum informs them that Joan will be eliminated. Yuchen walks off the runway in tears and breaks down backstage.
“I just feel so bad that miss joan is going home, I take it personally. I feel likeJoan has to go home because of me,” he vents.
He isn’t the only one taking this exit to heart. There’s hardly a dry eye in the room. Jesus affectionately calls her “the joy of the season”. We miss you already, Joan.
Now that the tears have dried, it’s time to get back to the competition. This week’s challenge was unveiled in a very subtle way: Christian Siriano on a horse. He and Heidi told the designers that they are getting country this time around. The theme for this episode’s runway is western chic. Think Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album.
Antonio is now the only one left standing who hasn’t won a challenge yet. The pressure is on for him to prove himself this week and finally get a win.
Is this a rocky road or just happy accidents?
The designers have grabbed their fabric and Jesus is confident. As he’s working on his leather, though, the unthinkable happens: its burns. Antonio tries to convince him that the burn look is actually great, but Ethan pulls him aside for his truth bomb. He warns him that the burn stain looks “like pit stains” across the white fabric.
With conflicting outside opinions, Jesus ends up siding with Antonio and it ends up paying off. Not only is Christian on board with its appearance, but he suggests that he burns the skirt to match.
Meanwhile, Veejay is taking a big risk. Instead of taking the traditional route of leather and denim, she’s choosing a completely different medium. In a futuristic twist, she’s attempting to make a western look … out of red vinyl fabric.
And then, there’s Yuchen. He has no clue about western culture, evident by him not knowing who Dolly Parton is. He decides on a glitter sequin dress that doesn’t resemble any country influence. Christian tries to help him and recommends adding an element of fringe, but Yuchen is insistent on his original design.
Yuchen decides at the last minute to add bull horns on top of the breasts area of his dress. And, for the first time in a while, Christian is lost for words. The Top 6 aren’t acting as polished as they have been all season. Joan was the glue!
A runway separating the fabulous from the flops
The runway is here and everyone’s favorite judge and critic Law Roach returns. Joining him is country music star Mickey Gutton and Creative Director of GAP inc. Zac Possen. He’s been on several seasons before and is known for not holding back his honest feedback. The designers are ruffled seeing him on the panel, and they should be.
The looks walk down the runway, and for the most part, it’s incredible. All of the chaos in the workroom actually paid off.
Antonio, Belania, and Jesus are the Top 3. Each of their looks get glowing reviews from the judges. Even law doesn’t have any critiques, which has to be a first. Antonio feels super confident, feeling that his win is about to happen. However, his twin Jesus ends up getting the win, which is his second of the season. He is pissed, but manages to be happy for his brother.
Now, it’s time for the Bottom 3 to receive their critiques. The judges unanimously believed that his deserved to be in the top, if not for a few minor edits.
Everyone is confused over the horn on Yuchen’s dress. They can’t stand it, much like how they don’t like Yuchen’s look.
Zac called it a “project runway nightmare”. Law open-upped his shade, calling it “country sh*t” instead of country chic. Who is going to go home and nearly miss the Top 5 spot? We’ll find out next week.
Project Runway airs every Thursday at 10 PM/ET on Freeform, and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
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