Season 21 of Project Runway is already down to its final few episodes. Over the season we have seen a lot of crying, incredible looks, and Christian Siriano quips. We are so back people.
Last week’s episode was rough. Fans had to say goodbye to Joan in what was the most emotional elimination of the season. But, little did viewers know that the most shocking elimination of Season 21 was only an episode away.
This client-based challenge will really put the designers to the test
The rodeo isn’t over yet, there’s still last week’s elimination. The judges save Ethan and Veejay, sending Yuchen packing. Law Roach gives him a second of encouraging words, even revealing to him that he’s been one of his favorites this season. After this, he leaves with his head held high.
We’re now officially down to the final five: Belania, Ethan, Veejay, and the Estrada twins. There’s been back to back 1-day challenges and this next one is no different. Heidi Klum reveals that this episode’s challenge is centered around providing comfortable fashion for all. And to test their skills, the designers must create looks suited for people with eczema. Their models for this runway aren’t professionals, but rather real people faced with skin disease. This means that they will have to be very careful to make sure they are using safe, yet stunning, fabrics to please their clients.
But, that’s not all. Heidi adds that the look must not only be good for a night out, but it has to feature a reveal of some sort on the runway. Easy, right?
The pressure is on and everyone is feeling the heat, especially Ethan. He’s known for being his drag persona Utica Queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race, a series filled with iconic reveals.
“My whole M.O. with drag queens is creating a gaggy moment. But, I’m feeling a little daunted because I’m hoping I can bring my big, crazy sensibilities to a real person,” he shares.
These designers aren’t listening to their clients’ wishes.
It’s time for the designers to get to know their models, and some get closer than others. Specifically, Jesus is immediately taken by his muse, Jared. He calls him “handsome”, and the model is giving his flirtatious comments right back. There’s even a moment where Jared is not-so subtly putting his hands on Jesus’ thighs while he’s sitting in front of him. Is it hot in here?
His twin Antonio gets paired up with a woman named Stephanie. She’s focused on one goal and one goal only: to get a man. And with a confident and daring double-reveal in mind, Antonio is hoping to get her just that.
Meanwhile, Belania’s model Jewel is not giving her much to work with. She prefers wearing basic colors and has zero tolerance for prints or sequins. On top of this, Jewel also doesn’t enjoy bright colors and calls nude her favorite color to wear. Frustrated, Belania decides to trust her own instinct and make a loud, silver top. Needless to say, her model wasn’t happy with her choices.
Speaking of not being happy, Jared keeps telling Jesus that his design is way too feminine for him. Jesus isn’t listening, insisting that he’s making the best decisions for the both of them. Uh oh, trouble in paradise already.
In that same vein, though, Veejay is also ignoring her client. Her model Jayden gets the most eczema flair ups when he’s hot or sweating. So for this challenge she intends to make….jeans and a jacket. What is happening right now?
A runway of reveals and a shocking episode ending
The runway comes, and it feels quicker than usual. Law Roach is back, and he is joined by designer Harrison Reed and comedian Nikki Glaser.
The looks walk down the runway, and since there’s only five designers left, everyone’s critiques are done at once. The judges criticize Jesus harshly, especially since his own model didn’t enjoy the look. And after Belania’s model admits that “I wouldn’t buy this for myself”, Law looks straight at Belania and says, “you failed her”. Yikes.
On the other hand, the judges panel raves about what Antonio did for Stephanie’s confidence. Law calls it “one of his best” looks from the season.
The models walk away, and it’s time to name the winner of the challenge. After some deliberation, Veejay is runner-up and it’s Antonio taking the wi. He’s absolutely ecstatic but he can’t celebrate for long because this means that his brother is in the bottom. For the first time all season, Jesus is on the chopping block.
Agreeing that this is a client-based challenge, the judges agree that Ethan cared about his clients’ vision and is off the elimination table. But Belania and Jesus? They didn’t take their models into account at all.
Ethan is told he is safe and exits, leaving Belania and Jesus awaiting their Project Runway fate. But wait, this elimination isn’t waiting until next week’s episode. In the final seconds of the episode, Heidi reveals that both designers are going home. It cuts to ‘To Be Continued’, so we are going have to wait and see if this is true. And if so, how the rest of the designers are going to react to this surprise double elimination.
Project Runway airs every Thursday at 10 PM/ET on Freeform, and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THIS REALLY IS A DOUBLE ELIMINATION?
