Project Runway is back with Season 21 and this show’s drama and fashion flops have been dearly missed. The two-episode premiere was a spectacular introduction into the new group of chaotic designers and judges. And with Heidi Klum finally back, fans are getting a great mix of nostalgia and excitement for the future.
Now that we have a lay of the land, let’s see what the rest of this season has to offer, starting with Project Runway Season 21 Episode 3.
This season’s third group challenge has two designers taking the reigns
The episode begins and we’re back to the runway stage as we await the elimination results. Angelo Rosa and Alex Foxworth are in the bottom from the previous episode’s challenge. After some final critiques, it’s Alex who is sent home.
The rest of the designers rally around her as she leaves the competition. But right on the heels of saying her goodbyes, the next challenge ensues.
Because Ethan Mundt and Jesus Estrada took home the first season wins, they are both in charge of their very own fashion houses and get to choose their own teams. Yep, you heard right. This is officially the third group challenge in a row.
Nevertheless, Ethan keeps with his previous goal of not wanting any firecracker personalities in his house. He chooses JosephMcRae, Joan Madison, Yuchen Han, and Angelo for his dream team.
Jesus instantly picks his twin brother for his squad, and rounds out his team with Madeline Malenfant and Belania Daley. In addition, he also chooses Veejay Floresca, which comes at a huge shock. Given their clash on the very first challenge, hopefully this won’t be round two of their growing beef.
Christian Siriano and Heidi reveal three bags, each filled with a boring, basic fabric. Antonio gets grey wool and Ethan is stuck with denim.
Each house is tasked with designing their own collection with their respective fabric pick. The challenge is officially called Making Boring Brilliant, with the hopes of turning these dull textiles into top-tier chic looks. And the prize for the winner? Actress Sofia Vergara will wear the winning look to an upcoming event. The groups only have 1 day to make their ideas come to life. What could possibly go wrong?
Picking a theme for an entire collection is harder than it looks
Jesus has deemed his group the House of Catalina, inspired by a flower in Columbia. Taking reference to its daring shape, he wants them all to play on volumes and eye-catching structure. Right away, Veejay is not onboard and pushes back against his inspiration. Alas, round two of their beef has come. Ultimately, though, they all decide to follow his theme.
Meanwhile at the House of Ethan (which he affectionately calls H.O.E), he pitches a one word theme: showstoppers. With frayed & fringe denim looks at the forefront, his team members are worried. Ethan is thinking avant-garde, without giving a lot of consideration to the more subtle styles of his group. Yet, in order to fit his vision, everyone is stepping out of their comfort zone, That choice is revealed to have been the wrong decision.
Yuchen’s dress concept fails and he has to start over, with only a few hours to try and pivot. Angelo is also fighting against the clock to get his four-later outfit together. Christian walks into the work room and roasts the group, but their franticness speaks for itself.
Day 2 is quickly upon us, and it’s clear that Ethan was feeling the pressure from Christian and his team. So, in an attempt to switch up the energy, he enters in full drag, as his alter ego persona Utica Queen.
“My team is struggling, and it’s like, Utica is all about light, uplift, and truly that showstopper energy. So if there’s anything that going to get my team on track to be a showstopper, it’s her,” he admits.
It was a nice gesture from the team leader. However, Utica wasn’t enough to save this trainwreck.
The showstoppers weren’t apart of the showstopper-themed team
It’s time for the runway, and Law Roach returns, as well as last episode’s guest judge, Sarah Foster, Co-Founder of Favorite Daughter. Joining them is the muse for the challenge, Sofia Vergara.
The houses walk down the runway, and the entire panel is raving about Jesus’ group. Everything looks well thought out and the execution of each fit is top-tier. Then enters H.O.E., and it’s clearly the weak link. Most of the looks seemed thrown together, probably because they were. Not to mention that they clearly didn’t have Sofia in mind while designing them, especially with Yuchen’s extremely short denim tube top.
House of Jesus takes home its easy win, and the twins Antonio and Jesus, as well as Belania, are the Top 3. With their three looks standing side by side, their outfits were dubbed “the best looks of the season” by Law himself.
Jesus gets outstanding reviews, with Law admitting that he has shut him up with critiques for the second time in a row. Belania’s look is also given a gold star, with Sarah declaring it as a timeless piece. Law even says that he’d style Zendaya in this look. Antonio also gets a thumbs up for his dress, and is able to hold back his attitude with Law’s minor critique.
This is some stiff competition, but only one person can win. Belania is crowned the winner, and the three happily walk off the stage.
This elimination could be a Project Runway first
Over at the House of Ethan, the team members are blaming Ethan’s leadership for their failed collection.
“I’m not surprised we’re in the bottom. I think we got carried away with Ethan’s plan to create a showstopper piece. Definitely a little frustrated,” Angelo vents.
Angelo, Joan, and Ethan are chosen as the worst looks from the group. The judges liked the jacket for Angelo’s look, but felt like the rest of his outfit was “crooked”. It was universally agreed that Ethan’s design was too over the top, with Heidi comparing its shape to a bottle opener. Joan’s dress was also labeled a confusing mess. The more they discuss these looks, the more irritated Law grows.
“I am really pissed off about this collection. I did not come to work and get this beautiful glam to look at a bunch of ugly f*cking clothes. I’m sorry. I am pissed off. I’m mad,” he snaps.
The Bottom 3 make their way to the back room while the judges discuss. Saying that they’re disappointed is an understatement Heidi even pitches that “they can all go”, which Law agreed with. Would they really make this a triple elimination?
Project Runway airs every Thursday on Freeform, and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE JUDGES WILL ELIMINATE THE ENTIRE BOTTOM 3?
