Project Runway 8, Episode 1 Recap: “Sew It Begins”
July 30, 2010 by karenvitt
Filed under Neat STUFF
By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor
It seems like it’s only been mere months since Portland-area local Seth Aaron Henderson became the latest designer to win the sew-or-be-cut challenge that is Project Runway. Oh wait it has only been a few months. Never mind, PR is back and it’s bigger and longer than ever before (it remains to be seen whether it will be better).
There are changes afoot for the Project Runway Season 8, most notably a 30-minute increase in running time. The Portlander du jour to watch this time around is one Gretchen Jones, the eco-minded designer behind local line MothLove (read The Neat Sheet’s exclusive interview with Gretchen Jones here). We’ll say it now, Jones does not disappoint. There must be something in the Portland water that makes Project Runway judges thirsty for more.
To begin, we are introduced to the new cast Real-World style. The designers are awkwardly forced to meet each other in groups of two or three and make small talk as they make their way to the meeting spot. Within seconds of their arrival, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn are already busting out twists faster than you can say, “Hello designers, you are not officially on Project Runway yet. Instead, this will be your final audition. One or more of you will be gone by the end of the day.”
Ouch. The seventeen dumbstruck souls, suitcases still in hand, are then asked to pick one item out of their bag. The challenge for the day is to incorporate said item in to their design. Cue the second (mandatory) twist: they have to trade garments with the person to their right. This is especially painful for Casanova (yes, one name only), as he is forced to give away his pair of never-worn $1,070 Dolce and Gabbanna pants, only to later watch fellow designer Valerie Mayen brutally destroy them with a seam-ripper. The countdown starts and they have only five hours to create a look that will keep them in the game.
With so many contestants, it’s hard to mention everyone. There was one clear winner and a lot of hated outfits on the runway. Gretchen Jones turned a sparkly caplet in to a classy, wearable cocktail gown (top and above right). It was simple, sophisticated and stood out amongst the sea of unfinished garments that were sent down the runway. A character in both name and personality, Casanova crafted a weirdly skanky “dress” (right) that showed more skin than a stripper would be comfortable with. Judges are not digging it. Jason Troisi (whose bio lists his profession as a glorified lawn cutter…?) took a kimono and essentially just turned it backwards, a notably unimpressive feat, especially in a sewing competition.
Ultimately, the ax fell on new mother Mckell Maddox. Tim called her creation “cute” in the workroom, but on the runway her polo shirt/’50’s housewife dress failed to flatter her model and was poorly styled. Luckily, she has a 9-month-old baby to go home to, so there are no hard feelings.
The winner of episode one of Project Runway? Why, it’s our very own Gretchen Jones! Her dress was unanimously loved by all the judges (especially guest judge Selma Blair), and by us as well. We knew she was going to kill it and can’t wait for next week’s episode. Team Jones and Team Portland all the way!
Watch video of the judges take on Gretchen Jones’ first Project Runway win in Episode 1:
Here’s a look at this season’s full cast. Be sure to check back to The Neat Sheet every Friday for a full recap and fashion photos of each new episode of Project Runway 8!
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