Project Runway 6, Episode 10: World Weary

Last week on Project Runway, the designers had to put together outfits for Christina Aguilera in the style of Bob Mackie. Carol Hannah won and Shirin got the boot, though it probably would have been Gordana if she hadn’t had immunity, because her dress was sad and unflattering. There is no immunity this week, so no one is safe. Who’s it going to be? I’d say the clock is ticking for Gordana, but we’ll see.

As always, we begin with Carol Hannah troweling on eye makeup. Gordana, wearing an olive green t-shirt layered under a Pucci print halter top (seriously, what’s that all about?) says it’s cool to have made it as far as they have. Carol Hannah will miss Shirin, but says at the same time, they’re wondering every week who will go. Nicolas says he’s determined to make it to the finals. Christopher is happy to be one of the top seven, but says he’s an underdog because he’s self taught.

Heidi greets them on the runway and promises a number of exciting things: Tim, a field trip, Rodeo Drive, and a top designer. Althea (who I keep forgetting about) says that the possibilities are endless. Any designer who’s anyone has a Rodeo Drive store.

Logan says that they will probably be designing something high-end. Christopher says that he’s used to mall stores. So, who is this mysterious top designer?

None other than Michael Kors!

In any other season, it wouldn’t be so exciting to see Michael, since he’s around all the time as a judge, but not this time. It’s nice to see an old friend. An old, bitchy friend with a propensity for one-liners, that is.

Nicolas says it’s amazing to see all of the beautiful things Michael designed. Michael tells the designers that he’s going to show them locations around the world that have inspired him and his designs. “Whether real or imaginary, I want to see what kind of fabulous outfits you can come up with.”

That challenge makes no sense. Hopefully Tim will explain it better. Tim says that they will choose a location (presumably from the snapshots we’ve seen) and create a look that embodies their design aesthetic and the locale.

Carol Hannah, as the winner, gets first pick. She grabs Palm Beach. Nicolas chooses Greece, saying it’ll challenge him. Althea immediately snags St. Tropez. Gordana loves New York. Irina goes for Aspen, explaining that she loves to work with both fur and outerwear. Christopher grabs Santa Fe, which leaves Logan with Hollywood. Logan pretends to be excited.

The designers will have $150 and one day to complete the challenge.

Carol Hannah says she wants to show a relaxed, but put together style. Althea is thinking about yachts and parties, but also an old fishing town. She hopes to juxtapose the two. Gordana says that Park Avenue is a wealthy area, so she plans to design for a sophisticated, independent woman.

At Mood, Nicolas wants denim, but Logan has no strategy.Gordana buys a bunch of jewels, leaving only thirty bucks to spend on fabric. I predict something tacky. Irina says that $150 is not enough money for a full look.

Back at the workroom, Logan has a better idea of what to do, envisioning a Bohemian look with skinny jeans. Irina plans on making three pieces – pants, a cowl neck sweater, and a fur vest with a hood. Nicolas is working with white fabric again, which I guess isn’t out of place for Greece. He thinks the judges will either love or hate what he’s doing. Carol Hannah is making a dress but wishes she had more fabric.

Irina can’t believe everyone is so busy cracking jokes and sewing slowly.

Gordana says that some people might crumple under the pressure, which is ironic given the level to which she’s been freaking out on this show. Nicolas, for one, feels the pressure because he know that Michael pays very close attention to the details of each garment. Christopher says that it’s especially nerve-wracking that a judge is sponsoring this challenge.

Christopher says that for a while, he was on top, but that it’s been downhill lately. He’s determined to show the judges his sophistication.

Gordana says that her design has a simple silhouette, but she plans to make it special in other ways.

Tim arrives to critique the designers. Gordana says she hasn’t started her dress yet, but explains that the focus is a necklace she’s making. Tim doesn’t like that plan one bit and tells her to start sewing and work on the necklace later. He’s worried that she’ll run out of time.

Tim thinks Althea’s outfit looks cute. She wants something that looks expensive, so tailoring is important. Tim tells her to watch the tailoring.

Christopher explains that he is going to make a flowing dress in blue and white with a brown belt. Tim thinks it could be really clichéd if he focuses too much on the belt. He tells Christopher to make it exuberant and sophisticated.

Irina says she’s surprised Christopher is still there. “His dress looks like something an Amish woman would wear,” she laughs in an interview.