Who’s In and Who’s Out: Project Runway 3, Episode 8

Surprising twists lurk around every corner on this season ofProject Runway. Recycling bins, disqualifications, moms, and now a trip to Paris! Heidi instructed the designers to create a hip look for an international jetsetter – and Tim Gunn later revealed to find their inspiration, the designers had only to look in the mirror.

At first glance, designing for oneself might seem like the easiest challenge possible. But throwing in the additional ingredient of functionality via traveling made things a little more difficult, as we saw. Furthermore, the designers weren’t just creating clothes for any occasion – but those for an exciting party that was so cutting edge people would have to fly to get there.

Taking a look back at the important fashion tips forProject Runway designers will show us what made Jeffrey win over Michael, and why long-time underachiever Angela was finally cut.

Who’s IN: Jeffrey

It was clear from the beginning of this challenge that Jeffrey was going to have a lot of fun and probably pull off something pretty spectacular. And he delivered. Let’s look at what he did right for each of the rules the designers are to follow, and make a few comparisons with Michael to see why the judges decided as they did.

1. Stand out! Be original, creative, and show a unique, strong point of view in your designs.

Jeffrey always has a point of view, which has saved him a few times when he’s come close to elimination. This time around, his perspective was well-suited to the challenge. He had a vision for himself as a hip jetsetter, and carried out that vision flawlessly. Ambitious and creative, he made a jacket, shirt, and pants, all of which definitely made him look like a rock star. Heidi noted it looked very chic and expensive, and she was right. Jeffrey stood out from all of the other designers with his flashy yet sophisticated image.

2. Demonstrate flexibility and versatility with each challenge.

This challenge did not require much flexibility on Jeffrey’s part, as he seemed to be in his element with what the task required. Though this is not an area where he has performed exceptionally well in prior challenges, it was not as important for this design. (But it did spell certain doom for Angela, as we will soon see!) Since this rule was a non-factor in Jeffrey’s win, we can move on.

3. Be resourceful and utilize every opportunity at your disposal to make your designs successful.

Jeffrey made excellent decisions with respect to his materials and accessories. His monochromatic black outfit lacked some variety with color, but it still had pizzazz. What he lacked in color he compensated for with texture, contrasting the sleekness of the leather jacket with the metallic accoutrements on the pants and shirt. These accessories also indicated strategic decisions on his part to make the design more than clothing, but an entire look – from the sunglasses to the necklace to the metal studs on the crotch of his pants. Jeffrey also made very good use of his time, finishing early while still having more components to his design than anyone else. This criterion was one where Jeffrey did slightly better than Michael, whose design also consisted of a single color. Michael did not accessorize as well, and his look was far simpler, though he did also take on the ambitious goal of a jacket, shirt, and pants. Both succeeded, but the level of complexity of Jeffrey’s design was more nuanced and intricate, which likely impressed the judges.

4. Actively sell yourself, your vision, and your designs.

Judging for this competition was a little bit different in that guest judge Catherine Malandrino never asked the contestants questions or engaged them in discussion about their work. However, the designers did have an opportunity for this exchange with the normal panel before leaving New York. Jeffrey explained his look well, and for the most part it spoke for itself – all of the judges were impressed by it.

5. Take your role as a designer seriously, and be professional both on and off the runway.

Out of all the remaining designers, Jeffrey seems to have the greatest difficulty with this rule, and it almost led to his elimination last week. But with this design task he took the challenge seriously and passed with flying colors. In his own words “this week, God wasn’t drunk.” Hmmm. We’ll see what happens with Jeffrey in future challenges; I suspect this weakness of his may come back to haunt him yet again. For now, this tip was also a non-issue this time around.

6. Think carefully about each challenge and do what it requires.

Unlike Angela and Kayne, Jeffrey really grasped what this challenge was all about and he executed very well. He commented in the interviews that his garments would travel well, and that he had chosen the materials he had for that very reason. After a long flight to Paris, he still looked superb, and Catherine Malandrino was impressed with the rock star charisma exuded by his design. Jeffrey also understood that this challenge was about creating a look that was adaptable to numerous settings on an international setting. Hard-hitter Nina Garcia told him his look was very “now” and applauded his successful efforts to create a look that was versatile and would look impressive around the globe.

7. Take risks – push yourself and your designs to new levels.

Jeffrey definitely took a risk in trying to create three different pieces for his look, each of which had some intricate detail work. His design did seem to fit within the confines of his usual perspective, but the look was more polished and cleaner than some of his more radical designs. If Jeffrey makes it to the final three, it will be because he pushes himself to tone down his outlandish and provocative approach when necessary.

Michael also lagged ever so close behind Jeffrey with this criterion as well. His look was simpler, and though he too had some complex details, overall his look did not seem as ambitious or unconventional as Jeffrey’s. Was it outstanding? Absolutely. If there could have been two winners, there is no question Michael would have been the second half of the duo. But his look overall just didn’t have the same impact and presence that Jeffrey’s did.

Jeffrey’s trash-can-glam and haughty attitude seem to echo Santino from season 2, but he has pulled off a couple impressive looks this season. If he continues to improve and make the kind of decisions he did this week, he may very well Wendy Pepper his way to the end.

Who’s OUT: Angela

Poor Angela flew all the way to Paris only to be eliminated and asked to leave! She likely spent more time on the plane ride there than she actually did in the city itself. But as Heidi Klum has said before, fashion is ruthless. So why was Angela cut loose? And why did she last as long as she did, given that was predicted by many fans to be an early out? The rules will show that the writing’s on the wall…

1. Stand out! Be original, creative, and show a unique, strong point of view in your designs.

Arguably, Angela was one of the least creative designers remaining. She did have a point of view, but it was severely limited in its scope and depth. The homemade, self-taught, arts and crafts feel of much of her work was humble and playful, but lacked sophistication and complexity. We began to see the same concepts recycled repeatedly, and the rosettes multiply and take over many of her garments like a virus. This week was no exception. Angela’s point of view was not well-defined or well-refined, and it was only a matter of time before these shortcomings caught up with her. She admittedly lamented that the idea of being an international jetsetter was completely foreign to her while blankly staring over her sketch pad; her final product was unable to escape this meager starting point.