'Project Runway': Project 'I-Didn't-Mind-It'

Ugh. Really, judges? There is a contestant on "Project Runway" who should have been eliminated weeks ago, but for some reason has managed to stick around again and again and now yet again. And that person is:

Christopher Straub. Of course, he seems like a nice guy and has put some good stuff down the runway (especially in the costume challenge) but as he tonight noted himself, things have been going downhill. The picnic table dress he made with Rodney Epperson. The icky shorts for Christina Aguilera. I actually didn't mind his dress too much in the wedding gown challenge, but between the disdain the judges had for it, the two previously-mentioned challenges and for his drab, sort of flimsy outfit inspired by Santa Fe (each of the designers in tonight's episode had to create a look based off of one of Michael Kors' favorite cities), I can't figure out why they haven't sent him home.

That's not to say I don't understand why Nicolas Putvinski was sent home tonight. While I could see where Christopher was coming from with his Santa Fe top and skirt and belt (note to guest judge Milla Jovovich: Most of the country still doesn't consider "1983" to be a compliment), Nicolas pretty much admitted that he disregarded the challenge. At first I thought he was channeling a Greek goatherd, but a white top and grey pants? Not so much.  The judges probably in this case thought Nicolas deserved to go for dismissing the challenge concept, but Christopher's been offering diminishing returns.

To be honest, I didn't think anyone really nailed the challenge.  I don't get why the judges didn't take Logan Neitzel to task more for simply sending a shirt and jeans and suspenders down the runway.  That might elicit "Lindsay Lohan" but, not to be catty, does she really embody "Hollywood" anymore?  Carol Hannah Whitfield's Palm Beach dress was nice but looked like a prototypical Palm Beach flowy dress.  The necklace on Gordana Gehlhausen's dress was pretty but the gown itself didn't look luxurious or chic enough to represent "New York." The judges really dug Irina Shabayeva's rich-girl Aspen look, but I was too hung up on the all-brown palette.  She ended up winning the challenge although I actually thought Althea got the concept the best: I liked her metallic brown shorts and sheer white top that were inspired by St. Tropez. It was a look that could be dressed up or down, but the judges just gave her a pass. 

Now I'm starting to think Christopher's going to make it to Bryant Park, just so my head explodes.

--Claire Zulkey

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Catch all "Project Runway" coverage here.

Photo: Tim Gunn, left, and Michael Kors. Credit: Mike Yarish / Lifetime Networks

Comments

[Ideeho]

The show was completed filming a year ago, last October, 2008. I liked Logan's outfit quite a lot. So if Lindsay Lohan doesn't emulate young Hollywood now, she might have been more in it a year ago.

[evie]

Yeah, I was stunned that Christopher made it through, yet again. His stuff is non-stop crap.

I still miss Ramon. He was robbed compared to most of these losers.

And really, did we have to give it to Aspen women for a third time? The players are weak.

[Sofia]

Christopher not eliminated yet again, I am in awe! He has not come up with a single nice design once! Each of the designers sent home in the last few weeks had previously won a challenge. Their designs were of much better quality than any of Christopher's. Makes you wonder who does this guy know? I have never felt the show was rigged before but this season has changed my mind. Truth is makes me not want to see the show anymore.

[Mary F]

none of them are on the same level as the top designers in the past two seasons

[Ros]

I think the author of this article needs to look up the word 'emulate' in the dictionary and then choose a different one instead.

[PRfan Mkevin]

I am very disappointed of Nicolas' early departure. He is such a good designer and is excellent with sequins, feathers and glamor.

But, I very much disagree with this article stating that Christopher Straub is the one cruising in the competition since day one. In fact, there's actually two of them: Gordana and Logan.

Back to Christopher. Despite of the lack of techniques and terminology in fashion, he manages to create wonderful works, even excelling than the rest in some of the challenges. His 'play-on-volume' skirts and textures are playful yet sexy and sophisticated at the same time. He doesn't play safe and thinks outside of the box.

Do I think Nicolas deserved to go home over Christopher? No and not even the other way around.

Gordana I feel has a bland taste, plays safe, doesn't go hard and lacks with just about everything fashion. Her winning design was nothing innovative - yes, Epperson did the cut-and-saw few episodes ago and I believe it was Suede who did the same thing last season.

Logan. Must I still talk about this guy? Yes, he is a total hottie and a cutie and he's beautiful and se... He's charming and all but his works never charmed me. Poorly made, poorly styled, nothing risky or innovative and none is a stand out. Those poor judges need to snap over this thing.

I strongly believe that both should have been cut before Ra'mon, Louise and Epperson. I am very sad of what this season has gone to. Irina, Carol Hannah and Althea better give us another round of all-girl finale and that is all I am going to say.

[Dave in Northridge]

I have to keep telling myself that this was filmed before the NBC/Lifetime suit was settled. Still, if this was being filmed with the participants thinking it would be on Lifetime, who do you think they'd choose in a situation like this?

It's still all about looks. Life isn't even like high school, it's more 8th grade.

[WW in PA]

I think the challenge should have been won by Michael Kors plastic surgeon.
The work around his eyes was flawless, not a crows foot to be found.
The work of a true craftsman.

[kevin]

Yes, please replace the word 'emulate' with something that might make more sense. 'Embody'? 'Encapsulate'? 'Evoke'? There are many other words, many of which start with the letter 'e'.

Irina is stunningly beautiful. She emulates beauty. (kidding- sorry)

[Claire Zulkey]

OK! You word nerds got me, I removed "emulate." Thank you for keeping an eye out :)

[Meredith Blake]

Claire-You are so right on this. I honestly can't believe Christopher has made it this far and that the judges haven't held his cumulative offenses against him. He is sweet and all but good lord, send the boy back to Minnesota. Also, I am so over Irina. She looks like late-era Michael Jackson.

[alison]

it is an all girl finale - just look at the runway photos of last February Fashion Week and at this point it is easy to see who the three (yup all women) designers who made Bryant Park were --

And based on the commentary it is also pretty clear who won

The show looks dated because it is a year old and in the fashion business that is like dog years -

heck Heidi had a fourth child faster than this season showed

[Marianne]

I SO agree, just watched the 'location' episode and I'm really frustrated. Other talented designers have gotten only one chance and had to leave, Christopher has now had FOUR chances in a row even though his work has been so bad.