This week, the designers met Tim Gunn at South Street Seaport to learn about their next challenge. Tim revealed the Lexus Challenge: In 24 hours, design a red-carpet ready look for the Emmys incorporating the color of the Lexus GX each designer is assigned. After last week's sweet challenge, we were excited to learn that the designers would be competing in teams, which is sure to spice things up. The designers were given Lexus keys, which randomly assigned them to a car and a partner.
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Paired off into their new teams, they set out in their cars to go meet the mystery guest they would be designing for. Each pair was met by a former Project Runway contestant and given 30 minutes to consult with her and get a feel for her personal style before heading off to Mood to shop. Then it was back to the boardroom to make it work and let the drama unfold!
When Tim Gunn announced that the winning designer would be allowed to escort the design (and former PR contestant) on the Emmys red carpet, tensions mounted even higher in the workroom. Conflicting personalities clashed as teams struggled to blend their individual design aesthetics while trying to please the client. Elena didn't trust her partner Buffy's tailoring skills and largely placed the project on her own back. After a negative critique in the workroom, Elena let her explosive attitude get the best of her, further alienating herself from her teammate. However, their pleated black gown perfectly matched Laura's dramatic style, and they made it through to next week.
Gunnar and Kooan were paired up with perfectionist Irina, winner of Season 6, creating extra stress for the already-unlikely pair. Gunnar, ever the gossip queen, was running his mouth most of the time. But the pair still managed to pull through to next week. Ven again proved that he is leading the pack, with his Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress for vintage-loving Kenley. Ven was the winner of the challenge for the second week in a row, keep up the amazing work!
Raul and Alicia struggled with the challenge, originally picking a print that didn't match Mila's sophisticated, black-centric style. But even starting over from scratch could not save this look. The frumpy black tank dress was nowhere near elegant enough for the Emmys so Raul was set home packing.
We were not super-impressed by any of the looks this week. Let's hope the designers make it work next week!
