Under the Gunn: Team Anya

OK, I'm back, and were not in New York any more, Toto. We're in LA, and it's TOTALLY NOT what happened when Project Runway saw the success of The Voice. And The Face. And in Britain we have The Taste too. No, it's actually a breath of fresh air, and I've loved the first three episodes. Talent level is good, format needed this shakeup and d'you know, Anya is making a good mentor. Who'da thought? Nick and Mondo were always gonna be popular choices, but it remains to be seen how the mentoring will actually work. They had the first real head-to-head runway in the last episode, and the highest-scoring team, with 2 designers in the top 3 and the other two safe, was team Anya. I'd have to agree. So let's go.

Blake

This leaves me with more questions than answers. Mainly: why do I like this so much? There's something very sweet and ethereal about it, but he was very smart about it, because it's not too sickly. The unfinished edges certainly help, although I wish he'd finished some, because with all the edges raw it doesn't necessarily look deliberate. I love the top, love the silhouette and like the fabric, although girlme would never wear it. The straps in the back are nice, and I like that they give it a little touch of asymmetry which throws the whole look slightly off-balance. A good entry, and a deserved high score.

 Brady

 

OK, it's ambitious and interesting. I think the fabric is what's throwing me, because when I look past the ugly fabric I quite like both pieces. Thing is, I kinda wonder how much he's being inspired by Anya, because a lot of this is very her. That said, the more I look at it, the more I like it. Very relaxed but kinda chic. The bareness works, especially in the back, and I'm starting to like the fabric. But on impact, it's not nearly as good, and red carpet is a lot about impact. A look that grows on you the more you look at it may well end up on the worst-dressed list. And no-one wants that. It's not worthy of the top, but it's not bad.

Nicholas

 

This could have possibly been on the bottom. It's quite sloppy, the silhouette is crazy-unflattering, there's no real construction skill on show here and the dress just isn't that interesting. It's been done, and done better. Also, it's ugly and styled horribly. We done? Good.

 

Shan 

 

(Sorry, still figuring out the kinks in the software, the pictures refused to co-operate.)

 In terms of looking at it once vs. really studying it, this is the exact opposite of Brady's design, also made up of wild-printed separates, but very different. A lot about this really appealed to me on impact. LOVE the print, it's gorgeous. Love the mix of fabrics, it really ups the chicness factor. And the pants are cut beautifully. Construction-wise, it's a mixed bag. The matching of the print is an incredible feat, but then for some reason, he didn't manage to make the black lapels match, which should be the easy part. The tuxedo stripe on her left leg seems to be pulling, which is a bit unfortunate too. Also the jacket is a bit too boxy. I wish it had been sleeker, and it doesn't hang perfectly in the back. At first I was sure it was the winner, but I'm happy to see it in the top. It's a huge risk that mostly paid off for him, and I think he's the one to watch.

 

 Next up, team Nick.