!['Project Runway' Recap: [Spoiler] Saved? -- Season 16 Episode 11](https://tvline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/andy_final.jpg?w=250&h=250&crop=1)
!['Project Runway' Recap: [Spoiler] Saved? -- Season 16 Episode 11](https://tvline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/project-runway-recap2.jpg?w=620&h=420&crop=1)
The workroom became a war zone on Thursday’s Project Runway, as the five remaining contestants were tasked with designing high-fashion editorial looks inspired by “warrior women.”
Some of the designers, like Kentaro, took a more literal approach (warrior woman = samurai!), while others, like Margarita, went with a more high-concept design… only for the final product to come out as the most literal cliché of all.
I singled out Kentaro and Margarita because, at the risk of cutting directly to the chase, they wound up in the bottom two this week. Kentaro was told that his design — which underwent a bit of last-minute reconstruction when his original outfit simply didn’t fit his model — would be “badly photographed” in editorial, while Nina Garcia went so far as to call it “unacceptable” work.
Margarita, meanwhile, was told by Zac Posen that her dress’ vibe was “more clubby than armor,” the latter of which was her intent. Garcia added that it “looks very much like a costume.” With these critiques in mind, take a gander at the “warrior woman” outfits designed by Kentaro (left) and Margarita (right) below:
Am I crazy for thinking the judges were wrong for giving Margarita the ax this week? At this point in the competition, all five remaining designers have proven their worth, so a single week-to-week slip-up is all it takes to send someone home, and this is the second week in a row that Kentaro has been in the bottom. (I’ve been having Pocahontas-themed nightmares all week.)
That said, the elimination quickly became a moot point when the designers’ mentor (bless his heart!) informed Margarita that he would be using his Tim Gunn Save™ to keep her in the competition.
I have to admit, I’m also a little puzzled by this week’s winner, Brandon. It’s pretty obvious at this point that Brandon could send his model down the runway in a damn garbage bag and still have the judges fawning all over him, but did he really deserve a third win for a look we’ve seen so many times before? Seriously, look at his winning design (left) vs. Ayana’s impeccable work of art (right) and tell me who should have won:
OK, let’s get your thoughts on this week’s questionable judgments: Did Margarita really deserve to be eliminated over Kentaro? Was she worthy of the long-awaited Tim Gunn Save™? And am I crazy for thinking that Ayana deserved this win over Brandon? Whatever’s on your mind right now — and I’m sure you’ve got plenty to say — drop it in a comment below.
I appreciate the consistency of Brandon’s looks – they are definitely his, but they all look alike to me. In past shows the judges have said – we’ve seen this before. And we really have this season. And why did he win this week with the beautiful look by Ayana? And Margarita would not have my choice to go home. But that’s just imho.
I agrre
Agree. Although I really thought Ayana could have edited that top. Too frilly.
But thought Kentaro was sunk
Brandon is good but he seems like a one-trick pony all his designs seem to be almost the same whereas with Kenya they are impeccably designed very well tailored and I’m not sure why she hasn’t won a challenge yet to me her dress was worried or style and that blue was killing that’s something that a breast cancer patient will gladly put on I loved it not Ayana’s it was good to cook laid off on the ruffle on the top and then you got the big sleeves which was a little much but it was better than Brandon’s we’ll see what’s going to go on
Brandon’s creation looks like the bunny suit from the xmas movie A Christmas Story. I’m sorry that is ugly
I agree 100% and would not wear that except maybe Halloween
Yes!!!
Agree. The judges always find someone they want to like. And stick too that person. Seems like they are hypnotized by that person and no one else look matters. Brandon got his friend now copying his looks for some reason.
Totally in agreement with u….
I totally agree with you Anne. The judges are not playing fair this season. Every other time someone makes the same style they go home. What makes him so special. It’s really becoming annoying.
I COMPLETELY agree! I think Brandon could send his model down the runway in nothing BUT those silly straps/ribbons/ whatever they are – and the judges would drool and give him yet another win! I’m so tired of his boxy, pastel looks with those dumb “straps” hanging down wherever. And do I have to mention that bonnet? They even said it was “editorial”! If I saw that in a magazine I’d think it was in an article of what NOT to wear for a photo. It isn’t even flattering to his model’s body!
And Ayana’s was gorgeous! If I was her I would’ve cried. To do all that work – the beautiful design and completely fulfill the challenge – only to lose. At that point she might just not even know what to design anymore. The judges give criteria and then award the win to a design that’s completely different from it. I just don’t get it.
If I hear Heidi say “I’d love to wear that” one more time for a stupid design, I’m going to start thinking her taste is completely gone. She used to look impeccable (most of the time, at least). And could get away with most outfits. But picturing her in one of Brandon’s designs made me lol!!
The one thing that was right was to save Margarita. Not especially because she’s the best designer, but because he told her that her design was good and to “go for it”! I’ve seen him do this more and more lately and be wrong. Not sure what’s going on. Maybe he’s outdated? Not an opinion, just a guess. Any ideas?
Brandon’s look was disgusting! Ayana look was much better in every aspect. And I also loved the blue dress! It looked amazing on her model. Brandon did not deserve to win tonight. I was very disappointed that they made him the winner. And Tim Gunn wasted his save.
U said a mouthfull my friend… i agree agree agree…..
I totally agree about Brandon. I thought I had already seen this week’s look. the “save” was no surprise. one was over do. they are not crazy for kentaro, but he manages to hang on. anyway, the show is still a lot of fun.
Ol’ Straps and Flaps pulled the wool over the judges eyes yet again. Every one of his garments could be put on any of the models, from the tallest, fullest busted model to the lanky, flat model. There is no fitting, just baby pastel squares and rectangles held together with straps. Every look, every week. Except this week he used a drop crotch, probably because he cannot make a decent pant.
The judges had one half hour to fill this week with comments. This is not a wise decision. Gushing over puttees on Brandon’s model’s feet was hard to stomach. Puttees went out after WWI. comparing Kentaro’s look to Brandon’s was unfair. Brandon did not invent rectangular pieces of cloth.
Kenya’s dress and Ayana’s power suit were both worthy of being produced immediately for sale. Their construction techniques are beautifully executed. One of them should have won this challange.
lol straps and flaps. good one!
I agree. He has done the same thing with every outfit and the judges have said over and over that they know his stuff when it comes out because its the same. They like him. He is the fair haired guy for this season. It seems he can do no wrong. They make over Ayana and Kenya for their structure and how great the seams are and stripes match. They also comment favorably on the fact that they work well with the plus size models. Their clothes fit and look good on them. I even liked Kentaro’s better. He said it was Samari inspired. Yes he likes black but Brandon likes strings and buckles. Ayana or Kenya should have won this week.
I agree. This season the judges are NOT playing fair. If it had been any other designer, the judges would have called them out for it. Ayana and Kenya has not been given the recognition they deserved. It makes you wonder.
Dammit Tim! Why did you have to waste your save on Margarita?! Ugh. I also don’t get the Brandon lovefest. He makes straight jackets and strings every week!
You are wrong. Margarita should have not been eliminated. Tim liked her design plus Kentaro should have been the one eliminated. I agree with you not understanding the lovefest for Brandon. Hes a one trick pony and unfortunately will likely win it all.
I totally agree with your opinion.
Kentaro is much more talented than Margarita. Even this week…his thrown together look looked finished. Hers looked thrown together…gaps and everything…even though she took her time. I could have designed what Margarita showed. The top of Kentaro’s was not great and black was not good for photographing, but he is very talented.
Thank you! I really think Kentaro is the best one, yet is being overlooked. Why was there never the thought of collusion, or at least, Brandon being the one taking his ideas from Kentaro? (well, maybe because all of Brandon’s looks have been the same). Still, look at what Kentaro had originally designed for his model that just didn’t fit. It was cool! Still, hel managed a pretty good outfit, and if he had meant for it to have been his original design, he probably would have selected different colors for it.
Kentaro’s design looked like it was eating the poor girl! Brandon’s design looked like a napkin. Again. Why are the judges in love with embroidered napkins?
Tim wasted save. Mar should have gone over baby fit when walked off stage because twin won. Twin outfit did not look like hers at all she just wanted her ensure her friend stayed and have excuse for her bad work. No talent should have been gone sooner. Hate Tim saved and pray she resent home next week. One of few deaigners i hate hate hate who is a no talent wannabe.
True that
Michael walked off stage when the twin won. Margarita did not. Once the runway was stopped and Heidi kept repeating, “What’s happening? What’s happening?” Margarita went off to see what was happening with Michael and if she could help. But she did NOT walk off in a “baby fit” because a twin won.
Seriously a little overreacting there to something that happened a few weeks back.
I agree Sid
So glad she was eliminated so sad Tim saved. Sens her no talent whinney but home please
excellent description of Brandon’s style!
lol Thanks. I can’t take credit for the straight jacket part as another poster described one of his looks as such. Most of them do look like fancy straight jackets.
Sorry I disagree. His looks are great for the young
So true!!!!! What a waste🤔🤔🤔
Margaritas dress was ugly. Looked like a homemade Halloween costume.
Loved Ayana and Brandon’s look. I do wish Brandon would push himself more but he’s,successful because he has been able to do each challenge according to his aesthetic with ease which is what many of the comments are missing out on. As Nina said he’s very receptive to what is going on in fashion today.
Screamed at the tv when Tim saved Margarita, come on she clearly doesn’t have a real point of view and her confessionals are frustrating to watch. Lastly Kenya just makes clothes you’d find in Macy’s, I’ve yet to see her do something that is fresh.
Brandon’s clothes are usually horrible
Especially tonight…no way he should have won…ugh
You know he’s going to win it all…
Tonight’s win should have gone to Kenya
I think he saved her because he told her the gold piece was good and to keep it.
Hubby said the same thing. Lol
Agreed!
And this was probably the last option to use the save. In earlier seasons, I think the episode with 5 people left was the last chance for the save.
Brandon is BASIC and boring.
Ayana definitely deserved to win. I like Brandon. But his looks all look the same. And Kenya? Don’t get me started on her. Tim Gunn basically designed that dress. I can’t believe that she wasted an entire day doing nothing and was still in the top.
I love Kentaro and feel awful that his grey sweater did not fit. I’m sorry but to me it’s unfair for him to get Plus Sized models so many weeks in a row. His style does not fit with a Plus sized model. Sorry but Brandon and Ayana’s looks would not have fit right on a Plus Sized model either.
It was so obvious that Tim was going to save Margarita. I am glad that he did. It was his awful advice that got her in that situation. The gold bustier was horrible and he told her to go with it. Her dress looked so much better without that bustier.
Tim did not design Kenya’s dress. He told her to put those leafy petals all over the top of the dress. She did not. She left them on the shoulders only which is what she originally said she wanted to do.
Obviously Kentara has difficulty designing for full-figured women, but they ARE given their models’ measurements when they’re assigned to someone. So it shouldn’t be that hard to make clothes that fit. Kentaro could barely get that hoodie over his own tiny head…there’s no reason he couldn’t have made what he wanted originally. The fact that he slapped something together at the last minute is impressive; unfortunately it was too little too late. I agree that Tim saved Margarita because he felt guilty that none of the judges agreed with him….he definitely liked her color scheme and story.
I agree with you about Kentaro getting plus sized models so often. I know it’s an all sizes season and that’s fine. i am plus sized myself. BUT…how is it fair when the others get willowy models and Kentaro keeps getting plus sized? Skinny is still the standard in fashion no matter what and Kentaro should get the chance to design for them..
I totally agree! I don’t care what they say, it is a great disadvantage for a fashion designer to have to design for a large woman in a contest where others get to design for slender women. The excuse that “in the real world there are plus-sized women” doesn’t cut it for me; I don’t watch this show for the dubious “joy” of seeing a slice of reality! This show is for entertainment, and I am entertained by the eye-candy combination of a gorgeous gown on a slim model. If you want to talk about reality, in the real world little girls don’t draw pictures of fat princesses in pretty gowns, or dream about their future as a bride in a size 3X wedding dress. I am plus sized (if not plus-plus) myself, but I don’t want to look at plus-sized fashions (unless I’m out shopping for myself). And while I’m on a roll, let me also say that I don’t enjoy the shows where the contestants have to design for people’s mothers. It’s a TV show folks – we come for the glamour, the color, the glitz, and the beauty! At least, that’s what I want in a show about fashion design. (Or is it just me?)
I agree. Brandon makes same clothes every week. I think ayanna or the blue dress should’ve won. Kentaro should’ve went home
Kentaro should have gone home. His look was depressing, ugly and on-acceptable….Brandon didn’t deserve the win either. ..what are you judges doing? Hello, look at the design. Thought you all were professional….
They always choose Brandon. He is not the best designer…
Kenya deserved the win. That blue dress is dynamite. Powerful, take no prisoners, great. Editorial, as well, meeting the challenge.
I’m tired of Brandon’s looks. Those strips of fabric look rather dangerous to me – just think of them being caught in an escalator, in the door of an elevator, in the door of a cab, or grabbed by a bad guy to choke you. Try to think of where you would wear any of these looks.
I hope Margarita can turn things around. She has had some excellent designs. I’m glad she got the save this week.
Totally agree with you @Maggie!
Well said!
I agree w all y’all. Never thought about the problems w those hangy strings! scary thoughts, but we live in a real world, right?!
I guess you never heard of Isadora Duncan.
Brandon deserved the win over Ayana mainly because his look was more creative. Ayana’s look was nothing special. It was “nice”. Brandon’s look more of a “head turner”. Between Margarita and Kentaro: I think the judges sent her home based on Two Strikes: poor taste, and poor sewing. Kentaro had one strike: poor taste. It was butt ugly. Margarita’s look would’ve been so much nicer if there was more red sticking out above the awful gold corset. Kenya’s blue dress was lovely! A perfect silhouette, a great fit for that model, and perfectly sewn. THAT SAID: I’m thrilled that Tim Gunn used his Save for Margarita. So next week all five will have the Final Fight to New York Fashion Week.
Not
Agreed!
That is, I agree with Artlady.
I agree, Artlady, and I didn’t think Margarita’s look wasn’t too bad. I think it was Tim’s comment on the connection to art history, of the paintings of Elizabeth I wearing a big gown with actual armor over it. Maybe that gives her look a better context…
I simply like Brandon’s work.
Brandon is a ONE TRICK PONY!
Why do the judges love him so much?
I am tired of seeing the same thing from him each week. Long straps hanging down … looking ridiculous and out of place!
This will be my last week watching.
It is obvious the judges plan on selecting hm in the end. Can they be any more obvious in their bias?
I have totally lost my interest.
Agree!!!
Yep, you are right. The fix is already in but this is not the first time it has happened. Brandon is so un-creative it’s not even funny.
Disagree. There is similarity to his designs but he has an aesthetic, a viewpoint. He was a men’s wear designer and this is his first foray into women’s wear. He came on as a gender neutral designer and, despite all the straps, each design has been different enough yet retaining his signature. Plus they like ok comfy as hell. With one exception, if I could, I’d wear everything he has made. Can’t say that about anyone else there. Still, last night, Kenya should have won.
Brandon has been using Kentaro for the weeks to get ideas, this week he actually stole his design which upset Kentaro so much he had to redo his whole concept. Brandon is sending the same cliche crap down the runway every week. Women in past seasons were kicked off because they sent down “their looks” and were told they were basically one trick ponies. Except last week he actually sent down an outfit made by a previous designer. His outfit tonight looked like The Handmaiden’s Tale outfit slashed by a serial killer, or an Amish women run over by a tractor. Watching Zac trash Margarita every week is getting tiring, especially since he orgasms over the bandages Brandon keeps sending down the runway. Brandon also spent the whole show bashing his fellow designers, his ego is nearly as large as the Cheeto in Chief in the W.H. With two strong women like Heidi and Nina it is shocking that Nina in particular is drinking the Kool-Aid when it comes to Brandon, and it was Tim Gunn who was fuming at the judges decision, so much so that he turned beet red and used his save..
You should be executed for slandering the president!!!
barf—hope you posted in sarcasm and don’t mean that.
That is >funny< Cheeto-inChief [and too sad]. Can I steal it!? We have a new standard for egotism in this country and Brandon is reaching for it. He's milder than most, but if he had more creative depth, his pride would be more understandable. I saw the Handmaid's influence, too. I find it hard to stay engaged w the competition when the judges are so biased. Sure they get their opinions, but these are supposed to be professionals, I thought.
I am a bit puzzled by Brandon winning this challenge. I’m not really in love with any of them. However that being said, Kentaro has made some drop dead gorgeous outfits in past weeks and only declared safe. I understand that one misstep can send you home, but I think in the over all scheme, Kentaro is a far better designer than Margarita. Even with this look, you still don’t have a clear idea of her design point of view. I don’t think Tim should have used his save on her.
Kentaro should have gone home last week. Tonight proved that. Yes, I’m glad that Tim saved Marguerita. First, because kentaro should have been eliminated and second, because he told her to keep the gold corset. But in the end, I think the three designers who deserve to go to fashion week are: Brandon, Kenya and Ayana.
I really thought Kenya was going to win. You could tell during critique that Tim was going to use the save on Margarita. While they looked closer @ the work, Tim was flabbergasted at the comments towards Margarita’s gown. Her sketch was much better than the results. Kentaro should have gone, but then there would be no save this season. And I would miss Kentaro’s wit!
And can I just say why is no one in the comments remembering Kenya’s name. I read many times Ayana’s or the blue dress. Ayana, Brandon or the blue dress. Come on, don’t be lazy. Find out her name & give Kenya as much respect as you do the others, but learning & using her name.
* by learning
Love kenya in hoprs makes all way. Mar. Should have been gone weeks ago no yalemt no point view just bad designer who will never make it in business. Should have been gone when walked off stage because twin won. Watch for talent amd she has none. She did not do as tim said so didnt deserve save. Send her home please. Likr a roach…..wont die just keepa gicing us jumble mess every week
Brandon’s dress look like band aid mummy ninja
Lmao
ROFL! You win!
Kentaro’s model looked like she should have been sitting on a shampoo chair with her head back in a sink.
EX-actly! well put
Haha omg I said the same thing.
Hilarious but I do like him in general.
Brandon deserved and it got it sis. Period.
Not at all……
Indeed!:)
SO. MAD. RIGHT. NOW. Ayana definitely deserved to win! She had so much detail, and it was such a creative, powerful, and editorial look. I’m pretty mad Brandon won. I think he’s such a brilliant and unique designer, but he’s just not pushing himself, and he’s pushing out very similar things each challenge. This look of his DID NOT beat Ayana’s and Kenya’s!
That being said… Frankly, I really don’t like Margarita and I’m so disappointed Tim used his save. He shoulda used the save on Michael last week! Michael had so much more potential and his designs were a lot more creative than Margarita’s designs were.
Also, I do think that Margarita’s was so much worse than Kentaro’s. I hated hers and she did take it too literally. It honestly was not creative at all, even if her concept was great. At least Kentaro has shown a lot more uniqueness and creativity in his designs in the past, far more than Margarita did. That being said his wasn’t good at all, but the pants were honestly quite nice to me, and he would have done a lot better if he got his sweater right. I think Kentaro is one of the best designers because unlike Brandon, he has a strong aesthetic, but knows how to use it differently for each challenge. He has a lot of growing to do, and he’s grown quite a lot.
Hope he, kenya, and ayana get to fashion week! They have all grown so much! (TBH we all know Brandon’s gonna win)
I completely agree. Tim should have used his save for Michael last week and not wasted it on Mediocre Margarita. I think Tim panicked, realized he is running out of time and just decided he’d better use it than lose it. The red froth above the gold was absolutely ridiculous.
Let’s be real, Margarita is a GOOD designer… but not a great one. Kentaro isn’t a GREAT designer, but he’s a creative, unique, and thoughtful designer. (not that Margarita isn’t but she’s still finding herself, so her creativity and thoughtfulness haven’t shown in her designs as much). He has the potential to grow a lot and be THE BEST, but I just don’t see that in Margarita right now…
Honestly I don’t think she was worthy of the Tim Gunn save.
Disagree Margarita is a good sewer but she is not creative enough to be called a fashion designer. All her looks have been “based on” something or trying to our do another designer’s. She should concentrate on costume, not fashion.
Kentaro has a definite aesthetic. He technically proficient as well. Granted, he has fallen in the last 2 challenges but, while this one wasn’t his best, you could see him in there. Margarita doesn’t have a solid viewpoint.
Yes, she was. The judges screwed her. This show is so scripted. They want Kentaro in the final despite his horrible designs.
I haven’t liked a margarita from the beginning! I thought she should have gone home on the challenge where you’re supposed to make your model happy and she Totally designed it and then threw her under the bus!! She counted down the line and realized that she was in the bottom look and decided to trash her model, and her own design!!