Project Runway Recap: Episode 1

It’s back…and the stakes are even higher on the All-Star season of Project Runway!

Want your dream to come true?  The winner of this season will take home: the chance to sell their collection in select Neiman Marcus stores and on NeimanMarcus.com, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a one-year position as guest editor of the mag, Brother sewing equipment, $100,000 in technology and office supplies from HP and Intel, and $100,000 cash.

Oh, and there’s no immunity.  Things just got interesting, people.

Before we dive into the challenge of the premiere, let’s talk judging.  There’s been some casting switches for this season, including a new host – Angela Lindvall.  Beautiful, adorable, but not quite Heidi Klum (but who is, right?).  She does bring a certain quirkiness to the set.  The judges now include brilliant designer Issac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapmen, who are bringing humor and gorgeousness to the judging panel.

The real shocker though?  Tim Gunn has been replaced with Marie Claire editor-in-chief Joanna Coles.  Yawn.  I’m missing his keen eye and catch-phrases.

It will be interesting to see how this judging panel progresses throughout the season.  At least we have thirteen familiar faces gracing our screen.

Oh yes, the All-Star designers.

Don’t lie, you missed Austin Scarlett like a new mom  misses sleep.

And onto the challenge.

Each designer was tasked with bringing an initial look to be styled with fabulous Neiman Marcus accessories.  And then an unconventional challenge is revealed: create a look inspired by their initial design using only $100 spent at the 99-cent store!

[spoiler alert]

CHALLENGE WINNER: Rami took the title of ‘challenge winner’ with his design created from plaid laundry bags, tinsel and umbrella lining.  The construction was beautiful and the design futuristic and fashion-forward.

PERSONAL FAVORITE: Mondo’s little black dress is made of trash bags, binders, and duct tape is sleek, chic and looks completely wearable.

SENT PACKING: Elisa, who went a little bat-crazy in the workroom.  And the bat continued as she sent a bat-winged bathing suit strutting down the runway.

PERSONAL WORST: The judges were spot on when they kicked Elisa’s spiritual, Ke$ha-inspired ‘outfit’ out the door.

Who do you think should have won?  Been sent home?  Sound it out on Rate The Runway!