"Project Runway" Takes on New York

The "Project Runway" competitors took on the city of New York last night; creating designs that were meant to represent the beauty of the city." The contestants spent one evening going around taking pictures of to find inspiration for their upcoming challenge.

As usual, some of the contestants took everything in their stride, while others spent the time snipping at each other or making fun of their peers. A few designers lost their way in the challenge and came up with creations that were fated to draw harsh critiques from the judging panel.

Joining the judges this week was comedienne and actress, Sandra Berhardt. She, like the others in the group, found some of the styles a lost cause and others absolutely amazing. Here is how everything fell out.

Blayne's strange design, which was supposed to simulate the neon lights of New York, was certainly better executed than something similar done by Emily. Still, all in all it was unimaginative, unwearable, and unworthy of the runway.

Daniel's bronze metallic cocktail dress was uninspired and a bit ill fitting. Even his model looked miserable as she traversed the runway.

Emily's "Carmen Miranda" disaster was meant to represent the movement of light in the city. While her idea could have been outstanding if it had been executed within the style itself, the ill-placed neon ruffles were both distracting and unattractive.

Jennifer's dress, which was supposed to represent an old clock in the city, was old fashioned, matronly, and downright ugly. For the first time in her life, Nina Garcia couldn't think of one thing to say about the outfit.

Jerell's bronze metallic ruffled strapless evening dress was lovely, if a bit over done. It definitely had New York pizzazz.

Joe's darling cocktail dress in metallic gold and black was updated, modern, and flirty. One could see how it translated a piece of New York.

Keith's fabric fringe number was meant to copy an old magazine that he'd found on the streets of the city. But all of the white background fabric made the dress look more like toilet paper than fashion. The judges simply were not impressed.

Kelli's tough simulated leather outfit was hard and rough; a bit like the city itself, but with a few touches of fantasy and beauty in feathers and embellishments.

Kenley's color print was a representation of a map that she found in the city. With its update 80's feel and touch of tulle whimsy, however, the dress shouted the color, the boldness, and the beauty of New York.

Korto's beautifully cut black catsuit was graceful and flowing. It represented the chic style of The Big Apple.

Leanne, who was almost cut for failing to edit her design last week, executed an elegant two piece outfit this week that could be worn in New York, L.A., or any other leading city in the world for that matter. The beautiful charcoal and black ruffled skirt and lovely draped top were representative of the best that New York has to offer.

Stella remained true to her opinion with a silver metallic biker vest and simulated gray suede biker pants. The fit was perfect and the style was true but one couldn't help be feel they would see the same thing over and over and over again.

Suede's cute take on a shirtdress was shiny like the water that stands on the streets after the rain. Gold accents put into the bodice and repeated in the chain belt, brought another dimension to the outfit.

Terri's chiffon print top mimicked the graffiti that is so much a part of the big city. But the stunning feminine cut of the garment made it clear that this city isn't to be messed with. A pair of black trousers polished off the design to make a no nonsense outfit evocative of the city itself.

After the judging panel finished their short debate, the only designers left on stage were Emily, Jennifer, Keith, Kenley, Leanne, and Teri. They represented the best and worst designs of the evening.

Teri was congratulated on a meaningful design and was proclaimed "safe" as was Leanne's impeccable two piece number. The winner for the night, however, was Kenley's adorable print dress.

Left at the bottom, Keith was still spared from elimination. That left Jennifer and Emily as the bottom two. While the judges were not pleased with Jennifer's matronly dress, they felt that Emily's neon streaked number just couldn't be ignored. Consequently, Emily was asked to pack up her things and go.