"Project Runway" Recap: Episode 5

Spoiler alert!

So, who else didn't understand Cecilia quitting before the challenge even got under way on last week's episode? I know she'd been struggling with her morale, but to work so hard to get there and to walk away from an amazing opportunity like that blows my mind. I'm sure there is more to the story, but still...

The challenge this go around was another team challenge wherein the designers were asked to produce three looks that would pair well with New Balance sneakers designed by Heidi Klum. The winning look will be sold on Amazon.com as part of Heidi's New Balance line. Team leaders were chosen by...wait for it...a race. Yes, that's right. The designers hoofed it around a track a few times in order to secure leader positions. Joshua, Bryce, Anthony Ryan and Viktor took the top spots. Olivier might have had a shot at one, but he wiped out and then he had a panic attack. Poor Olivier!

As the team leaders began to choose their team members it was clear that some groups were going to be able to play together a bit better than others. Bert was predictably chosen last and instantly clashed with team leader Anthony Ryan and team member Laura Kathleen. Despite their disapproval, he designed a cocktail(ish) dress. Eh? Yeah. I don't get it either. His look not working with sneakers was by no means as off putting as what my dear Anthony Ryan put together. I was utterly confused by his romper. 

A team with similar discord was that of Joshua, Anya and Becky. Becky took serious issue with Joshua's lack of faith in her aesthetic...He may or not have used the term DOWDY to describe her designs. Despite this, they were able to put together some pretty decent pieces.  Anya's maxi dress was seriously gorgeous. I'm still trying to figure out why Joshua took the win and not her, but I digress...

Viktor, Joshua C. and Olivier, on the other hand, worked beautifully together. Oh, did I forget to mention that they brought Joshua C. back? Viktor was able to bring back any eliminated designer to add to his team and the adorably sweet Joshua C. was the winner! Those boys put together one lovely collection, minus Olivier's maxi skirt.  I'm with Heidi on this one. The thought of wearing that piece with sneakers is not appealing. Viktor's moto jacket...that's a whole other story. I would buy that bad boy in a heartbeat! It was no surprise to me that he was also a challenge winner!

What did surprise me was the elimination of Danielle. While her emerald tank wasn't the most exciting piece in the world, it wasn't the worst and the judges did praise the jacket she made. As much as it pains me to say this, Anthony Ryan's scarily draped romper took the cake for worst look of the night. I think that Danielle's somewhat tame personality might have simply bored the judges. What did y'all think? 

Head on over to my blog, BonBon Rose Girls, for my interview with the eliminated designer!

Project Runway airs Thursdays at 9/8c.

--Guest post by Kristin Swenson, Co-Editor of BonBon Rose Girls