beauty and beauty: ‘Project Runway All Stars': Sonjia Has A Meltdown Over Bridesmaid Dresses

Only five designers are left this week as the contestants are tasked with creating bridesmaid dresses — and the episode ends with a wedding, right on the runway. Now that’s an ‘All Stars’ first.

This week the designers are in for a treat as they make their way to Marchesa for the Marchesa Challenge. Once they arrive, they meet Georgina Chapman‘s business partner and co-founder of the brand, Karen Craig — and she isn’t alone! A bride emerges, who has selected Marchesa for her wedding day — but one thing she hasn’t yet chosen are her bridesmaid dresses. We can see where this is going…

‘Project Runway All Stars’ Recap — Season 4, Episode 11: Always A Bridesmaid:

Each designer is assigned a bridesmaid and must design a dress that she can wear to the wedding — and then reuse for another event after the ceremony. The designers get to chat with the bride and check out her mood board before they begin sketching in the showroom. After that, they’ll head off to Mood with a budget of $150. To raise the bar, this week the designers are competing for a major prize, which includes glassware and chinaware by Marchesa for Lenox and a diamond ring from the new Marchesa Eternal collection. The winner and a guest will sit front row at the Marchesa show and have VIP access to the fashion event — it is a true Marchesa experience!

The catch? The wedding is tomorrow and Alyssa Milano is officiating the wedding on the runway! Now this is a new first.

Sonjia’s Meltdown:

Sonjia has a complete meltdown at dinner. She was so quiet before she burst out into tears — the pressure is definitely building, and it looks like she let it all get to her. All day it has been mounting, as she remained stumped at the Marchesa studio. Take a cue from Elsa and just let it go, girl.

The bridesmaids come in for their first fitting and get to meet the designers — and luckily everyone seems more or less pleased with their models! Next, Zanna comes in and offers up her critique — and she isn’t alone! Georgina’s brother, Edward Chapman, (the CEO of Marchesa), comes along to check out what the designers have dreamed up.

Edward and Zanna inspire the designers to elevate their creations and keep the romantic, ethereal aesthetic of Marchesa in mind.

Although Sonjia was a ball of nerves, she actually draped her dress beautifully — and she tied it all together with beautiful trim that Fabio lent her. I was surprised by how kind the designers are being with one another and how they help each other out — that’s usually not very common in the workroom.

Runway Day:

Overall the judges seemed a bit disappointed by what came down the runway — those they expected to excel fell flat. “I’m sort of baffled…I don’t know who any of you are this week,” Isaac said. Ouch — leave it to him to speak the truth! Helen’s dress was classic and rewearable, but a bit boring in my opinion. Dmitry is always on top of his game, but his dress was bland — it looked like every other bridesmaid dress out there. I definitely expected more creativity from him. Why do bridesmaid dresses have to be so dreadfully boring? Snooze.

Personally, I really loved the interesting cut of the sleeve and the use of appliques in Fabio’s design. Sure, the hem needed to be finished off a bit better, but I thought he spoke to the Marchesa aesthetic with the detailing and I really do think he tried his best, considering he is so often in the bottom of the barrel.

The Winner & Loser:

Sonjia and Helen had the highest scores — and although Helen’s seemed to be missing something, it was executed perfectly and it was very wearable — and she wins the challenge!

Dmitry has a low score but is safe.

Michelle and, (surprise, surprise), Fabio are in the bottom two — and Fabio is sent home. Although personally I thought the execution of Michelle’s dress definitely needed work, Fabio’s consistent mediocre behavior sent him packing. I’m bummed cause I really do feel like he tried this week — but I guess this isn’t a charity case.

What do you think?

Katrina Mitzeliotis