A Night at the Museum (without Ben Stiller)

Conceptually, I think this may have been the strongest challenge on Project Runway in the past four seasons. I love museums and I love the Met. I will say without a doubt, it is one of the greatest museums of the western world. I first saw it in my early teens and it made a lasting impression on me. Just to be given the opportunity to roam around such a beautiful museum alone...Chris definitely exhibited proper appreciation for such an opportunity. I'm sure Christian was saying, "This scene is dead. Whatev, I'm gonna get my drink on across the street."
Anywho, the 5 remaining designers were given cameras (without ceremonious product placement!?!) and set loose in the Greek/Roman sculpture courtyard, the European painting wing, and the Temple of Dendur.

Here's the Greek/Roman wing:


and the Temple of Dendur:

Seeing this one in person is almost a religious experience (definitely Catholic though, very somber and wondrous).

They were to photograph and then ultimately choose one piece of art that inspires them to create a look of their choice. I love the creative freedom and broadness of this challenge. I wish some people had been more bold.



Sweet P
Peacocks, 1683
Melchior d' Hondecoeter (Dutch, 1636–1695)
Oil on canvas; 74 7/8 x 53 in.
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Awesome painting. Beautiful off the rack dress. Too commercial to be in a fashion show. I knew with absolute certainty, that your lack of both cajones and clarity of vision would put you out eventually. I'm surprised it took so long. You should be grateful for the opportunity and parlay your fame into work for a very commercial line. Your vision is not strong enough to carry your career.



Jillian
Scenes from the Story of the Argonauts, ca. 1465
Master of the Argonauts (Italian, Florentine, fourth quarter 15th century)
Tempera on wood, gilt ornaments; Overall 24 1/8 x 60 1/8 in.
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Very interesting choice. Beautiful jacket. Hilariously dull attitude in the face of compliments.
Nina "You surprise me" (this is praise)
Jillian "Really. Ok." (flat, with a blank stare)<----on drugs
I think she may be able to win the whole competition because of her range. She has made some very interesting pieces over the course of the competition, even if she has the personality of a wet rag.



Chris
Marie Francoise de La Cropte de St. Abre, Marquise d'Argence
Jean Marc Nattier (French, 1685-1766)
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You picked something perfect for a man who loves drag...a French noblewoman. I know we all saw that this design was reminiscent of the previous challenge gown that you and Christian designed together. I think this dress was better. I also believe that the presence of Roberto Cavalli may have saved your ass. He was obviously quite enamored of your design; "He has drama in his blood". I just love you and I think the Bryant Park runway could use an injection of your kind of drama. I was glad to see you through...though I was quite frustrated with the outcome because of...

Well speak of the devil:


Rami
Some Grecian Aphrodite sculpture that I couldn't find online...but really, isn't one draped Statue as good as another?
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I personally believe that Rami's choice of a Grecian draped figure was a direct affront to the judges. He is a smart man. He knew how limited his design presentation has been. Chris called it just like I did at home. Rami immediately picked a piece of art that represented his incredibly narrow draping aesthetic so he could make yet ANOTHER draped gown. To quote 74% of the American text voting public, "Enough draping already!" I am appalled that they would not choose to eliminate him. He is obviously talented, but I believe that limiting yourself to only one kind of garment and never allowing for a different style merits ejection from a competition about creativity! I desperately hope that he makes a truly awesome collection that justifies this stay of execution, because I feel terrible that Chris had to wait in agony pouring his soul into a collection that may never see PR's broadcast of Bryant Park because they chose to give Rami yet another free pass.



Christian
Don Andrés de Andrade y la Cal, probably ca. 1665–72
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (Spanish, 1617–1682)
Oil on canvas; 79 x 47 in
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"I sew fast, get over it"
"Don't get bitchy" <----IRONY
Chris cackles

I completely agree with Tim that the top layer of this garment was out of place. I found it horrific when your model first appeared on the runway. As a lover of Alexander McQueen, I somewhat appreciated the rest of your garments. I love your sense of high-end couture drama, but the beauty and femininity just isn't there. I admire McQueen because he can make something so dramatic but still so sexy and feminine, and I'm not sure that's a skill you have. I think you are still too young to make it, and I'm not strictly talking numerical age. I guess my problem is that to me, clothes are art, but I believe that Christian is not embracing the full potential of his medium (feminine form). Maybe he should be designing menswear? He seems to be making all the clothes for himself.

I wait with bated breath to see whether the final 3 will include Chris or Rami...
Chris ought to be the fan favorite though. They should have a most hated PR contestant as well and make them run a gauntlet at the end of the reunion episode. Five across the eyes, Ricky!