Project Runway: What's the Skinny?

(S04E05) Okay, so, this episode was slightly less boring that the previous four. I'm still waiting for someone to blow me away, but at least a few things kept my interest this time around. First of all, we knew "normal size" models were going to come into play sooner or later, but I found this challenge to be a bit of a surprise.

It was a great concept, no? To have this group of women who recently went through dramatic weight loss (160-some pounds?!) come in with their favorite clothes was really touching. However, coming right off of this really lovely high of doing something nice for these ladies, the group received the news that Jack had to leave because of health issues. He had been HIV positive for many years and had to go get treatment for a recent infection. Jack had potential, definitely, so it was sad to see him go. So, the designers are crying into their garments, when who should walk in but... Chris March! He's giggling and being his old jolly self, so everyone stops crying and starts laughing and shouting and hugging and all that other fun stuff. Talk about an emotional roller coaster.

After all that excitement, things got boring again. I'm already tired of this cycle, to be honest. I don't have anything to look forward to from week to week. In previous years, I had Austin Scarlett, then the anticipation of Auf-ing Wendy Pepper, then Daniel Vosovic and Santino Rice, then Laura Bennett. Won't someone please step up and be my shining star for the fourth season?

Sweet P: Her green halter dress wasn't particularly exciting, but at least it wasn't "Sweet P wacky". It looked like it fit her model very well.

Jillian: Yeah, it was Marilyn Monroe-ish. Yeah, it made her model look like she was ready for a night out. But was it really good enough to be considered for the top spot? I thought the some of the detailing wasn't particularly well-done. The dark vertical lines flattened out her model and made her boobs look saggy. I'm just saying. Maybe the placement could have been a little more strategic to give her model an even better figure. That said, I suppose it was one of the better pieces of the night, since so many of the other designers crapped out for some reason.

Ricky: This was pretty average, but that's kind of the point, isn't it? To make something for the models wear in an everyday situation? The top was very flattering.

Chris: When his model walked down the runway, I cringed because I thought it meant poor Chris was going to get Auf'd again. I don't think the poor guy could have taken it. That guy really needs to tone down his costume-y stylings. I think maybe the judges went a little easy on him because he was so obviously sleep-deprived and exhausted. However, if he doesn't shape up for the next challenge, he may be in trouble for not listening.

Christian: [WINNER] What a cool, sleek outfit. As soon as his model came out, looking "fierce", I knew Christian would win. The jeans fit his model well and that top was stunning. Unlike Chris, Christian showed that he had paid attention to the judge's criticisms by toning down his arty look to an appropriate level. However, this win looks like it has taken its toll. Christian's ego may lead him to trouble in the next challenge with the other designers. Hmmm...

Victorya: I wasn't a fan of this, but I suppose her starting color/texture wasn't that spectacular in the first place. It sort of reminded me of an ugly Christmas outfit from the 80s.

Steven: [AUF'D] Oh, Steven. Steven, Steven, Steven. He definitely grabbed the short straw by getting stuck with the wedding dress. Poor guy. It's clear that he didn't make the best of the situation, though, because, as the judges repeatedly pointed out, he went with the bizarre choice of black instead of finding a more feminine color to go with the sequins. I'm sure if he had gone with a very, very light pink or cream color, he would have been totally safe. His model's tight up-do hair didn't help the death librarian look either.

Elisa: [ALMOST AUF'D] Where. Do. I. Begin? Tim Gunn warned her in the workroom that this wasn't catering enough to her model, and Elisa obviously paid no mind. This was one of those situations where I felt like a person was kept on-board because they had a weird personality (ratings, ratings, ratings). Her outfit didn't fit her model, looked poorly constructed, and was badly designed. I mean, what was up with that extra dimple in the back? I understand Steven had to use glue for his outfit, but that was an issue of time. I don't think Elisa's creation would have been any better if she had a few extra hours. Her model didn't help by throwing horns on the runway, either.

Kit: Was her model too self-conscious to not wear that lacy undershirt? It really threw off the patterning and lines. Apart from that, I thought it was a cute dress. I didn't care for the weird coral color, though.

Kevin: His model looked radiant, sure, but should this have been a contender for the win? It looked a bit 80s to me... Maybe it was the creamy yellow and black combination.

Rami: His model looked so excited coming down the runway, it was precious. Unfortunately, her top looked sort of like a poorly-shaped, giant mom bra. The high-waisted pencil skirt was cute, though.