Mondo Guerra Recaps ‘Project Runway: All Stars’: Male-Order Models

[Warning: Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen Thursday’s episode.]

The all-stars tackle testosterone and ball room this week, creating androgynous, avant garde looks for male models in addition to their female models. It’s the first time male models have joined the girls on Project Runway, and one judge gets especially hot and bothered.

In the Workroom

Georgina Chapman made a special visit to deliver the challenge’s male twist. Judging from the initial looks of panic, the designers were less than thrilled.

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Ivy wasted no time getting intimate with her male model during measurements — now, they’re best friends! Kayne plays matchmaker with his male model, offering to set him up with one of his sisters. At another workstation, Anthony Ryan tries to talk Joshua out of designing ass-less chaps. Giddyup!

During Joanna Coles’ critiques the next day, Uli expresses her concerns about her male model’s ball room, much to Joanna’s delight. Althea’s creations remind Joanna of some strange religious sect’s uniforms. Kayne agrees and chimes in, “Chewbacca called, and he wants his coat back.” Chewie couture?

On the Runway

Fashion designers Jason Wu and Robert Rodriguez join the panel this week. Then it’s show time! Here’s what I thought about the looks on the runway.

Joshua: The female model’s look wasn’t androgynous to me and his male model’s look reminded me of pajamas with a robe. (And what was up with Joshua and Ivy’s spat backstage? Drama!)

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Uli: I like the tribal rocker vibe of these looks. The safety pin trim was really cool and the mixture of textures was refreshing. Good job, New Uli!

Althea: Lots of drama and cohesion with these coats, but they did look costume-y to me. The styling was heavy-handed as well. But I liked that she turned up the volume on her designs.

Laura Kathleen: Swing and a miss. Laura Kathleen struggled with this challenge and it shows. Her girl’s look had too many details and her boy’s look fell flat. Not androgynous. Not avant garde.

Emilio: Cabaret 2012? Emilio nailed the androgynous part of this challenge and his circular fins pushed the looks into avant garde territory. Great ideas, great execution. And Carolyn Murphy had to cool off after Emilio’s painfully gorgeous male model caught her attention!

Kayne: Everyone knows I love a good houndstooth pattern, but between the styling and the color choices, this pair looked like cranky harlequins.

Casanova: Impeccable construction and eye catching designs, but not androgynous. Gladiators meet C-3PO. And if you play with scorpions, expect to get stung.

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Ivy: The kabuki-inspired styling was distracting for me. Not sure these looks were androgynous or avant garde either. I appreciate Ivy’s sheer moment, but it would be nice to see something else.

Anthony Ryan: I really liked these designs. They were modern, androgynous and wearable. Not exactly avant garde, though. But really well done.

The Judges’ Decisions

In the end, Emilio’s tailored twosome earned him the win while Kayne’s inability to edit sent him home.

Did the judges get it right? Sound off in the comments below!

Denver fashion designer Mondo Guerra earned a runner-up finish on Project Runway season eight then went on to claim victory on the debut season of Project Runway All Stars. In addition to an upcoming guest editor position at Marie Claire, Mondo has also launched I Design, a new HIV/AIDS education campaign with Merck. To learn more about Mondo, visit mondoguerra.com.