Unprecedented Challenge

Heidi told the contenders that they would not be using their models this week as the challenge would be a first for Project Runway. Leaving them in suspense, she sent them to Rockefeller Plaza to meet with Tim Gunn, who would fill them in on the specifics of the challenge. At Rockefeller Plaza, the contenders meet Tim, and Today show correspondent and former star running back for the New York Giants, Tiki Barber, who revealed that their challenge would be to design an outfit for him to wear on the Today show.

A Designer's Nightmare?

Tiki disclosed that he's rather conservative, but that he will wear patterns, pastels and even pink if it accents the outfit. Further, the outfit does not have to be a suit, but that it must fit him, which can be a challenge, because in his words, he has a 'big neck, small waist and big butt.' Finally, the outfit must be comfortable.

Football from a Gay Man's Perspective

Steven, the 30 year old from Chicago, confessed that he didn't know anything about football, other than the fact that it's the one time on television where 'wearing spandex is acceptable.'

Challenge Specifics

The contenders are given a budget of $150.00, 30 minutes to sketch, 30 minutes to shop and 2 days to finish their outfits.

The Shirt Off His Back. . .

. . .or in Jack's case, it was the pants off his legs. Jack, the 38 year old from Seattle, literally took off his pants and ripped them apart to use them as a pattern to design his outfit.

Rising Tension

Most of the contenders had never done any menswear before and the tension in the workroom built up quickly, when Victorya and Carmen asked Jack for help with their designs, which he graciously extended.

Others weren't so keen on the idea of Jack helping people out, or of a 'collaborative' work environment.

Getting It

Tim revealed a surprise to the contenders - they would have male models to work with, much to the delight of the women, and quite a few of the men. Steven remarked that he finally 'got it' when straight men remarked to him about how designers were lucky to work with 'hot chicks' standing around half-naked. We must say, the eye candy was quite impressive this episode, if you like buffed, good-looking men in various states of undress!

Guest Critic

Tim brought in Tiki Barber's wife, Ginny, to help him with his workroom critique. He singled out Ricky and Carmen for critiques as Ricky seemed to be struggling with his outfit as it was overly ambitious (a suit with vest and shirt), given the time constraints. Carmen's jacket was deemed reminiscent of a Members Only jacket by Mrs. Barber, and Tim suggested that she redesign it, but Carmen confessed that she didn't purchase enough material so she was going to have to 'scale it back' instead.

A Very Titanic Vibe

Steven seemed to have quite a few good one-liners this episode, and when asked to describe the vibe in the workroom as time ticked down, said, 'What was that feeling they experienced on the Titanic? Oh yeah - panic!'

Lord Help Us!

This challenge was truly, well, challenging as many of the contenders did not appear happy with their final product. Which might explain why the message on the chalkboard in their apartment said, 'Lord Help Us!' on the day of the runway show.

The Looks that Worked

The top 3 designs were by Kit, Jack and Kevin. Jack designed a pin-striped slacks and patterned stripe shirt outfit which the judges liked, and Heidi declared was 'safe and perfect.' Kevin designed a black pants/vest with purple shirt outfit that Tiki deemed 'avant-garde' and which the judges praised as being 'a look.' And Kit designed a navy fleece jacket, light blue shirt and khaki colored slacks outfit that the judges found 'unique.'

Just a Mess

The bottom 3 designs had one thing in common - all the outfits were a mess in one way or another. Sweet P designed a white shirt and dark pants outfit with a patterned tie that was ill-fitting. The shirt couldn't even be buttoned up, had 3/4th sleeves and Michael Kors initially thought it was supposed to be 'intentionally ugly.' Carmen's outfit was only partly completed, missing a shirt, which she tried to cover up with a shawl/scarf tucked into her brown, cropped jacket, and her tan slacks had a crotch that was deemed 'insane' by Michael Kors. Finally, Ricky couldn't complete his suit and had to use pins to hold it together, which the judges didn't appreciate. They also noted that had he managed to construct the outfit well, it would have still been just a 'boring old suit.'

Stripes, Stripes, Stripes!

Jack's outfit is declared the winner by Tiki, who told him that he'll be wearing the outfit on the Today show, which Jack proclaimed as 'so hot!'

'Everything Was Off'

Carmen is eliminated. Heidi said that everything about her outfit was off, and that her model was half-naked. In the end, her outfit was probably the sloppiest in a field of rather bland and ugly clothes. The 'everything was off' could have described the challenge overall, as even the top 3 designs had its problems, and this was not the contenders' best work.