PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 Recap

Mentors on The Beach: (L to R) Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos, Santa Monica Beach--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

This week on Lifetime Network's "Project Runway: Under The Gunn", it was the much-loved "Unconventional Challenge". This challenge is very popular for "Project Runway" fans since it's when designers make something FAB out of non-fashion-y things--such as coffee filters, car parts,  pets supplies or even flowers (like in my season).

 Beach Party: Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

This time, the designers--and the mentors--of "Under the Gunn", went to THE BEACH. The challenge was to design and create a look using ONLY items found at the beach--in this makeshift "Under The Gunn Beach Party":

 Under The Gunn Unconventional Materials Beach Party--Santa Monica Beach, Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

First off, Tim Gunn wore FLIP FLOPS! If you know Tim Gunn and have followed his "fashion edicts", he is not a lover of these sandals UNLESS it's for the beach:

Tim Gunn's Flip Flops--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

The Nick Dish:

Nick At The Beach: Nick Verreos at Santa Monica Beach--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

Obviously, none of us knew what and where we were going for this episode and challenge. However, it became pretty evident when we drove for about 45 minutes from Downtown L.A. all the way to PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and parked at the Santa Monica Beach. Before we--the Mentors--were set to take the "Beach Stage", I got a chance to take some behind-the-scenes pics:

 Project Runway: Under The Gunn Unconventional Beach Challenge "set"

 Mondo Photo-Bomb: Mondo Guerra enjoys his moment in the Sun. Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

Nick's Designers: Mentor Nick Verreos and designers Natalia Fedner (far left), Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Stephanie Ohnmacht (far right)--Santa Monica Beach Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

Oscar and Nick: Oscar (surprisingly) did not "go for BEACH-broke" when it came to the materials he got. At first, he had a difficult time in creating his design. He showed Tim and I TWO different looks and both were underwhelming and we told him so. Thank goodness he scrapped those two ideas and went for the design he eventually created, using only straw fans. I also tried to give him a "pep talk" , telling him about how much I struggled on my "Project Runway" Unconventional Challenge episode and ultimately, persevered. I hope that helped him a little bit.

Natalia Weaver: Natalia decided to utilize her technique of weaving which she loves to do, for this challenge. She struggled because there was A LOT to weave. I didn't help when I suggested she should weave MORE (sorry Natalia!). But I really wanted her to show her hand-woven technique to the judges and showcase her original design ability. But poor thang, she was STRESSED!

The Runway:

Mentor Nick Verreos with Designers Oscar Garcia-Lopez, Stephanie Ohnmacht and Natalia Fedner--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 8 "It's the Unconventional Beach Party"

Natalia Fedner: Natalia's dress was innovative and very much in the "Beach" theme. I thought her model and design looked like a Straw Fish Beauty. Some of the woven pieces were coming apart as the model walked the runway (the straw is very fragile, as you might expect!), but the judges really appreciated Natalia's original creation and all the weave work. I'm glad she was saved because of  her originality.

Oscar Gracia-Lopez: Oscar  had a design "re-boot" and made a hot, sexy and gorgeous mini dress using ONLY straw fans. It was IMPECCABLY made and looked fabulous. The entire point of this "Unconventional Materials" challenge is to create a fashion look using these unconventional materials and yet still make it look as if it was TOTAL FASHION and nothing unconventional about it. He achieved that.

Oh and in case you didn't realize this, he sewed an INVISIBLE ZIPPER at the center back of this STIFF STRAW material. And did it BEAUTIFULLY. Just sayin'

Stephanie Ohnmacht: Stephanie used these plastic "pedals" from leis found at the "Beach Party". The idea was fab, the execution did not work out unfortunately. I think if she had more time and about 50 more of those plastic petals, this would have been superb! But yes, this is "Under The Gunn" and there's no such thing as more time. Overall, I thought it was a fun and flirty look and very "Girly Feminine" which is what I think Stephanie's design outlook is all about. She went home and I was very sad but at least she went home doing something that was completely  in-line with her design aesthetic.

In case you missed this "Unconventional Beach Challenge" Episode...Watch the full episode HERE!